Rogue waves, also known as freak waves or monster waves, are exceptionally large and unpredictable ocean waves that occur in open water. The exact causes of rogue waves are still a subject of scientific research and debate, but they are generally understood to be the result of a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
Undersea disturbances, such as strong ocean currents, nonlinear wave interactions, or changes in water depth, can contribute to the formation of rogue waves. These disturbances can lead to the focusing and amplification of wave energy in localized areas, causing the formation of abnormally large waves.
While asteroid impacts from hundreds of miles away can generate tsunamis, which are large and powerful ocean waves, they are not directly responsible for rogue waves. Rogue waves are distinct from tsunamis, which are typically generated by seismic events or undersea landslides.
It's important to note that rogue waves can occur in the absence of any apparent external factors, arising from the natural behavior of waves in the ocean. The nonlinear dynamics of wave systems can lead to the occasional occurrence of much larger waves than would be expected from normal wave patterns.
Further research and study are necessary to fully understand the complex mechanisms behind the formation of rogue waves and to improve our ability to predict and mitigate their potential dangers at sea.