The surf zone is one of the most dynamic regions of the marine environment. Not only is it highly energetic, it also supports a wide diversity of life forms. Surf zones in both sandy and rocky shores produce dynamic surroundings that shape the entire coastal region.

Waves are initiated at sea where winds sweep across the surface of the water. Some of the energy of the wind is transferred to the surface and small sinusoidal waves appear on top of the water. The wave often increases in energy with added winds. The height of oceanic waves is dependant on the energy of the wind which may be quite high during storm events.

The waves continue until they reach the shore. Once there, they strike the shore and lose their energy. What happens during this process is of great importance to geologists and those who live near...