Which type of wave is described as low and less powerful, breaking on the shore to build up beaches?

Prepare for the IGCSE Coasts Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each query. Ready yourself for academic success!

Constructive waves are characterized as low-energy waves that carry materials onto the shore, thereby contributing to beach formation and growth. They have a long wavelength, a gentle slope, and occur at a lower frequency than their destructive counterparts. When they break, they deposit sand and sediment, helping to widen and build up beaches over time. This process leads to the accumulation of materials, creating a more stable and wider beach environment.

In contrast, destructive waves are more powerful and have a steeper slope, leading to significant erosion as they break. Breaking waves and surging waves refer to different behaviors of ocean waves but do not specifically describe the process of building up beaches in the way constructive waves do. Therefore, recognizing the role of constructive waves in coastal processes is crucial for understanding beach dynamics and sediment transport.

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