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And while the Nazaré Canyon explains why massive crests form on this stretch of Portuguese coast, humongous waves can also occur seemingly from nowhere. Rogue waves, also known as freak or killer waves, are waves that are at least twice as high as the surrounding sea state. They are different from tsunamis in that they don’t result from water being displaced by an earthquake, landslide or volcanic eruption. Instead, researchers think rogue waves are born from smaller waves merging into larger ones, either due to high surface winds or changes in ocean currents caused by storms.
Discover more incredible places, where we highlight the fantastic history and science behind some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
Source link : https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/rivers-oceans/nazare-the-big-wave-surfer-s-paradise-born-out-of-the-largest-underwater-canyon-in-europe
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Publish date : 2024-09-27 12:06:50
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