Ocean waves are actually a circular movement of the water both above and below the surface. Boaters and swimmers see and feel the portion of the wave that is above the surface. As long as the wave is in the deep ocean it will usually not fall in on itself, known as “breaking.” When the bottom of the ocean becomes shallower – specifically when the depth of the water is less than 1.3 times the height of the wave – the wave will break. This occurs because the circular motion of the wave below the water cannot continue and the portion of the wave above the surface builds up until it collapses.
If the statements above are true, which of the following can be inferred?
A. Waves occurring in the deeper parts of the ocean are not dangerous because they usually do not break.
We aren't given any information about the levels of danger when waves break.B. Shallow water is the only mechanism that causes waves to break.
It isn't said that this is the only mechanism so we can't infer that there aren't any others.C. Swimmers and boaters should avoid areas where waves are breaking.
Not mentioned in the passage/out of scope.D. It may be possible to estimate the depth of shallow water by measuring the height of the waves breaking there.
Correct answer. If a wave breaks the depth must be < 1.3 times the wave height. It may not be a hundred percent precise but it should be good for an estimate.E. Waves occurring on freshwater lakes do not reach the same height as waves on the ocean.
We don't have any information about this issue based on the passage.Hope that helps