Question

In which direction does wave energy travel in the ocean?

up and down
north and south
with the currents
toward the shore

Answer 1

Wave energy in the ocean primarily travels in a circular motion rather than in a straight line. As waves move through the water, particles of water move in circular or elliptical orbits. Thus, the direction of wave energy can be described as traveling toward the shore, but the actual water particles move in an up and down motion combined with some horizontal movement. So, the most accurate answer in the context of wave energy movement is:

**toward the shore**.