Geography • Physical GeographyHard
Analyze the mechanics of wave refraction along irregular shorelines: Statement I: Wave orthogonals converge on headlands, concentrating wave energy and producing intense coastal erosion. Statement II: Wave orthogonals diverge within embayments and bays, dispersing wave energy and resulting in the deposition of beach sediments. Which of the following is correct?
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.✓ Correct Answer
B. Only Statement I is correct.
C. Only Statement II is correct.
D. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
💡 Solution & Explanation
Wave refraction is the bending of wave crests as they encounter shallow water near an irregular coast, causing wave energy rays to focus on projecting headlands where high-energy breakers accelerate coastal wearing, while diverging inside sheltered bays to facilitate sand accumulation. Incorrect interpretations would claim wave energy concentrates inside bays. This continuous refraction process eventually straightens irregular coastlines over geological time scales.
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