wave refraction The process by which the direction of waves moving in shallow water at an angle to the submarine contours is altered. The part of the wave train travelling in shallower water moves more slowly than that still advancing in deeper water. The lines of the wave crests therefore become more parallel with the submarine contours closer to the coast.

wave refraction The process by which the direction of waves moving in shallow water at an angle to the submarine contours is altered. The part of the wave train travelling in shallower water moves more slowly than that still advancing in deeper water. The lines of the wave crests therefore become more parallel with the submarine contours closer to the coast.