Square waves were spotted in the Gulf of Mexico: how dangerous are they?

" Square” waves/sun-gazing

“Square” waves are an unusual and magical sight when a checkerboard pattern appears in the sea. Such a phenomenon is found where water flows of different weather systems collide with each other at a right angle.

This natural phenomenon is not only beautiful, but also extremely dangerous, because it has become the cause of many shipwrecks.< /p>

How do square waves occur?

When the wind drives the waves in one direction and the strong sea current in the other, even square waves resembling a checkerboard can appear on the sea. Such a phenomenon is called cross-waves.

There are also other reasons why unusual “squares” may suddenly form at sea. Sometimes they occur at the point where two storms collide, and sometimes the reason for their appearance is a sudden change in the wind.

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“Square” waves/Wikipedia

Why are cross waves dangerous?

The sea, covered with cross waves, looks calm and carefree. But this calmness is deceptive: “squares” appear in the place of powerful underwater currents, and the height of the waves can reach three meters. The flow of water is capable of overturning both boats and small vessels. Usually, when caught in a storm, sailors try to put the ship with the bow to the wave, but in the case of cross waves, this technique does not work, because the water hits from two sides at once. As a result, the ship sways a lot and can even capsize.

Swimming in the sea with cross waves is also dangerous, and it is better not to do it. Chaotic currents rage inside them, which even an experienced swimmer cannot cope with. Therefore, you should not succumb to the temptation to swim in the “checkerboard” sea – it is better to observe this amazing phenomenon from the shore.