Wave Types

Wave Types | Geography Presentation

Types of waves

• There are two types of waves:
• Constructive waves
• Destructive waves
• These two types of waves perform contrasting functions.

Constructive Waves

• Constructive waves are flat and low in height, having a low wave-length. Due to having a strong swash they carry material up the beach, forming a berm. They have a low frequency, somewhere between 6 and 8 waves per minute.

Destructive waves

• Have a high wave-height but a short wave-length. They have tall breakers, having high downward force and backwash. Their frequency is higher at around 13 and 15 waves per minute.