Scientists at Kyoto University have shone a new light on understanding ocean waves’ behavior.
The study takes a closer look at deep water wave groups, which can have a tendency to become unstable and become rogue waves.
The research has shown that modulation instability is one of the key factors in the behavior of these deep waves. However, the team has shown that these waves will propagate independently regardless of interference from other factors.
The team first used mathematical modeling to obtain their results before using a water tank to validate the predictions from the modeling.
According to lead author Amin Chabchoub:
“Our results seem to support the concept of an unperturbed nonlinear water wave group focusing in the presence of counter-propagating waves, implying that the wave states are directional. Our study may further motivate theoretical and experimental studies to improve our understanding of such dynamics in the cacophony of different wave systems.”
You can check out a video of the wave study below or read the research here.
