How do waves change as they approach the shore? a. the height of the waves decreases b. the distance between crests decreases c. friction acting on the top of the wave increases d. the wavelength increases

The option B is correct.

The waves change as they approach the shore because the distance between crests decreases.

Further Explanation:

Wave: The highest point of the wave is referred as crest and the lowest point as trough. The wave height is the vertical distance between the crest and the trough. The wavelength is the horizontal distance between the two adjacent troughs or crests.

Justification for correct and in correct

A. The height of the waves decreases: This option is incorrect.

The wave height is the vertical distance between the crest and the trough. As the wave approaches the shoreline, the height increases because of the wave refraction.

B. The distance between crests decreases: This option is correct.

The distance between the crest decreases because the crest height increases and the wave compress each other, so when the wave reaches the shore it changes.

C. Friction acting on the top of the wave increases: This option is incorrect.

The wave changes as it approaches the shoreline because the speed of the wave slow down due to the friction caused by shallow bottom.

D. The wavelength increases: This option is incorrect.

The wavelength is the horizontal distance between the two adjacent troughs or crests. As the wave approaches the shoreline, the wavelength decreases because the wave compress each other and friction act from the bottom of the shallow sea.

Learn more:

1. Learn more about layers of Earth

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2. Learn more about earthquake

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3. Learn more about climate zones

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Answer details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Geography

Chapter: Weather and climate

Keywords: How do waves change as they approach the shore, the height of the waves decreases, the distance between crests decreases, friction acting on the top of the wave increases, the wavelength increases

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