Satellite Records of the Largest Ocean Waves from Space

In a remarkable discovery, satellites have recorded the largest ocean waves ever observed from space. These waves highlight how giant waves act as “messengers” of storms, carrying the storm’s power across entire oceans.

The Mission and Techniques Used

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission enables scientists to track waves generated by powerful storms. Driven by winds, these waves carry destructive energy to distant shores even if the storm itself does not reach land.

Using wide-scale imaging with radar data from Earth-monitoring satellites, including Saral, Jason-3, Copernicus Sentinel-3A and 3B, Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, CryoSat, and CFOSAT, researchers have created a global picture of how storm waves move, merge, and evolve as they spread across the planet.

Storm Eddy: A Natural Laboratory

A particular storm, known as Storm Eddy, which formed over the North Pacific Ocean in December 2024, served as a natural laboratory for study. At the storm’s peak, satellites observed ocean waves reaching about 65 feet (20 meters), nearly the height of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. These are the highest waves ever measured from space.

Over the following two weeks, these waves traveled more than 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers), crossing the Drake Passage and entering the tropical Atlantic Ocean. Although the storm did not make landfall, its waves reached distant shores with astonishing force, strong enough in some cases to cause erosion and flooding.

The Role of the Ocean Surface as a Messenger

According to researchers, the ocean surface acts as a “messenger.” By measuring the time between the peaks of large waves, known as the wave period, researchers can estimate the storm’s size and strength. For example, a 20-second period means a large wave arrives every 20 seconds.

The study also revealed that short, high-energy storm waves, not just long and slow waves, carry much of the energy transferred to the ocean, challenging old assumptions about how wave power is distributed. This understanding will help scientists improve global wave models and better protect coastal communities from related hazards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recording of the largest ocean waves by the SWOT satellite represents a significant achievement in ocean study. Understanding how storm energy is transmitted through waves can greatly contribute to protecting coasts from natural hazards. This discovery also aids in improving global wave models, enhancing our ability to predict natural events and mitigate their impacts on communities.