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This is a local scale map of Rincon Point, California. Rincon point is a popular surf
spot for locals. From this image, it is evident that the waves are coming from the west and
are crashing onto shore in wave trains. This is a regional scale map of Rincon point. From
this map, the waves appear to be coming in from the west and wrapping around the point.
This is a process known as refraction. As water approaches the shore, the wave slows
down due to the shallower water. As you can see, part of the wave is wrapping around the
point while the rest of the wave continues towards shore. The part of the wave that slows
down is in shallower water. The rest of the wave maintains speed because it is still in
deeper waters. Refraction decreases the angles of the waves making them run almost parallel
to the shoreline. This is a global scale map of Rincon Point. From this view you can no
longer see the waves and what direction they are coming from. You also can no longer see
the waves refracting around the point because this image is too far away. Rincon point is
located near where the North American and Pacific plates meet.