Freak Waves: Rare Realizations of a Typical Population or Typical Realizations of a Rare Population?

摘要

The possible existence of freak waves is discussed. Our aim is not to present a final answer to the question raised in the paper title, but rather present some few evidences which, although not scientifically documented, seem to support the idea of a separate freak wave population. Extrems to be expected within a second order model for the surface elevation will be presented. Based on this, a possible definition of freak waves is suggested. A number of references discussing observations of giant waves are briefly reviewed and commented upon in view of the selected freak wave criterion. As a follow up to the observations of giant waves, the paper is briefly discussing some ongoing research on the possible modeling of such events.