Five fascinating facts about waves that most people don’t know

1. Waves Can Travel Thousands of Miles Without Losing Energy
Ocean swells, especially those generated by storms, can travel across entire ocean basins with minimal energy loss. Some waves in the Pacific originate from storms near Antarctica and reach North America intact, a phenomenon known as swell propagation.

2. There Are "Rogue Waves" That Seemingly Appear from Nowhere
Rogue waves are massive waves, often over 100 feet (30 meters) tall, that can appear suddenly even in relatively calm waters. They were once thought to be myths but have been scientifically confirmed. Unlike tsunamis, rogue waves are caused by complex interactions between wind, currents, and existing waves.

3. Waves Shape the Earth's Rotation
Ocean waves, particularly those caused by tides, transfer energy back to the Earth's rotation. This process, called tidal friction, slows Earth's spin by a fraction of a second per century, gradually lengthening our days over millions of years.

4. Some Waves Move Faster Than a Jet Plane
Tsunami waves, though barely noticeable in deep water, can travel at speeds of 500–600 mph (800–970 km/h)—as fast as a commercial jet. They only become dangerous when they reach shallow waters and rise dramatically in height.

5. The Deepest Ocean Waves Are Hidden from Sight
Most people think of waves as surface phenomena, but internal waves exist deep underwater, where different layers of ocean water meet. These waves can be hundreds of feet tall and move across the ocean unnoticed, influencing marine life, submarine navigation, and even climate patterns.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope there were a few facts that surprised you. 

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