What happens to waves during sub refraction?

During sub refraction, waves behave in a manner where they typically travel away from the ground. This phenomenon occurs when the wave energy interacts with the underwater topography, particularly in regions where there's a sudden change in depth. As waves approach shallower areas, they may refract or bend due to the changes in wave speed influenced by the water depth.

However, with sub refraction specifically, the deeper water waves experience less resistance and effectively continue to move outward, rather than being focused or altered in direction by the underwater features. This results in the waves traveling away from the ground. Additionally, the conditions leading to sub refraction often prevent waves from rising rapidly or disappearing altogether; instead, they maintain their energy and trajectory, which can lead to the phenomenon of waves traveling in a more spread-out formation.

The understanding of wave behavior in the context of sub refraction is critical for navigators and mariners, as it influences decisions regarding safe navigation and potential risks associated with wave patterns.