Bigger Waves in the Pacific

Fri, Feb 19th 2010, 11:46

Increased wave size in the Pacific has been a feature of the past few decades according to Scientists. The cause of these bigger waves is probably due to climate change.


Bigger waves have become a reality in the Pacific according to recent scientific studies which measured wave height at buoys installed in deep water in the Pacific Northwest. These buoys were installed in 70s so wave data covers 3 decades. Scientists have also pieced together other historical evidence to get an idea of wave patterns in the Pacific.

The significance of this study is in the effect of storms and high wave events on coastal locations. The dangers of sea level rise is one thing, but higher waves during severe storms will cause even more damage and effect even more of the coastline.

Similar wave height increases have been noted in the North Atlantic. The severity of hurricanes has also increased showing that the effects of climate change are already very much upon us. Coastal locations need to be prepared for the damage that climate change will do to our coastlines. Since half the world's population lives in or near to a coastline, this will affect huge number of people.

So, it is only the surfers who are happy with the news of bigger waves in the pacific!

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