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Diffraction &
Current Focusing
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One possible source of rogue waves would is diffractive focusing of smaller wind and current-driven waves by underwater and coastal topology. Given that this topology and the resulting diffraction patterns can be incredibly complex, it seem reasonable to believe that under the right conditions, waves of an unexpected size could be produced.
Another possible mechanism for focusing smaller waves to produce larger waves, proposed by White and Fornburg [1998] is that normal wind-driven waves in an area of variable current can be focused by these currents to larger waves.  Current focusing as shown by White & Fornburg [1998]. The set of lines flowing left to right are wave trajectories and the contours underneath are variations in current. |
