Unprecedented Rogue Wave in Pacific Ocean Stuns Scientists and Raises Concerns

Scientists have detected the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded off the coast of British Columbia. In November 2020, a buoy suddenly lifted more than 17 meters above its previous position before crashing back down, indicating the presence of a fleeting but impressive rogue wave. Rogue waves, which are at least twice the size of neighboring waves, have long been considered legends, but their existence was confirmed in the 1990s. These powerful waves pose a threat to ships, coastal areas, and oceanic equipment. Climate change is expected to make rogue waves even more impressive, and researchers are using data from sensing buoys to better understand their formation.