Incoming waves slow down and rotate toward an orientation of being parallel to the shoreline.This process is known as ________.

Question

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This process is known as refraction. When waves approach the shoreline at an angle, the part of the wave crest that reaches shallow water first begins to slow down, causing the wave to refract or bend. This slows the wave down, and as the wave approaches the shore at a shallower angle, the wave begins to rotate and align itself parallel to the shore. This causes the wave height to increase and the wave to break.

Incoming Waves Slow Down and Rotate Toward an Orientation of Being