Rogue waves: The mystery of massive walls of water

Rogue waves, once dismissed as maritime myths, have been confirmed to be real and pose a significant danger to ships. These waves can tower above the rest of the ocean, reaching heights of 60 to 100 feet. Scientists have discovered that rogue waves are a result of the combination of multiple smaller waves, sometimes traveling thousands of miles, converging in the same place at the same time. This can create an enormous wave that is much larger than the surrounding waves. Additionally, the phenomenon of nonlinear focusing, where energy from one wave leaks into a nearby wave, could further contribute to the formation of rogue waves. However, the physics behind the steepness and stability of rogue waves remain a mystery. Researchers are conducting experiments in the lab and using computer models to better understand wave breaking and the factors that allow rogue waves to grow to colossal heights without collapsing.