Waves that appear from nowhere

Abstract

Oceanic rogue waves belong to a well-established class of phenomena but their study is hindered due to the great danger that they represent. They exist not only at the surface of the open ocean but they also hit coastal areas as well as appear internally in deeper layers of the ocean. The amplitude of the latter may exceed several times the amplitude of rogue waves at the surface. Surface rogue waves in the deep ocean represent threat even for large ocean liners while rogue waves in shallow waters are dangerous for coastal structures. On the other hand, internal rogue waves are hazardous for submarines. The experimental research of all three types of rogue waves is difficult. The theory provides certain degree of understanding of such waves. Some of the recent achievements in this area of research are reviewed in this article.