Terrifying 19-Meter Monster Wave Sets World Record

A monstrous wave in the North Atlantico ocean just set a record for being the world's tallest wave measured by a buoy.

The record was confirmed by the World Meteorological Organizzation (WMO). According to the UN agency, the wave was recorded in February 2013, between Iceland and the UK. But it was only this week that they were able to finally confirm it.

"This is the first time we have ever measured a wave of 19 metres," says WMO Assistant Secretary-General Wenjian Zhang in a statement. "It is a remarkable record."

Agence France-Presse reported that the mighty wave occurred after a "very strong" cold front had barreled through the area, producing winds up of 43.8 knots (81 kilometers, 50.4 miles per hour).

Popular Science said the number was obtained by calculating the significant wave height, which is the average of the tallest third of waves a buoy measures. Thus, it is possible that some of the "individual" waves are actually higher than 19 meters.

Randall Cerveny, a scientist at the WMO told Live Science that average is a more reliable measure of wave height than that of a single wave.

Wave height is defined as the distance between crest of one wave and the trough of the next.

Buoy's data help scientists study how oceans affect weather and therefore WMO says the record highlighs the importance of meteorological and ocean observations.

"It highlights the importance of meteorological and ocean observations and forecasts to ensure the safety of the global maritime industry and to protect the lives of crew and passengers on busy shipping lanes," Zhang said.

As per Science Alert, the 19-meter high wave overtook the previous record-holder from December 2007, which measured 18.275 meters (59.96 feet). It also occurred in the North Atlantic. As the WMO explained, the world's biggest waves typically occur in the North Atlantic in winter as storms strengthen.