The power of destructive waves

Question 1

What 3 main features do destructive waves have?

Answer 1

High in proportion to their length.
Backwash is stronger than swash - rocks/pebbles carried back out to sea.
Frequent waves - breaking on average rate of 11 and 15 per minute.

Question 2

What happens when the waves driven by the wind has travelled over a large distance?

Answer 2

They have had time to build up and grow to their full height.
A lot of energy is released when they break against the coastline.

Question 3

What is the fetch?

Answer 3

The length of water over which the wind has blown.

Question 4

Greater the fetch…

Answer 4

Stronger the wind and the more powerful the wave.

Question 5

Name a time when huge destructive waves formed?

Answer 5

Dorset on November 3rd 2005.

Strong winds of over 120 kilometres per hour after a long journey over the Atlantic ocean.