Hobbies And Interests
Waves
Even though it looks as though waves are moving forward, in reality only a relatively small amount of water is displaced, and what you actually see is a transfer of energy. Energy continues to move through the water until the wave breaks in the shallow water near the shore. Waves occur in groups called "wave trains." As the wave train continues to the shore, the waves in the train are forced closer and closer together.
How Breakers Are Formed
As a wave approaches the shore, it grows in height and steepness as the water gets more shallow. Eventually, the waves grows to the point that the water isn't deep enough to support it. At this point, the wave topples, or "breaks," which results in a breaker. There are different types of breakers, with the main ones being "spilling breakers" and "plunging breakers."
Spilling Breakers
Spilling breakers tend to be more turbulent than other breakers and, as such, are a favorite of surfers. These breakers are formed when turbulent water with foam begins cascading down the front of the wave. Spilling breakers are formed on shores that are completely flat or shores that have a gentle slope. They roll for a significant distance before they break.
Plunging Breakers
Plunging breakers are formed when the bottom of the wave rises suddenly toward the shore. An air pocket is created in the wave when the crest folds over, which is followed by a splash-up. An expert surfer can navigate under the falling crest to ride in the air pocket. However, these breakers are very destructive and have enough energy to launch large rocks into the air and damage buildings over 100 feet above the surface of the water.