For the most part, the rise of the internet – and the subsequent explosion of information sharing – has helped us to massively educate one another as a species. Knowledge that our parents’ parents would never have had access to is now just a click of a button away from most of us today, and social media platforms often make it so that we see and hear things from all over the world on a weekly basis.

If you ask me, that’s where the true power of the internet lies, which is why I try to do my best to share warnings, important messages, and life-hacks whenever possible. Put simply, if I see something interesting online, I’ll endeavor to pass on the word.

Take, for example, the relatively unknown meaning behind stars on barn doors. Or how about what it could signify if you see someone with the tattoo of a bowstring on their hand?

Today’s piece of information sharing, though, is one painted in more ominous tones. It concerns a natural phenomenon known as a “cross sea”… and if you ask me, it’s something everyone should know about.

The occurrence known as a “cross sea” can be mesmerizing to watch, though extremely dangerous for anyone or anything caught in it, including boats, surfers and swimmers.

This odd ocean phenomenon reportedly takes place when waves collide from different angles, forming what look like squared off areas in the water. Waves from one weather system continue even though a change in the wind has created different waves, thus turning the sea into what looks from above very much like a patchwork blanket.

Naturally, whenever this scene occurs, it can attract the attention of all who happen to be close by. I mean, just take a look at the image below and tell me honestly that you wouldn’t be intrigued as to what was going on if you happened to be near.

Yet what’s lurking under a cross sea are currents powerful enough to toss things around like childrens’ toys, including even ships.

Ocean vessels are designed to hit waves head on, but if a boat or ship is being bombarded by waves coming at it from all angles, it’s very dangerous. It’s difficult to say for certain, but there are researchers who believe that ships have been capsized as a result of traveling through a cross sea.

So, word to the wise, if you’re ever in a situation where you see tell-tale squares forming on the surface of the water, stay out of the ocean and warn others to do the same. By all means, enjoy them from afar, but don’t make the mistake of putting yourself in harm’s way.

Did you have any idea about cross seas? Let us know in the comments box.