THE FREAK WAVE POTENTIAL OF TYHOON SWELL

Freak waves are so-called rogue waves, which are considered nearly impossible according to traditional ocean wave theory and sometimes cause coastal and sea wrecks. There are already some hypotheses that explain freak wave occurrence. However, the moving wind system generates swells which can be enhanced by swell energy flux accumulation. A newly-defined parameter "Freak Wave Potential Index" Phi for the typhoon swell can manifest the possibility for a freak wave occurrence. This index can be correctly estimated, because actual typhoon datum is already known. The "Freak Wave Potential Index" concept may also be used for other moving wind systems.