![]() ![]() After moving out of the area of fetch, wind waves are called swells and can travel thousands of kilometers. Wind waves will travel in a great circle route after being generated – curving slightly left in the southern hemisphere and slightly right in the northern hemisphere. When directly generated and affected by local wind, a wind wave system is called a wind sea. Wind waves on Earth range in size from small ripples to waves over 30 m (100 ft) high, being limited by wind speed, duration, fetch, and water depth. Waves in the oceans can travel thousands of kilometers before reaching land. The contact distance in the direction of the wind is known as the fetch. In fluid dynamics, a wind wave, or wind-generated water wave, is a surface wave that occurs on the free surface of bodies of water as a result of the wind blowing over the water's surface. A man standing next to large ocean waves at Porto Covo, Portugal Video of large waves from Hurricane Marie along the coast of Newport Beach, California For other uses, see Ocean Wave (disambiguation). But, remember that the power they can produce is dangerous to those in the water."Ocean wave" redirects here. If you ever witness waves moving and forming this unique pattern, it’s safe to say you’ll be intrigued. Other places you might see cross waves include the Isle of Re in France, the shores of Lisbon, Portugal, and beaches near Tel Aviv, Israel. This island is on the west coast of France, and a nearby lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction where visitors watch cross sea from above. One famous place where cross sea often happens is the Isle of Rhé. ![]() While you can see square waves at various beaches with shallow waters, the weather and ocean pattern in some areas of the world is more conducive to forming these waves. That said, you’re probably safe to visit your favorite beach! The good news about these harmful waves is that they don’t happen at most beaches. On the other hand, square-patterned waves result from changing winds that cause older waves to continue as opposed to breaking at shore. Riptides pull water out into the sea, usually resulting from a storm offshore. But, that’s about the extent of what they have in common. Riptides are similar to square waves in that they can be extremely dangerous for swimmers, surfers, etc. These terms are both used to describe what happens where two separate weather systems collide and create this unique wave pattern. Square-patterned waves create a cross pattern on the surface of the water. Yes, ‘square waves’ and ‘cross sea’ are used interchangeably. Are square waves and a cross sea the same? And, we’re here to answer those for you! The more you know about ocean dangers, the more careful you can be so that you can enjoy your time at the beach. ![]() If you’re just learning about square, or cross, waves, you probably have a few more questions. (Credit: LetsGetPhil/Shutterstock) Other FAQs About Square Waves Not-so-fun fact: Cross seas can result in waves up to 10 feet high! Square waves in the ocean happen when two opposing swells collide. Studies have shown that this strength does cause boating accidents, drownings, and other dangers in the water. Their collective energy is incredibly powerful when you’re dealing with battling waves. If you’ve ever stood on the shore and tried to wade through rolling breakers or tried to paddle through the surf on a surfboard, you know how strong typical waves can be as they work toward the shoreline.īelow the surface, the sea currents move toward one another at an angle, sometimes greater than 45 degrees. With that said, if you think there’s a possibility you’re witnessing two weather systems forming square waves, it’s time to head to shore immediately. This is because the two wave directions are more powerful than rip tides. Watching square waves might seem fascinating, but it’s essential to understand that they can be extremely dangerous. This is when a cross swell occurs, creating square waves. When we’re dealing with two waves systems, eventually two opposing swells collide. Sometimes the direction of the wind changes, and this also affects wave patterns. ![]() When there’s no wind to interrupt swells, waves continue to travel into the open ocean. These waves are caused by wind rippling the surface of the water. Typically, waves come in and crash parallel to the shore. In fact, they occur when two wave systems meet. While square waves appear to be caused by something underwater, that’s actually not the case. Final Thoughts What Causes Square Waves in the Ocean? ![]()
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