plunging breaker A wave that breaks by plunging forward in the direction of motion, so that its crest falls into the preceding trough and encloses a pocket of air. The wave-form is then lost. Typically it occurs when a fairly low wave approaches a steep shingle beach. It is characterized by a smooth forward and under face, and a convex top.

plunging breaker Wave that breaks by plunging forward in the direction of motion, so that its crest falls into the preceding trough and encloses a pocket of air. The wave-form is then lost. Typically it occurs when a fairly low wave approaches a steep shingle beach. It is characterized by a smooth forward and under face, and a convex top.