This rare phenomenon may seem interesting, but it is actually very dangerous.
With the increasing sophistication and user-friendliness of Photoshop and photo editing tools, edited images are becoming harder to distinguish from real ones. Everything can be virtual, including your own face.
Conversely, the natural world has shown that there are many phenomena that look strange and “virtual” enough to be mistaken for Photoshop creations, yet they are very real.
For example, the image below depicts a phenomenon that is 100% real, but few people believe it.
How can the sea be so square?
In fact, this phenomenon is not mysterious or particularly rare; it is simply something we are not aware of. This is known as cross sea, which occurs when two wave systems move toward each other at an oblique angle. When that angle is close to 90 degrees, we see these square patterns in the sea.
One of the biggest concerns related to square waves is their sudden formation without warning signs. Since sea waves and wind can be unpredictable, vigilance is necessary to detect square waves. Although this wave formation is considered rare, certain coastlines around the world experience square waves with surprisingly regular frequency. This phenomenon is more common in shallow waters, and cross seas are often encountered off the western tip of Île de Ré in France or beaches in Tel Aviv, Israel.
This rare natural occurrence looks beautiful but cross sea is regarded as a dangerous disaster; anyone who encounters it while swimming should ideally “grab their sandals and run” for safety.
Cross seas can result from two wave systems existing simultaneously or when wind pushes waves in one direction while swells move in the opposite direction. Physicists and mathematicians consider cross sea an example of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation, which describes the motion of nonlinear waves. Typically, this phenomenon occurs when waves from one weather system encounter waves from another.
What should you do if you are on the water when square waves start to form?
Square waves (cross sea) occur when two wave systems move toward each other at an oblique angle.
If square waves form, the best course of action is to avoid entering the water entirely. However, if a person is already in the water or on a boat when square waves appear, certain measures can help maximize your safety.
For swimmers and boaters, cross seas are a dangerous phenomenon that often come with strong offshore currents and rough seas. Ocean currents can generate unusually high and unpredictable waves, with some cases reaching nearly three meters, enough to capsize large vessels. Experts recommend that if you see square patterns suddenly appearing in the water, you should head to shore as quickly as possible.
Swimmers should try to get to shore as soon as possible or remain afloat until professional help arrives. Those on boats should wear life jackets and secure cargo to avoid capsizing. People should notify authorities, such as the coast guard, if they spot someone or a boat in waters experiencing square waves.
Moreover, because it is formed from two different wind directions, the ocean current in this area becomes very unpredictable, with the potential for rogue waves reaching up to 3 meters, capable of causing a large ship to tilt and smaller boats to sink.
If you happen to spot these waves, relax on the beach while sunbathing. After all, waves can only affect you if you are in the water!
The sea in the image above is not very dangerous. It consists of long, gentle swells rather than short waves created by wind, so there is nothing to worry about.
Mother Nature can be quite unpredictable, can’t she?
