Saturday, August 13, 2005
Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved
Guess what happens a lot around Bermuda? Hurricanes. And it turns out that monster waves aren't a freak during hurricanes, but common, and much larger than we thought. Half again taller then tsumami waves.
The air turbulence might take out a low flying plane down near wave height (trying to take advantage of ground effect and save fuel, for example) and can certainly sink ships instantly. Other explanations, such as methane gas bubbling up from the sea floor may now have to retire in favor of a more mundane explanation. Of course if you're a scientist, you can't let the words "Bermuda triangle" pass your lips, so the obvious possibility of a connection isn't mentioned.
Hurricane caused 'tallest wave' (BBC story)
The air turbulence might take out a low flying plane down near wave height (trying to take advantage of ground effect and save fuel, for example) and can certainly sink ships instantly. Other explanations, such as methane gas bubbling up from the sea floor may now have to retire in favor of a more mundane explanation. Of course if you're a scientist, you can't let the words "Bermuda triangle" pass your lips, so the obvious possibility of a connection isn't mentioned.
Hurricane caused 'tallest wave' (BBC story)
 Hurricane Ivan west of Cuba |
"Our results suggest that waves in excess of 90 ft are not rogue waves but actually are fairly common during hurricanes," lead author Dr David Wang, told the BBC News website.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4739741.stm
