Rogue Waves: Anatomy of a Monster

Rogue waves are a monster from myth - unpredictable, rarely seen, doubted when they are reported, and held responsible for sinking large ships without trace. To this day they remain a mystery, but science is closing in on them.

In this fascinating but accessible study, marine researcher and engineer Michel Olagnon explores the science of wave creation, examining everything from tides to tsunamis, and explaining how storm surges and forecastable weather could impact on the birth of these killer waves.

He considers stories of encounters with giant waves in the past, and reveals how the technology of the future, including satellites, could spot a rogue wave as soon as it appears. One day it may even be possible to predict them before they happen.

Using easily understood examples, as well as rare and evocative photographs, Michel Olagnon demystifies this terrifying phenomenon and offers the definitive analysis of how these monsters are born, live, and die.