What type of breaking wave typically falls over a steep beach with minimal spilling of white water?

A plunging breaker is characterized by its rapid descent as it breaks over a steep beach. This type of wave forms when the wave steepness reaches a point where the crest moves faster than the wave base, resulting in the crest curling and crashing down into the trough below. This behavior leads to minimal spilling of white water, creating a steep and powerful wave that can create a dramatic visual effect.

In contrast, surging breakers do not typically collapse in the same manner and are more effective on gentle, sloped beaches, while spilling breakers occur when waves spill over as they break, leading to a more gradual release of energy and a wider area of foam. Diving breakers are less commonly discussed in terms of classifications of wave types in surfing or beaches. Thus, the nature of the steep beach is significant for the formation of a plunging breaker, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.