As a wave approaches a shoreline, what happens to the wavelength and wave height?

As a wave approaches the shoreline, the behavior of both wavelength and wave height is influenced by the interaction of the wave with the shallow water. As the wave enters shallower depths, the wave speed decreases, causing the wavelength to decrease. This reduction in wavelength occurs because the wave's energy is compressed as the bottom of the wave drags along the seafloor.

Simultaneously, the wave height increases due to the conservation of energy. As energy is conserved but the wave's base is constrained by the seafloor, the energy must be expressed as an increase in height, causing the wave to grow taller. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable as waves break, leading to the formation of surf.

Therefore, the relationship between the wave’s approach to the shoreline demonstrates that while the wavelength decreases, the height of the wave increases, matching the scenario described in the selected answer.