WAVE REFRACTION: PRINCIPLES COASTAL IMPACTS AND OCEANIC DYNAMICS

Wave refraction is the bending of ocean waves as they propagate through varying water depths and currents, resulting in changes in wave direction and energy distribution. This process is fundamental in coastal and ocean dynamics, affecting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, and nearshore wave climates. The mechanism can be described using principles analogous to Snell’s law, where wave speed changes with depth, causing wave fronts to align progressively with seafloor contours. This article reviews the physical basis of wave refraction, its environmental implications, and its significance in coastal engineering and marine sciences.