Extreme Waves

by Craig B. Smith

Waves are hypnotic and beautiful. They can also be great fun. But Hurricanes Katrina and Rita taught us that they can be powerful and deadly while the 2004 tsunami proved that some waves are absolutely devastating. Science is the best tool for understanding and predicting the most extreme waves. Where do waves come from? Why are some big and some small? From winter to summer, the nature of the beach changes, sculpted by the tireless energy of waves. Most waves are simply rhythmic expressions of Earth's movement through space and the changes they bring to our shorelines are gradual. But given the right weather conditions and combination of natural forces, waves can wreak havoc. These are extreme waves, waves that can stretch 100-feet high?posing an imminent threat to large sea vessels and coastal structures. There are even waves that have stripped trees from mountains as they surged to an estimated 1,700 feet high. But even smaller waves are dangerous to ships and coastlines. Indeed, the lessons of the 2004 Bay of Bengal tsunami and the damage wrought by recent tidal surges in New Orleans underscore the need for better tracking and prediction of extreme waves. Extreme Waves is a fascinating history of waves. Covering both the headline stories as well as incidents that are less well-known but equally startling Craig Smith, author and amateur sailor, will have you riveted from the first chapter to the last.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Howard Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting data but extremely dryly written. Definitely was a bit of a slog to finish.

[Craig B. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Smith, an experienced engineer and ocean sailor, covers the physics of waves and the effect on people of “extreme waves,” those “greater than 2.2 to 2.4 times the significant wave.” He focuses on the effects of these waves in the open ocean as well as on their near-shore effects, as with tsunami and hurricanes. The latter have been extensively covered in such works as Horace M. Karling’s Tsunamis: The Great Wave and Kerry Emanual’s Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes. Smith’s book is broader; he is accurate in his physics, and his interwoven stories are fascinating, detailing surfers towed out to 70 foot waves, the Sydney-Hobart sailing race, solo sailing, incredible sea rescues, and the loss of large cargo ships to earthquake, volcano, and storm effects both at sea and on coasts. Research on tracking and prediction is also discussed. Recommended for academic and public libraries, particularly in coastal areas.
—Jean E. Crampon, Science and Engineering Library, University of Southern California, Los Angeles in Library Journal, p. 86, October 15, 2006.

• Rough seas, rogue waves, and tsunamis are fascinating but dangerous. In this excellent and readable overview, Craig Smith provides a splendid blend of descriptions of historical incidents, recent personal accounts, and scientific underpinnings. Mariners, armchair enthusiasts, and those concerned with the safety of ships at sea and of coastal communities will enjoy the book and learn a lot from it.
—Professor Chris Garrett, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very readable book with lots of data and references. I never realized how many ships sink each year, and what the causes actually are. Excellent treatment of many different aspects of waves and their effect on the maritime industry. Could have gone a little deeper into the math. Used reliable references and is quite objective. Is quite comprehensive in covering the documented results of extreme, or rogue, waves, and the discussions of their origins and frequency make this for a valuable read, especially to anyone who actually goes down to the sea in boats and ships. After reading this, I think I prefer just reading about it.

[Katie J Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed it for a school project, and it was pretty helpful.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall enjoyed this booked. I learned a lot about how Rogue waves and others. Sometimes would get a little slow and technical in descriptions.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book on waves, it can be a bit dry at time, but full of fascinating information.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, but I warn you, very technical. This is the book waves.