The wild birth and journey of behemoth waves

11 April 2025

The Challenge, Future of the planet, Faculty of Engineering and Design

Dr Tom Shand details the extraordinary forces at work behind giant waves that cross the Pacific and wreak havoc on distant shorelines.

Giant waves whipped up off the New Zealand coast can reach as far as Canada, battering Pacific islands along the way.
Giant waves whipped up off the New Zealand coast can reach as far as Canada, battering Pacific islands along the way.

SPECIAL FEATURE: The seas off New Zealand are capable of generating 20m high waves that travel at more than 100km/hr and cross 1500 km in 24 hours. By studying these phenomenal forces of nature, better prediction and preparation can save lives and livelihoods. 

First published in The Conversation.

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