Final answer:
A spilling breaker has a curling crest that moves over an air pocket. In contrast, a plunging breaker plunges straight down into the water. A surging breaker slides up the beach without breaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is B) Spilling breaker.
A spilling breaker occurs when the wave crest becomes unstable and curls over itself, forming a breaker that spills forward rather than plunging straight down. This type of breaker is commonly seen along sandy beaches. It occurs when the wave height becomes too steep for the wave to maintain its shape, resulting in the formation of a curling crest that spills over an air pocket.
In contrast, a plunging breaker occurs when the wave crest becomes steep and plunges forcefully into the water, creating a strong impact. A surging breaker slides up the beach without breaking, while a collapsing breaker occurs when the wave's energy is dissipated and the wave collapses.