Waves
The three main types of wave are plunging, spilling and surging. Two of which can regularly be seen at Llantwit Major beach. These are plunging (also known as a dumping) wave on the rock reef and spilling wave on the beach.
Plunging wave
This wave breaks with tremendous force and can easily throw a swimmer to the bottom. They usually occur at low tide when the sandbanks or reefs are shallow.
Spilling wave
This wave occurs when the crest tumbles down the face of the wave. As the tide gets lower and the sandbank that the waves are breaking on becomes shallower, this type of wave will form tunnels or "tubes".
Surging wave
This wave may never actually break as it approaches the water's edge.This is because it is very deep beneath the wave and the wave does not lose speed nor gain height. |
