CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon State University study says that maximum coastal wave heights in the Pacific Northwest have significantly grown in recent decades.
The study by OSU scientists and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries concludes that the highest waves may be as much as 46 feet high, up from estimates of 33 feet made as recently as 1996. The scientists say that might mean an increase in damage, erosion, flooding or changing shorelines on the Pacific coast.
The study says the increase is likely related to changing climate, but different storm tracks, higher winds and more intense winter storms also could be factors.
