Waves are hypnotic and beautiful. They can also be great fun.
But Hurricanes Katrina and Rita taught us that they can be
powerful and deadly while the 2004 tsunami proved that some
waves are absolutely devastating. Science is the best
tool for understanding and predicting the most
extreme waves.
Where do waves come from? Why are some big and
some small? From winter to summer, the nature of the
beach changes, sculpted by the tireless energy of
waves. Most waves are simply rhythmic expressions of Earth's movement
through space and the changes they bring to our shorelines are
gradual. But given the right weather conditions and combination of
natural forces, waves can wreak havoc.
These are extreme waves, waves that can stretch 100-feet
high—posing an imminent threat to large sea vessels and
coastal structures. There are even waves that have stripped
trees from mountains as they surged to an estimated 1,700
feet high. But even smaller waves are dangerous to ships
and coastlines. Indeed, the lessons of the 2004 Bay of
Bengal tsunami and the damage wrought by recent tidal
surges in New Orleans underscore the need for better
tracking and prediction of extreme waves.
Extreme Waves is a fascinating history of waves.
Covering both the headline stories as well as incidents
that are less well-known but equally startling Craig
Smith, author and amateur sailor, will have you riveted
from the first chapter to the last.
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