What causes this natural phenomenon and why do sailors fear it so much?
What do waves usually look like? Lines, circles, zigzags, sometimes like little whitecaps. However, nature never ceases to amaze—it turns out that in some parts of the world, you can observe waves of a perfect square shape! The curious “Mandry” decided to find out what causes this natural phenomenon and why sailors fear it so much.
How Do Square Waves Form?
If the wind drives waves in one direction, while a strong ocean current moves in another, even square waves resembling a chessboard appear on the sea. This phenomenon is called cross seas or cross-waves.
There are other reasons why unusual “squares” can suddenly form on the sea. Sometimes they appear where two storm systems meet, and other times their formation is caused by a sudden change in wind direction.
Beautiful, But Dangerous
The sea, covered in cross-waves, appears calm and carefree from the side. But this calm is deceptive: the “squares” form in areas of powerful underwater currents, and the wave height can reach three meters.
The water flow is capable of capsizing not only boats but also small ships. Usually, when caught in a storm, sailors try to position the ship’s bow into the wave, but in the case of cross-waves, this technique doesn’t work because the water hits from two sides at once. As a result, the vessel rolls heavily and can even capsize.
Swimming in a sea with cross-waves is strictly forbidden. Inside them, chaotic currents rage, which even an experienced swimmer cannot handle. Therefore, it’s not worth giving in to the temptation to swim in a “checkerboard” sea—it’s better to observe this strange phenomenon from the shore.
5 Places Where You Can See Square Waves
Cross-waves can be seen in the Mediterranean Sea near Tel Aviv, sometimes in the Azores. But most often—in La Rochelle, on the Île de Ré. Thousands of tourists come here every year to take unique photos.
This phenomenon occurs rarely in Crimea. And even more unusual are the square waves that appear on Lake Baikal, near the village of Buguldeika. This is the only place in the world where you can see “squares” made of fresh, not salt, water.
