Ocean waves are created by the wind as it blows across the surface of the water. The energy from the wind transfers to the water, forming waves that can vary in size and strength. Factors such as wind speed, duration, and the distance over which the wind blows, known as fetch, influence the characteristics of the waves. As waves approach the shore, they begin to slow down and increase in height due to the shallow water. When they become too steep, they break, creating the foamy whitecaps often seen on beaches. These breaking waves play a crucial role in shaping coastlines and providing habitats for marine life.