Can Pose Deadly Risks to Swimmers and Vessels
Frequently Occurs in Seas Where Different Currents Meet
The 'square wave (square wave)' phenomenon, which looks like a chessboard, was captured in the Aegean Sea. This phenomenon occurs when two waves coming from different directions collide, creating a grid-patterned wave on the water surface. Marine experts warn that it can pose a deadly risk to swimmers and vessels. On the 26th of last month (local time), foreign media including the British Daily Mail reported that the square wave phenomenon has been frequently observed off the coast of T?rkiye recently.
The square wave phenomenon has been observed not only in the waters of Turkey but also in various seas around the world, including the ?les de R? near La Rochelle, France, Lisbon in Portugal, and Hawaii. In particular, tourists can observe this phenomenon from a safe distance at the lighthouse on ?les de R?, France. Surfer Today
Netizens who actually witnessed this phenomenon shared videos of the square waves on social networking services (SNS). In the video, sailors on a boat are looking down at the sea, where waves resembling a chessboard pattern can be seen on the water surface. This phenomenon, called square waves, occurs when two waves moving at different speeds and trajectories collide at an angle greater than 45 degrees. It is mainly formed by the collision of strong winds and ocean currents and often occurs in seas where different currents meet.
Although the square wave phenomenon looks mysterious, it can interfere with the safe navigation of vessels and endanger swimmers. Waves that appear gentle on the surface can form powerful currents beneath the water strong enough to sink boats. These currents can create waves up to 3 meters high. At this time, vessels can be violently shaken and risk capsizing due to the irregular movement of the waves. Swimmers can be swept away by the currents to hundreds of meters away from the shore, and even those skilled at swimming find it difficult to escape such currents.
The phenomenon of "square waves (square waveforms)" that look like a chessboard was captured in the Aegean Sea. It occurs when two waves coming from different directions collide, creating a grid-patterned wave on the water surface. Marine experts warn that this can pose a deadly risk to swimmers and vessels. X (formerly Twitter)
Therefore, marine experts recommend that swimmers or those operating vessels immediately get out of the water or stay in shallow waters if they encounter square waves. This is because the power of the waves can become stronger in deeper waters. Currently, the square wave phenomenon has been observed not only in the waters of T?rkiye but also in various seas around the world, including the ?les de R? near La Rochelle, France, Lisbon in Portugal, and Hawaii. Especially at the lighthouse on ?les de R? in France, tourists can safely observe this phenomenon from a safe distance.
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