Rogue Waves

Definition: Rogue waves are singular ocean waves with an extraordinarily large and steep crest or trough. Sometimes, the waves are so steep, water can look as if it is actually cascading downwards like a waterfall even as the wave rises from the ocean surface. Usually, wind movement across bodies of water create waves. Rogue waves are slightly different than standard wind-generated waves.

Rogue waves typically occur when the oceans are very chaotic. As waves move about on a choppy ocean surface, they can sometimes combine their energies to become one big wave in a process known as constructive interference. As the waves combine, the energy is combined creating waves as least twice as big as the surrounding waves. Amazingly, these waves can come from a location in the opposite direction of the predominant ocean wave.

While previously dismissed as weather folklore among sailors, there are multiple documented occurrences of rogue waves. During the Halloween Storm of 1991, rogue waves reached heights of 100 feet and may have been partially responsible for the sinking of the now infamous Andrea Gail fishing boat. Nicknamed the 'Perfect Storm', the Halloween Nor'easter was the basis of the novel The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. Later, the movie starring George Clooney would become a huge box office hit.

Also Known As: Freak waves, Giant waves, killer waves