Rogue waves finally explained by a decade of ocean data
Daniel Cho
6 min read
Scientists say the giant waves are rare combinations of ordinary ones, not freak events.
Rogue waves, once thought to be sailors' myths, are better understood than ever. A decade of buoy data shows they form when ordinary waves line up at the wrong moment.
What happened
That makes them more predictable than expected, which could help keep ships safe.
Why it matters
Forecasters hope to issue rogue-wave warnings within a few years.
Key facts
Rogue waves, once thought to be sailors' myths, are better understood than ever.
That makes them more predictable than expected, which could help keep ships safe.
Science
Science, 2026
52,310
6 min read
