What phenomenon occurs when waves bend as they approach the coastline?

The phenomenon that occurs when waves bend as they approach the coastline is wave refraction. This process happens because waves travel at different speeds in shallow water compared to deeper water. As waves enter shallower areas near the coast, the part of the wave that is in shallow water slows down while the part still in deeper water continues to move faster. This difference in speed causes the wave to bend, resulting in a change in direction as the wave aligns more parallel to the shoreline. This bending effect is crucial in shaping coastal landforms, influencing erosion patterns, and determining where sediments are deposited along the coast.

In contrast, wave dispersion refers to the sorting of waves by their speeds, wave reflection is the bouncing back of waves after hitting a solid surface, and wave absorption is the process where wave energy is dissipated through friction or interaction with the seafloor or coastal structures.