3.2.1

Types of Wave

Test yourself

Types of Wave

Constructive and destructive waves are the two main types of wave. The characteristics of these waves are described below:

Illustrative background for What are constructive waves?Illustrative background for What are constructive waves? ?? "content

What are constructive waves?

  • Constructive waves are not very tall.
  • When the sea's waves are constructive, we say that the sea is calm.
  • Constructive waves have a longer wavelength than destructive waves which means individual waves are spread quite far apart.
  • Constructive waves have a low frequency (about 7-10 waves arrive at the beach each minute).
  • Constructive waves deposit material onto coastlines because they have strong swash and weak backwash. This means that more material is deposited onto the beach than the weak backwash can drag material away.
Illustrative background for What are destructive waves?Illustrative background for What are destructive waves? ?? "content

What are destructive waves?

  • Destructive waves are taller and more frequent than constructive waves.
  • Destructive waves have a high frequency. They have around 10-15 waves per minute.
  • Destructive waves cause most of the erosion of coastlines.
  • Destructive waves have a stronger backwash than swash, meaning they drag more material away from the coastline than is deposited on the shore.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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