At what water depth is an ocean wave affected by the ocean floor?
A)It depends on the wave's angle of approach to the shoreline.
B)The ocean floor has no impact on ocean waves.
C)At the depth equal to one-half the wave's wavelength.
D)At the depth where transverse motion dominates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The depth at which the ocean floor affects the wave is equal to one-half the wave's wavelength. This is because at this depth, the wave starts to interact with the ocean floor and its energy is transferred to the water column above it. This interaction causes the wave to slow down, decrease in height, and change direction.

At What Water Depth Is an Ocean Wave Affected by the Ocean