Though a six storey high wave is a terrifying idea for the havoc it can wreak on a city, UN's weather agency, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has recorded a new high for ocean waves, a colossal 62.3ft or 19mts. The wave was found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
"This is the first time we have ever measured a wave of 19 meters. It is a remarkable record," said Wenjian Zhang, WMO deputy chief said in a statement.
WTO noted that massive wave occurred at a remote spot between Britain and Iceland. It was recorded by an automated buoy in February 2013.
This new wave defeated the previous record holder wave, a 60ft (18.3mts) high. This was found in December 2007 in the North Atlantic.
There is a reason why the wave of this size occurred. Zhang explained that it occurred after a "very strong" cold front had barrelled through the area, producing winds up of 43.8 knots (81kms per hours). Moreover, these are created during winter time, when the circulation of wind and atmospheric pressure cause intense extra tropical storms, dubbed "bombs," WMO said.
Automated Buoys – What are they?
These are vital tools for oceanographers sending back the data on sea currents, temperatures and swells for seafarers, climate researchers and others, Daily Mail reported. They also help them in their understanding of weather or ocean interactions. He also added that these both moored ones and drifting ones buoys play an important role, even though space technology has advanced.
The buoy complements the ship-based measurements and satellite observations that monitor oceans and forecast meteorological hazards on the high seas.
Height of the wave – how is it defined?
The height of the wave is said to be the distance from the crest of one wave to the trough of the next
Why the North Atlantic?
The area between Grand Banks underwater plateau off Canada to south of Iceland and the west of Britain is considered to be the breeding ground for such massive waves, the report noted.
