Ocean wavesWaves give rhythm to the

Ocean waves
Waves give rhythm to the ocean. They transport energy over vast distances. Where they make landfall, waves help to sculpt a unique and dynamic mosaic of coastal habitats. Waves are formed as wind passes over the surface of the open water. Energy from the wind is transferred into the topmost layers of water via friction and pressure. These forces develop a disturbance that is transported trough the sea water. it should be noted that it is the wave that moves, not the water itself (for the most part). When waves meet the shore, they are reflected which means that the wave is pushed back or resisted by the shore (or any hard surface) such that the waves motion is sent back in the other direction. Additionally, when waves make a shore, they are refracted. As the wave approaches the shore experiences friction as it moves over the sea floor. This frictional force bends (or refracts) the wave differently depending on the characteristics of the sea floor.They impart a watery pulse upon intertidal zones and trim back coastal sand dunes as they creep towards the sea. Where coasts are rocky, waves and tides can, over time, erode the shoreline leaving dramatic sea cliffs.