Role of nonlinear interactions and inverse cascade in rogue wave occurrence

Determine the precise contributions of nonlinear wave–wave interactions and the inverse cascade of wave action to the formation and occurrence statistics of rogue waves in oceanic surface gravity waves under random sea states.

Background

In oceanic surface gravity waves, weak wave turbulence theory predicts four-wave interactions that conserve wave action, leading to a direct energy cascade and an inverse cascade of wave action. How these nonlinear processes contribute to the emergence of rogue waves in realistic, broad-spectrum sea states has not been conclusively established.

The paper contrasts this with bending waves in elastic plates, where wave action is not conserved and no inverse cascade occurs, highlighting the need to clarify mechanisms in the oceanic context.