Is the weather at sea getting worse?

There is a lot of worry about the weather today. Perhaps caused by global warming or just “climate change”, there seems to be much more violent weather about. At sea, and on the coast, there seems to be more damage being done. In those areas where there are hurricanes, typhoons and other sorts of revolving storms, they seem to be more numerous and do a lot more damage. Perhaps it is a phase we are going through?

Scientists are divided about whether this is really the case. It seems true that there are more giant waves about, and naval architects are becoming concerned whether designing ships or structures for that “100 year wave” is enough, as they chances are that these monsters will appear more often. But some suggest that the frequency of these giant waves is more apparent, as we can record them from space, through satellites, and not have to depend on some poor sailor meeting one for the report.

The incidence of huge storms has, it has alleged, been increasing.

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Ships for emergencies

Terrible things sometimes happen on earth. Natural disasters are regrettably a regular feature, and if not all are of the size and scale of the Indian Ocean tsunami, they can cause catastrophic harm to local populations. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, if they are near large populations, can be devastating.

People caught up in these disasters require external help, both in the immediate rescue operation and in the subsequent clear-up as the survivors come to terms with the practical problems of recovery. And while aircraft and helicopters will be useful, it is ships which will be able to provide the real weight and impetus in any such major emergency, if it is reasonably close to the sea.

Thus, with the widespread devastation of the Tsunami, it was ships that were needed to provide large scale medical assistance, the heavy earth moving and lifting equipment that could clear roads and airstrips, and supply the huge tonnages of goods needed by survivors for their daily requirements.

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