Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 4 hrs ago
British Columbia rogue wave was nearly three times taller than nearby waves
In November 2020, a buoy off the coast of British Columbia recorded a wave 17.6 metres high.
The wave, near Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, was nearly three times the height of the waves around it.
Scientists define a rogue wave as one more than twice as high as its neighbours.
By that measure, the Ucluelet wave was the most extreme rogue wave recorded, although it was not the tallest.
Researchers estimate an event this extraordinary may happen only once every 1,300 years.
Rogue waves can threaten ships, offshore energy facilities and people near the coast, so researchers are studying how they form and whether they can be predicted.
Scientists are continuing to collect measurements and use models to better understand when and where these waves arise.
A wave off British Columbia in November 2020 was nearly three times taller than nearby waves, making it the most extreme rogue wave recorded relative to its surroundings.
The wave lifted a buoy off the coast near Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, to a height of 17.6 meters.
Researchers confirmed the wave’s record status a few years after it was recorded.
The event is thought to occur only once every 1,300 years.
Scientists are studying how rogue waves form to improve understanding of when and where they may arise.
- Who
- Researchers recorded and later assessed the wave; MarineLabs had placed the buoy offshore.
- What
- A rogue wave reached 17.6 meters and was nearly three times the height of nearby waves.
- When
- November 2020; it was recorded on Nov. 17.
- Where
- Off the coast near Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Proportionally, the Ucluelet wave is likely the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded
The unpredictability of rogue waves, and the sheer power of these 'walls of water' can make them incredibly dangerous to marine operations and the public
The potential of predicting rogue waves remains an open question, but our data is helping to better understand when, where, and how rogue waves form, and the risks that they pose
A rogue wave near Ucluelet lifted an offshore buoy to a height of 17.6 meters.
The wave was confirmed as the most extreme rogue wave recorded relative to the waves around it.
- Wave height
- 17.6 meters (58 feet)
- Date recorded
- Nov. 17, 2020
- Location
- Off Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
- Relative size
- Nearly three times the height of nearby waves
- Estimated frequency
- Thought to happen only once every 1,300 years
Sources
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