What occurs during wave refraction?

Wave refraction occurs when a wave passes from one medium to another, leading to a change in its speed and direction. As waves travel into a region where the medium's properties differ—such as transitioning from deep to shallow water—they slow down due to the denser medium. This deceleration causes the wave to bend toward the normal line, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the boundary between the two media.

This bending effect is crucial because it influences how ocean waves break on the shore, contributing to coastal erosion and the shaping of shorelines. Being aware of wave refraction is important in various scientific and engineering applications, including navigation, surfing, and sediment transport along coastlines. The phenomenon illustrates fundamental principles of wave behavior, demonstrating that changes in speed due to different media can lead to alterations in wave direction.