Swaying on the waves is a pleasant experience. However, when you see the sea covered with squares, you must immediately leave the coast. It is impossible to predict what will happen in a moment: square waves can overturn a boat and drag a person into the open sea.
A natural phenomenon is interesting, but it is very difficult to fight it. Therefore, it is recommended to observe the "water chessboard" from the shore.
Why do they appear
Cross-waves are explained by the different directions of the current and the wind, directing the waves perpendicular to the flow. This is one of the options. According to another explanation, waves of two or more storms may collide, new waves that have appeared from them are at an angle to each other.
Also, the appearance of the "sea cage" causes a sharp change in the direction of the wind. The waters move in the opposite direction, and the flow goes at an angle to the newly formed one.
Unusual ruling can appear in any part of the sea, but most often the phenomenon is observed in shallow water, near the coast. Everything calms down pretty soon, and the ruler disappears on its own.
In fact, two systems are moving towards each other at an angle. Due to the amplitude in the open sea, they can form three-meter "walls", accompanied by a strong underwater current, but the closer to the coast, the lower the cross-waves, and the squares are smaller.
Why are they dangerous?
You can see Cross-waves on the Isle of Ré, France. Travelers usually wait for the appearance of the "chessboard on the water" at the Bale lighthouse.
The most famous place where the "grid" often appears is the Bale lighthouse on the French island of Re.
Cross-waves are dangerous even if the altitude is low. They are able to pull a person into the open sea. The currents are quite strong. This harms both swimmers and ships. The whirlwind draws everything that is nearby within its radius of action. Even large airliners are leaving the course.
The ship going across the wave will go to the bottom almost guaranteed. Cross-waves moving in several directions are especially dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended to descend into the water only after the phenomenon disappears. Orientation in space is also becoming more complicated.
How to be saved
At depth, it is difficult to fight the "sea in a cage": you cannot swim forward because of the oncoming waves, the forces are diminishing rapidly. And orientation is difficult due to the mesh pattern on the water.
However, the worst of all is for those who are caught on boats and mattresses. Even when the boat turns with its bow to the wave, the other hits the side until it overturns the boat.
To swim ashore, you need to turn the watercraft at an angle to the wave. This gives the boat and the air mattress more stability.
Square or cross waves are an interesting and very rare phenomenon. And it is almost invisible from the ground, so they are advised to observe them from a height.
The appearance of the "grid" is most often associated with an unexpected change in wind direction. The phenomenon will not last long, and therefore it is safer to wait out the action on the shore, watching the appearance of a unique natural chessboard from afar.
