Square waves, also known as cross sea or cross waves, are square-shaped grids that form on the surface of the ocean. The waves appear gentle on the surface, but they are strong enough to steer swimmers, surfers, boats, and even large ships into unintended courses. Watching an ocean wave crash against a craggy, rock-strewn coast is beyond magical. But there is one type of wave — square waves — that is beyond anything you may have ever experienced. Also called cross-sea waves, these mesmerizing and surreal waves have caused many boating accidents. Have you ever spotted a quadrilateral-shaped wave pattern in the ocean? If so, you've witnessed square waves. Most waves reach the shore and break horizontally and parallel to the coastline.
Have you ever spotted a quadrilateral-shaped wave pattern in the ocean? If so, you've witnessed square waves. Most waves reach the shore and break horizontally and parallel to the coastline. This is what happens when an unlucky swimmer or boater gets caught between two opposing swells, known as a cross sea. This rare pattern of square waves is a beautiful sight to behold, but the natural phenomenon, which can appear and reappear within minutes, is also extremely dangerous. A cross sea (also referred to as a squared sea or square waves) is a rare and stunning sight of ocean waves that form a square pattern. But don’t be fooled by its beauty – it’s also very dangerous for swimmers and boaters. There are a few places where square waves are found. Usually, these are found at peninsulas of land where two oceans or big waterbodies meet. With the swells coming up from different angles and often refracting all the way around the peninsular region, one can see the formation of a square wave. Square waves occur when two different wave systems move in separate directions and intersect at nearly right angles. Normally, ocean waves travel parallel to the shore, but in certain conditions, old and new wave systems collide.
A cross sea (also referred to as a squared sea or square waves) is a rare and stunning sight of ocean waves that form a square pattern. But don’t be fooled by its beauty – it’s also very dangerous for swimmers and boaters. There are a few places where square waves are found. Usually, these are found at peninsulas of land where two oceans or big waterbodies meet. With the swells coming up from different angles and often refracting all the way around the peninsular region, one can see the formation of a square wave. Square waves occur when two different wave systems move in separate directions and intersect at nearly right angles. Normally, ocean waves travel parallel to the shore, but in certain conditions, old and new wave systems collide. Square waves are a type of ocean wave that is caused by the interaction of two or more swell systems from different directions. Swell systems are generated by storms and can travel thousands of miles across the ocean.