Which of the following factors can significantly affect wave energy as it approaches the shore?

The impact of wave energy as it approaches the shore is primarily influenced by coastal topography. This includes the shape of the coastline, the slope of the ocean floor, and the presence of features like sandbars or reefs. As waves encounter varying topographical features, their speed, direction, and height can change dramatically, leading to variations in energy. For instance, when waves reach shallow waters, they tend to slow down and increase in height due to the friction with the ocean floor, amplifying their energy transfer upon breaking.

While water temperature and wind speed do influence wave formation and development at sea, they are not as significant in affecting the energy of waves as they approach the shore compared to the direct interaction with coastal topography. Wind speed primarily impacts the generation of waves far from the coastline, and water temperature affects factors like density, which can influence the overall wave dynamics but is not a primary factor for wave energy nearing the shoreline. Thus, coastal topography is the most critical factor in determining how wave energy is transformed as it reaches the shore.