A plunging wave, with a short wavelength, a high frequency (13-15 per minute) and a high crest, which breaks so that the water crashes downwards from the wave crest and erodes the beach; backwash thus greatly exceeds swash. Plunging waves generally occur on steeply sloping beaches. Compare with constructive wave.
destructive wave
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- tidal wave (oceanography)
- South Central's Finest Raw From L.A. (Culture & Society Film)
- Neil Arksey (children's author/illustrator)
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