Why is ‘square wave’ so dangerous

NEXT when you go to the beach, if you see a “square wave” you should get out of the sea ASAP.

Also known as transverse seas, they may look pretty but are actually extremely dangerous – and have even caused shipwrecks.

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Square waves can be found offshore as well as near the coast, and are formed by waves moving in opposite directions.

This happens when two separate weather systems collide.

The waves then create a chequerboard of influence over the sea, with a grid of squares on the surface.

Seen from above, they look gentle, but are actually like a flowing tide, extremely difficult to escape.

Anyone trapped underwater is likely to struggle to get out of them, as they will be battling two different waves at once.

Follow European Space Agency, they have even caused a number of shipwrecks over the years due to fighting waves.

If you want to see the waves – from a safe distance over land – they can often be spotted in France on the Isle de Re, according to Travel + Leisure.

Located near Rochelle, tourists can climb the lighthouse to view the phenomenon from above.

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