What is Wave Refraction and How Does it Affect Headlands and Bays?

Instructional video explaining how and why ocean waves bend as they approach a shoreline. It also addresses what happens when waves refract around headlands.

[@bismakshreeneog1608]

This explanation is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@ruppertrocksgeology]

You are welcome!

[@joshelat]

I've been trying to grasp this for so long, and this video was exactly what I needed, thank you so much for this.

[@ruppertrocksgeology]

Wonderful! Happy to help!

[@RH-lz3om]

Thank you. Sailboats might take shelter well behind a headland in order to get in the lee and to hopefully get rest but, getting out of a swell isn’t as straightforward as one might think. I guess it’s these refracted swells that radiated into what should otherwise be expected to be calm. They can make for a very roll rotten night. Do you have any ideas about how to minimize that or where best to anchor a boat to dodge these swells. ?? Tough question I think!

[@Laura-ln7jm]

i literally love you thank you for this explanation i finally understand.

[@ruppertrocksgeology]

Great! I am glad it makes sense now.

[@seangeeling]

Thanks for this, it was really helpful

[@ruppertrocksgeology]

I am glad it was helpful!