What type of wave surges ashore without breaking?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Oceanography Test with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The surging wave is characterized by its ability to advance ashore without breaking, unlike other wave types. This phenomenon occurs as the wave approaches the shoreline and is influenced by a steep beach gradient. Surging waves maintain their energy and shape as they move up the beach, often creating a smooth and continuous movement instead of breaking into foam.

In contrast, plunging waves typically break when they encounter the steep incline of the shore, creating a curl and crashing down. Spilling waves are another type that breaks gradually as they move over a gently sloping seabed, resulting in a foamy surface. Standing waves, on the other hand, occur in situations like tidal bores or in confined bodies of water, where the wave pattern remains stationary rather than moving toward the shore. Therefore, the specific properties of surging waves make them distinct in their behavior as they surge ashore without breaking.

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