The long-term effect of wave refraction is to straighten the shoreline (unless other non-wave processes intervene).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wave refraction causes the concentration of wave energy on headlands and the spreading out of energy in bays, which gradually shifts sediment and causes the shoreline to straighten over time. This process is known as shoreline smoothing or straightening. However, other processes can also affect shoreline shape, such as tides, currents, storms, and human activities.

The Long-Term Effect of Wave Refraction Is to Straighten the Shoreline