Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Waves undergoing refraction

Refraction of waves, West Santa Cruz Island harbour, California

Refraction of waves as they enter the shallower water of the West Santa Cruz Island harbour (California). Because they refract in shallower water, water waves (including tsunamis) tend to ‘track around’ complex coastlines.

Glossary

Rights: Paul Doherty
Published: 2 May 2011Size: 30.31 KB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
Behaviour of waves

Article

Behaviour of waves

All waves behave in certain characteristic ways. They can undergo refraction, reflection, interference and diffraction. These basic properties define the ...

Read more
Tsunamis and surf – introduction

Article

Tsunamis and surf – introduction

Tsunamis are unique in their destructive power, but they share many features with other ocean waves. Learn how the two ...

Read more
Modelling tsunamis and protecting the coast

Article

Modelling tsunamis and protecting the coast

Dr Willem de Lange is a researcher and senior lecturer in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the ...

Read more
Tsunami shoaling

Article

Tsunami shoaling

Many of us imagine tsunamis as tall, surf-like waves, but in the deep ocean, their amplitude is actually quite small. ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato