In a collaboration with the New Zealand Defence Force, science-based consultancy Metocean Solutions recently moored the high-tech instrument in the Southern Ocean off Campbell Island, nearly halfway between the South Island and Antarctica. Persistent westerly winds and an unlimited area for waves to build combined to make Southern Ocean waves among the biggest in the world. Understanding more about how big waves in the Southern Ocean was crucial to improving the design of vessels that operate in that part of the world. Rogue waves could help design better electronics, lasersMeanwhile, Kiwi scientists are attempting to better understand fearsome "rogue" waves with fibre-optic experiments in an Auckland lab. Rogue waves were once thought to be mythical, but satellite surveys have now confirmed the dreaded reality.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 23, 2017 03:11 UTC