Nature is truly amazing! Its ability to change and surprise us is something we can always appreciate.
One of the coolest things in nature is a phenomenon called cross seas, which create these awesome watery grids.
These grids happen when two different wave patterns meet at angles greater than 45 degrees, or when the wind blows waves one way while a swell pushes them another way. Even though they look really pretty, these grids can be super dangerous for swimmers and boats.
Beneath that stunning view, there are strong currents that can damage ships and endanger people in the water. The areas where these checkerboard patterns form are really tricky to navigate. Scientists think that cross seas are responsible for a lot of boating accidents and shipwrecks.
In 2010, the European Space Agency explained that certain conditions happen often in the ocean. These occur when a wind-driven wave and a swell, or two swells, happen at the same time.
They referenced a study from 2004 that found many ship accidents took place in these mixed sea conditions.
On the western coast of France, near the Isle Rhe, this situation is quite frequent. However, it’s really dangerous to go into the water during these times, so tourists can safely watch the waves from a lighthouse on the island’s western side.
If you want to discover more about this amazing natural event, check out the video below.
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