The bending of waves due to varying depths of water is known as what?

Prepare for the ATSC Weather for Sailing, Flying and Snow Sports exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each detailed with hints and explanations. Set sail with confidence and knowledge!

The phenomenon of wave bending due to varying depths of water is referred to as refraction. This occurs when waves travel from deeper to shallower water, causing them to slow down and change direction. As waves approach the shore and encounter shallower depths, their speed decreases, which leads to the bending of their path. This effect is significant because it can impact how waves break on a beach and can influence navigation for sailing vessels.

Other choices relate to different aspects of wave behavior or oceanography. For instance, drag refers to the frictional force acting on objects moving through water; swell decay describes the gradual loss of wave energy as waves spread out and lose height with distance from their generation area; and tidal variation pertains to the changes in water levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun. None of these options directly connect with the bending of waves in varying depths like refraction does.

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