Most beachgoers in the Pacific Northwest are familiar with the phenomenon of “sneaker waves” — sudden, unexpected surges of water that can sweep people off their feet or pin them against rocks and dunes. Though they’re known to occur more often along the Pacific coast and during the winter, the waves’ origins remain somewhat mysterious.

Researchers at Oregon State University recently found that far-off storm systems could create the right conditions for sneaker waves to occur closer to home. We learn more from Tuba Özkan-Haller, interim dean of OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.