News Excerpt:

A University of Melbourne expedition to the southernmost waters encircling Antarctica has discovered that wind drives the formation of colossal rogue waves.

About rogue waves:

• A rogue wave is a single swell that is much higher than nearby waves, which can damage ships or coastal infrastructure. 
• The first scientific measurement of a rogue wave was the 25.6-meter Draupner wave, recorded in the North Sea in 1995.
• Ocean waves are among the most powerful natural forces on Earth, and as global trends suggest, ocean winds will blow harder because of climate change, so ocean waves could become more powerful.

Key highlights of the study:

• Using state-of-the-art technology and embarking on an expedition to one of Earth's most volatile oceanic realms, the research team deployed a novel technique for three-dimensional imaging of ocean waves. 
• Operating stereo cameras aboard the South African icebreaker SA Agulhas II during the Antarctic expedition in 2017, they captured rare insights into the behaviour of waves in this remote region.
• Their method, mimicking human vision through sequential imaging, allowed the team to reconstruct the wavy ocean surface in three dimensions, providing unprecedented clarity into the dynamics of ocean waves.
• The observations show that unique sea conditions with rogue waves arise during the 'young' stage of waves — when they are most responsive to wind.