refraction and reflection
DESCRIPTION
Refraction and Reflection. Coastal Process. Beach. Headland. Headland: A cliffed cape or promontory sticking out into the sea. Beach. Headland. Wave front. Beach. Headland. Wave direction. Waves bend when they approach shallow water. Beach. Headland. Cliffed edge. Headland. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Refraction and Reflection
Coastal Process
Headland
Beach
Headland: A cliffed cape or promontory sticking out into the sea.
Headland
Beach
Wave front
Headland
Beach
Waves bend when they approach shallow water.
Wave direction
Headland
Beach
Headland
Cliffed edge
Wave energy converges on the headland
High energy
Headland
Cliffed edge
When waves hit a solid surface like the cliff they are reflected back towards the sea. The waves erode the rock and beach and take the sediments with them.
Headland
Beach
Beach
Wave energy diverges on the beach
Low energy
Beach
Wave energy is spread out so the waves have a gentler erosive power. This area is where sediments will be dropped.
Headland
Beach
Sediment movement
erosion
Refraction: waves bending
Think of wave refraction like a group of soldiers marching, they are able to stay in a straight line formation and go at a fast pace on firm ground. But when the group of soldiers meet a different surface, one that is harder to walk through, the line is slowed as it reaches the mud. This bends their motion.
Just like the soldiers, ocean waves can travel at a good pace while out in deep water but when it hits shallow water the waves slow and bend.
Wave ReflectionThe intensification of wave energy resulting from a wave pounding against a solid, vertical surface. Reflection of a wave is bouncing of a solid and going back from where it came.