Shedding Light on Freak Wave Hotspots

Shedding Light on Freak Wave Hotspots


Issue: Global


Summary: 
"Stories of ships mysteriously sent to watery graves by sudden, giant waves have long puzzled scientists and sailors." Scientists are now discovering how to pinpoint areas where these large waves are most likely to occur. By analyzing currents and depth movements, we can see conditions where rogue waves could be up to 10x as likely to occur. While a rogue wave normally has about a 3/10000 chance of occurring, with the right conditions that could become a 3/1000 chance, a remarkably higher number. By using this information and technology, we could help ships avoid this danger.

Opinion:
This knowledge is important; very important. By warning ships of dangerous areas, we could save lives, money, and save ourselves from anxiety. Because this wouldn't just help in guiding ships away from rogue-wave-prone locations, but locations where the waves in general will be much more dangerous.