Disappearing Ships - An Alternative Hypothesis

The observation of ships disappearing over a horizon at a distance seems to be a frequent topic here.  It also appears that many/most RE'ers disagree with the explanation provided in the FAQ.  I would like to offer an alternative hypothesis for everyone's review.

I think we all agree that the Earth's surface is not completely flat.  Even in areas that appear to be flat, there are gentle curves, hills and valleys.  These surface changes may be so slight that one may conclude that an area is truly flat.  While the Earth's surface is not a fluid, it does change due to wind and water.  I believe these facts are accepted in both Earth shape theories.

The oceans however are fluid and rarely if ever appear truly calm and flat.  Small waves are always present and usually observable.  Considering the vastness of the oceans, it seems reasonable to believe some of these waves could be very long with only a relatively slight difference in height.  If an undulation were several kilometers (or even tens of kilometers) in length, a height difference of ten meters could be too subtle to notice.  For example, if such an undulation were 20km in length from peak to valley with the peak 10m above the valley, the slope would only amount to a .05% grade (or about 1.72 minutes of angle) which is likely imperceptible to the naked eye.  (Feel free to check my math.)  If a ship in the distance sailed over such a peak, it would appear to "sink" below a horizon.  (The reverse may help explain observations of ships "suddenly" appearing.)  This idea seems to be compatible with a flat-Earth model.

In presenting this hypothesis, I make two requests.  First, please try to limit discussion to the merits/flaws of this idea as it is a work in progress and I'm asking your help in refining it.  Second, please try to remain civil.  I think most of you are capable of honoring both requests.  Thanks.

So if I watch a large ship sail away from me, and it starts sinking, am I to assume that there's a tidal wave or tsunami coming?

So if I watch a large ship sail away from me, and it starts sinking, am I to assume that there's a tidal wave or tsunami coming?

Not at all.  The undulations I am referring to would be spread over a very large lateral distance and would likely be moving very slowing as a result.  When one couples that with the concept that all waves (tidal or otherwise) dampen as they approach land, it seems plausible. 

Not at all.  The undulations I am referring to would be spread over a very large lateral distance and would likely be moving very slowing as a result.  When one couples that with the concept that all waves (tidal or otherwise) dampen as they approach land, it seems plausible.  

Waves get bigger as they approach land, it's their speed that decreases.



Once their speed decreases enough for their crests to break, they break down.

haha, win.

Plausible, but then the ship would come into view again after a few seconds at the most. We know this doesn't happen

Waves have been suggested as a factor by some of those who believe in the 'perspective' theories. However, they can only ever be a factor, and personally I find it unlikely that a multitude of factors will constantly and consistently combine to replicate the same effect.

Waves have been suggested as a factor by some of those who believe in the 'perspective' theories. However, they can only ever be a factor, and personally I find it unlikely that a multitude of factors will constantly and consistently combine to replicate the same effect.

Well said.

Maybe ships have cloaking devices.

Maybe ships have cloaking devices.

Are di-lithium crystals consistent with FET?

Quote from: H1GH3r on February 26, 2010, 11:58:54 AM

Quote from: SupahLovah on February 26, 2010, 08:52:12 AM

Maybe ships have cloaking devices.

Are di-lithium crystals consistent with FET?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilithium

That Dilithium can only exist in the gaseous state and wouldn't be able to regulate the matter/antimatter flow in the ships warp core.

Quote from: markjo on February 26, 2010, 12:08:14 PM

Quote from: H1GH3r on February 26, 2010, 11:58:54 AM

Quote from: SupahLovah on February 26, 2010, 08:52:12 AM

Maybe ships have cloaking devices.

Are di-lithium crystals consistent with FET?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilithium

That Dilithium can only exist in the gaseous state and wouldn't be able to regulate the matter/antimatter flow in the ships warp core.

As far as you know.

Have you ruled out the possibility of witchcraft?

Those 10km-wave 10m-height are normally produced by earthquakes or similar. No other natural things (like wind) can displace that amount of water. There is a considerably energy on this wave, and that would probably cause a disaster at land. Besides, you can see the "dissapearing ship" effect at big lakes, where wind cannot form big waves.

PD: sorry about my english, i'm spanish

I still think witchcraft has something to do with this. witches are a serious problem.