plunging breaker

views updated May 18 2018

plunging breaker A wave that breaks by plunging forward in the direction of motion, so that its crest falls into the preceding trough and encloses a pocket of air. The wave-form is then lost. Typically it occurs when a fairly low wave approaches a steep shingle beach. It is characterized by a smooth forward and under face, and a convex top.

plunging breaker

views updated May 08 2018

plunging breaker Wave that breaks by plunging forward in the direction of motion, so that its crest falls into the preceding trough and encloses a pocket of air. The wave-form is then lost. Typically it occurs when a fairly low wave approaches a steep shingle beach. It is characterized by a smooth forward and under face, and a convex top.

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