Waves
Geography: KS3, topic 9.1.6
Types of Wave
Constructive and destructive waves are the two main types of wave. The characteristics of these waves are described below:
What are destructive waves?
- Destructive waves are taller and more frequent than constructive waves.
- The frequency of destructive waves is about 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.
What are constructive waves?
- Constructive waves are small waves that are not very tall above the surface of the ocean.
- When the sea's waves are constructive, we say that the sea is calm.
- A constructive wave is very long and not very high. Constructive waves have a low frequency (about 7-10 waves arrive at the beach each minute).
- Constructive waves deposit material on coastlines because their swash depositing things on the beach is stronger than their backwash dragging things from the beach.
Test yourself on Waves
What are the main types of waves?
Which of the following is not a category of wave?