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High-Energy Swell Waves
Why in News:
INCOIS issued alerts for high-energy waves along coastal states.
More in news:
Leading to the suspension of beach activities, Kerala is on red alert due to the ‘Kallakadal’ phenomenon, which poses flood risks.
Swell Waves:
- Swells are generated by wind blowing over the ocean’s surface.
- “Storms produce powerful waves due to strong, prolonged winds over vast distances”.
- The strength, duration, and area of wind determine the size and power of waves.
- Swell energy diminish as waves move away from the storm source.
- They Can combine with others, gaining energy or dissipating.
- Two types of swells:
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- Groundswell from distant winds, resulting in longer, organized waves;
- Windswell from nearby winds, creating shorter, less organized waves.
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- Swell direction is described in degrees from North to South.
- The angle of the swell and coastline features determine surf conditions.
- Island blockage can reduce swell energy, affecting surf quality.
- Swell characteristics, local conditions, weather, and tides interact to create surf conditions.
About the High-Energy Swell Waves:
- It originates from the southern Atlantic Ocean and majorly hit the Indian coastal regions, starting from the southern tip of India.
- These swells, combined with high tide conditions, could cause coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
The Phenomenon ‘Kallakadal’ (Rogue Sea):
- ‘Kallakadal’, a local term, refers to the phenomenon of high-energy swell waves.
- Kerala, in particular, is on red alert for these waves.
- Swell waves could reach heights of 0.5 to 1.7 meters, posing a risk to low-lying areas.
 About ESSO-INCOIS:
a) Provides ocean information and advisory services. b) Monitors and warns coastal populations about tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves. c)Offers daily advisories to fisherfolk to locate abundant fish areas. d)Issues short-term ocean state forecasts for sectors like shipping, oil, and natural gas industries. e)Manages Ocean Observing Systems for data collection and quality checks. f) Generates global ocean analysis data for monsoon prediction. |