On Jan 19, 2008 12:14 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > > You mean "5 seconds" and "14 seconds," yes, Craig? Oops... yes... seconds not minutes. Ack! I've always heard sneakers explained as the result of constructive > interference of two waves from slightly different sources, such that a > single wave (the result of two combined) "jumps" out of the blue. > However, > there is a more erudite discussion of possible causes here, under "rogue > waves:" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_wave Various groups associated with the ocean have their own interpretations of sneaker waves (and their own nomenclature, too). A "rogue" wave on the ocean is very likely a combination of two (or more) heavy seas plus upwellings or currents. But that's out in the open ocean and generally in the very rough open ocean. One of the characteristics of "sneaker" waves is that they are unnoticed in deep water but potentially catastrophic when the water suddenly shoals. But it's possible that a combination of two long-period swells could be the cause of the single "sneaker" wave. This would help explain the way "sneaker waves" appear out of the blue in what is a calm ocean (as described by people who have been snuck-up upon). Long-period swells may not be obvious on a day with no wind. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_wave> > > Take your pick. Stuff like this is hard to pin down, scientifically, > because it is hard to reproduce in a laboratory (wave lab). I've always been attracted to "non linear science" because there is just so much of it around. Especially in fluids. Chaotic behavior is always more interesting to me than predictable behavior. :) Regardless of the cause, the name, or the science; there are unpredictably large waves that seem to be associated with long-period (5 seconds and over) swells in the winter and spring months. If you paddle in shallow watter exposed to the open ocean you should check for swell periods on the offshore wave rider buoys and behave in whatever you believe is your best interest. One question I had is why so many of these "sneaker" wave problems seem to occur in what is described as calm conditions. Long-period swells must also occur on days when the wind blows, too. But maybe boaters tend to stay farther from shoaling water when it's obviously rough. Didja launch the bartender yet? Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Jan 19 2008 - 09:17:07 PST
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