North Atlantic wave sets new height record: WMO
Xinhua, December 13, 2016 Adjust font size:
A wave recorded by a buoy almost four years ago in the North Atlantic Ocean reached a height of 19 metres, smashing the previous record of 18.275 metres set in the same area in 2007, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reported Tuesday.
"This is the first time we have ever measured a wave of 19 meters. It is a remarkable record," said WMO Assistant Secretary-General Wenjian Zhang in a statement.
"It highlights the importance of meteorological and ocean observations and forecasts to ensure the safety of the global maritime industry and to protect the lives of crew and passengers on busy shipping lanes," he added.
Recorded by an automated buoy on Feb. 4, 2013 between Iceland and the United Kingdom, the wave was the result of very strong cold front producing winds of up to 43.8 knots in the area, WMO explained.
Wave height is determined by measuring the distance between the crest of one wave and the trough of the next wave.
According to WMO, the highest waves tend to be take place in the North Atlantic rather than southern parts of the ocean.
The new record will be added to WMO's archive of weather and climate extremes. Enditem