What refers to the number of waves that pass a specific point per minute?

The term that describes the number of waves that pass a specific point per minute is wave frequency. Wave frequency is a fundamental concept in wave dynamics, as it indicates how often waves occur over a defined period of time, typically measured in hertz (Hz), where one hertz is equal to one wave per second.

In coastal studies, understanding wave frequency is important because it can affect wave energy and impact coastal erosion, sediment transport, and marine life. Higher frequency waves can signify more energy concentration, influencing how waves interact with the shoreline and the structures in place.

Wave energy refers to the amount of energy carried by waves, wave speed describes how fast the waves are traveling, and wave height is the vertical distance between the crest and trough of a wave. While these concepts are all related to the characteristics of waves, they represent different aspects of wave behavior and dynamics. Therefore, wave frequency is specifically focused on the count of waves over time, making it the correct answer.