Shapes and statistics of the rogue waves generated by chaotic ocean current

Abstract

In this study we discuss the shapes and statistics of the rogue (freak) waves emerging due to wave-current interactions. With this purpose, we use a simple governing equation which is a nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) extended by R. Smith (1976). This extended NLSE accounts for the effects of current gradient on the nonlinear dynamics of the ocean surface near blocking point. Using a split-step scheme we show that the extended NLSE of Smith is unstable against random chaotic perturbation in the current profile. Therefore the monochromatic wave field with unit amplitude turns into a chaotic sea state with many peaks. By comparing the numerical and analytical results, we show that rogue waves due to perturbations in the current profile are in the form of rational rogue wave solutions of the NLSE. We also discuss the effects of magnitude of the chaotic current profile perturbations on the statistics of the rogue wave generation at the ocean surface. The extension term in Smith's extended NLSE causes phase shifts and it does not change the total energy level of the wave field. Using the methodology adopted in this study, the dynamics of rogue wave occurrence on the ocean surface due to blocking effect of currents can be studied. This enhances the safety of the offshore operations and ocean travel.