Akhmediev, N.Soto-Crespo, Jose M.Ankiewicz, A.Devine, N.2015-09-162015-09-160375-9601http://hdl.handle.net/1885/15443The ability to unveil growing rogue waves in the ocean is essential for safe marine travel in stormy conditions. This vital problem has not been adequately addressed so far. We show that the specific triangular spectra of rogue waves can be detected at early stages of their development in a chaotic wave field. Continuously measuring the spectra of various parts of the wave field allows us to find a rogue wave before the dangerous peak appears. This possibility of early detection is a necessary part of a rogue wave early-warning system.N.A. is a grateful recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Prize. He acknowledges a grant on Extreme Events from the Volkswagen Foundation. J.M.S.C. acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación under contract FIS2009-09895. A.A. and N.D. acknowledge the support of the Australian Research Council (Discovery Project DP110102068).© 2011 Elsevier B.V.2011-08-0110.1016/j.physleta.2011.06.048