wave features Flashcards
1
Q
Wave fetch
A
The distance of open water over which a wave has passed. Maximum fetch is the distance from one coastline to the next landmass, it often coincides with prevailing wind direction (South West in the UK).
2
Q
Wave crest
A
Highest point of a wave.
3
Q
Wave trough
A
Lowest point of a wave
4
Q
Wave height
A
Distance between trough and crest.
5
Q
Wave length
A
Distance between one crest/trough and the next
6
Q
Constructive waves
A
These are deposition waves as they lead to sediment build up, and are most common where a large fetch exists.
7
Q
Destructive waves
A
These act as agents of erosion, because backwash is greater than swash.
8
Q
Wave refraction
A
As waves approach a coast they are refracted so that their energy is concentrated around headlands but reduced around bays
