The Physics of Surfing (Part One: Dropping In)
Catching the biggest waves takes some work There are few things more impressive than watching a big-wave surfer dropping into a monstrous "bomb" 60 or 70 feet high. Actually doing it must be quite an...
View ArticleThe Physics of Surfing (Part Two: Tubes and Barrels)
The wave dynamics of serious tube riding Probably the most sought-after surfing experience is the tube ride (a.k.a. "getting barreled"). A tube ride occurs when the top of the wave pitches over the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Undersea Cables Could Be Used as an Early Tsunami Detection System
Tsunami IncomingThe 2004 tsunami as seen in Ao Nang, Krabi Province, Thailand.Wikimedia Commons/David RydevikExisting infrastructure could enhance the current tsunami warning system Monstrous tsunami...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Smart Buoys Protect Offshore Platforms From Rogue Waves
Offshore Oil PlatformFreak waves threaten the stability of offshore oil rigs. NASA/JPLNew system warns oil rig owners about solitons hours in advance Geoscience experts have developed a system of smart...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Scientists Discover Two Never-Before-Seen Kinds of Water Waves
Of all the things in the physical world we think we know a lot about, water is definitely among them. Nonetheless, by precisely shaking a shallow container of water, researchers have now observed two...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Anti-Wave Tech Tricks Ocean Water Into Standing Still, Making Ships Efficient...
U.S. Navy Ships at SeaWikimedia CommonsWe've already seen how future ships can be cloaked against sonar, and maybe someday even space and time. Now researchers say they can cloak the ships' wakes,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Surf Park Serves Up Ocean-Rivaling Artificial Waves Year-Round
Kelly Slater Surf ParkKelly Slater Surf Park; from $45 (est. ticket cost per one-hour session)Graham MurdochRiding man-made surf typically means catching choppy, underwhelming swells in short...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Surf Park High In the Pyrenees
Provincial WavesWavegardenThe latest in artificial wave technology High in a misty valley in the Basque Pyrenees, miles from the ocean and surrounded by verdant sheep pastures, lies a prime surf spot....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Electron Ptychography Could Create Tiniest, Sharpest Images Ever
Lily Anther, Still AliveUsing a new microscopy technique, scientists can see living cells clearly without the need to stain them, a process which usually kills the cells. These cells are from a lily...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Island Formations Might Make Tsunamis Worse
Watch Out For Tsunami!Wikimedia CommonsA computer simulation found nearby islands can amplify the severity of a tsunami by as much as 70 percent. While it seems like the more barriers between you and a...
View ArticleThe Physics of Surfing (Part One: Dropping In)
There are few things more impressive than watching a big-wave surfer dropping into a monstrous "bomb" 60 or 70 feet high. Actually doing it must be quite an adrenaline rush. (I've been out in waves...
View ArticleThe Physics of Surfing (Part Two: Tubes and Barrels)
Probably the most sought-after surfing experience is the tube ride (a.k.a. "getting barreled"). A tube ride occurs when the top of the wave pitches over the surfer so that he or she is completely...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Undersea Cables Could Be Used as an Early Tsunami Detection System
Tsunami Incoming The 2004 tsunami as seen in Ao Nang, Krabi Province, Thailand. Wikimedia Commons/David Rydevik Monstrous tsunami waves, like the one that killed over 200,000 people in the Indian...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Smart Buoys Protect Offshore Platforms From Rogue Waves
Offshore Oil Platform Freak waves threaten the stability of offshore oil rigs. NASA/JPL Geoscience experts have developed a system of smart buoys that can predict the formation of self-reinforcing...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Scientists Discover Two Never-Before-Seen Kinds of Water Waves
Whole New Kinds of Waves Jean Rajchenbach, et al. ©2011 American Physical Society via PhysOrgOf all the things in the physical world we think we know a lot about, water is definitely among them....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Anti-Wave Tech Tricks Ocean Water Into Standing Still, Making Ships Efficient...
U.S. Navy Ships at Sea Wikimedia Commons We've already seen how future ships can be cloaked against sonar, and maybe someday even space and time. Now researchers say they can cloak the ships' wakes,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Surf Park Serves Up Ocean-Rivaling Artificial Waves Year-Round
Kelly Slater Surf Park Kelly Slater Surf Park; from $45 (est. ticket cost per one-hour session) Graham Murdoch Riding man-made surf typically means catching choppy, underwhelming swells in short...
View ArticleClik here to view.
A Surf Park High In the Pyrenees
Provincial Waves Wavegarden View Photo GalleryHigh in a misty valley in the Basque Pyrenees, miles from the ocean and surrounded by verdant sheep pastures, lies a prime surf spot. Its swells break...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Electron Ptychography Could Create Tiniest, Sharpest Images Ever
Lily Anther, Still Alive Using a new microscopy technique, scientists can see living cells clearly without the need to stain them, a process which usually kills the cells. These cells are from a lily...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Island Formations Might Make Tsunamis Worse
Watch Out For Tsunami! Wikimedia Commons While it seems like the more barriers between you and a ginormous wall of water, the better, new research shows the same islands that can insulate a beach...
View Article
