What happens to waves with a ratio greater than 1:7?

When discussing waves, particularly in the context of oceanography, the ratio of wave height to wavelength is a critical factor in understanding wave behavior. A ratio greater than 1:7 indicates that the wave height is excessive relative to its wavelength, reaching a point where the wave becomes unstable.

As waves propagate, they undergo interactions with each other and the ocean floor, and once this ratio exceeds 1:7, the energy within the wave can lead to an increase in height that makes the wave too steep to maintain its structure. The result is that the wave breaks, creating a crest that collapses over the lower portion of the wave. This breaking of waves is a common phenomenon observed in various marine environments, especially as they approach shallower waters where the ocean floor influences their behavior.

The other options reflect different wave dynamics that do not accurately represent the situation of a wave surpassing the 1:7 ratio. Consequently, recognizing the relationship between wave characteristics and their ratios is fundamental in understanding why waves break under certain conditions.