Recent “Kallakkadal” swells in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been linked to intense storms occurring 10,000 km away in the South Atlantic. These swells, often referred to as ‘stealthy sea’, describe waves without wind that typically occur before the monsoon season.
These swells are unpredictable, causing significant erosion and damage to coastal structures when they suddenly grow and crash violently on the shore.
Scientists have traced these events back to intense storms in the South Atlantic, which have seen waves reaching 10-15 meters. This year’s South Atlantic has become stormier than usual, possibly due to changing storm trends in the world’s southernmost oceans. As the oceans become stormier, there is a call for better adherence to forecasts and improved last-mile dissemination of warnings.
FAQs
1. What is “Kallakkadal”?
“Kallakkadal” or ‘stealthy sea’ refers to swell surge events that describe waves without wind, typically occurring before the monsoon season.
2. What causes these swells?
These swells are caused by intense storms in the South Atlantic, which can create waves as high as 10-15 meters, traveling across the ocean to impact the shores of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
3. Why are these swells unpredictable?
The swells can suddenly grow and crash violently on the shore without prior warning, making them unpredictable and dangerous.
4. What are the effects of “Kallakkadal”?
“Kallakkadal” can cause significant erosion and damage to coastal structures due to the violent nature of the waves.
5. How are changing storm trends affecting these swells?
Changing storm trends in the South Atlantic, where storms are becoming more intense, contribute to the increased frequency and severity of these swell events.
6. What measures are suggested to mitigate the impact of these swells?
Scientists call for better adherence to forecasts and improved last-mile dissemination of warnings to mitigate the impact of these swells on coastal communities.
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