What causes square waves in the ocean?

A cross sea (also referred to as a squared (2) sea or square waves) is a sea state of wind-generated ocean waves that form nonparallel wave systems . Cross seas have a large amount of directional spreading. This may occur when water waves from one weather system continue despite a shift in wind.

The square wave, also called a pulse train, or pulse wave , is a periodic waveform consisting of instantaneous transitions between two levels. The square wave is sometimes also called the Rademacher function.

Square waves can be found out in the open ocean as well as near the coast, and are formed by waves moving in opposite directions. This happens when two separate weather systems collide . The waves then create a chequerboard effect on the sea, with a grid system of squares on the surface.