Ask s Scientist [topic: big waves] October 3, 2007

This Month's Topic: The Science of Big Waves

If you're anything like me, you've watched all the big wave surfing movies just to see the waves. Maybe you've even been down to Mavericks in Half Moon Bay to watch intrepid athletes from around the world ride what many consider to be the most dangerous waves on Earth. If so, you've probably found yourself wondering: just what is it about this legendary surfing spot that makes mountains of water the size of office buildings rise out of the sea? Physical oceanographer Toby Garfield will talk with us about the geography, atmospheric conditions, and basic laws of physics that conspire to create monster waves so big they register on the UC Berkeley seismograph when they crash! Tonight's event is presented in collaboration with KQED's QUEST program — a new weekly multimedia series about Bay Area science and environmental issues. Check out their website to watch fascinating TV segments, listen to riveting radio shows, and much more. (You can also catch them on TV Tuesdays at 7:30 pm on KQED Channel 9, and on the radio at 6:30 and 8:30 am on KQED 88.5 FM.) We'll start off tonight's discussion by watching their visually stunning "Science of Big Waves" story.

About the series: Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, casual science lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a current topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries.

Official Website: http://www.askascientistSF.com