Types of Breakers

Ocean waves form from a disturbance of the water, and that energy moves along the waveform. When waves approach the surf zone, they break. You may have seen this firsthand if you have visited the beach. Did you know, however, that the shape of the shore creates three types of breakers?

Essential Questions

• What makes a wave break?
• What happens when a wind wave breaks on shore?
• What are the three types of breaking waves?
• What is the surf zone?