Refraction

Definition of Refraction: The propensity of waves to align the wave front in shallow water with the depth contour, according to Snell's law. Also: Change of wave propagation direction due to the interaction with currents. This is the common definition for Refraction, other definitions can be discussed in the article

Refraction of obliquely incident waves when entering shallow coastal. Bending of the wave crests to become parallel to the shore. Image Google Earth.

See also

Wave transformation

Shallow-water wave theory

Diffraction