A breakwater is an artificial coastal structure that protects a harbor, anchorage or water basin from waves. Breakwaters intercept coastal currents and generally prevent beach erosion. In the long term, however, the processes of erosion and sedimentation cannot be effectively overcome by interfering with currents and sediments. The deposition of a sedimentary layer in one area will be offset by erosion elsewhere; this phenomenon occurs regardless of whether a single breakwater or even a series of such structures is installed.
In simple words, to the question of what it is - a breakwater, you can answer that it is a wooden or stone wall that extends from the coast into the sea and protects the harbor or beach from the effects of waves.
Today we will not go into technical details and details, but will get acquainted with information about breakwaters, which are not only of technical, but also of historical and cultural value.
Plymouth Breakwater
This breakwater can rightly claim to have become a significant contribution to the formation of the history and well-being of the southwestEngland. Located at the mouth of Plymouth Sound, it is an amazing man-made structure. The history of the mile-long breakwater reflects one of the most audacious engineering ambitions, played out in the most difficult conditions. In 1811, civil engineer John Rennie was instructed by the Admir alty to draw up a plan for the construction of a breakwater. What is a Plymouth breakwater?
When work began on its construction in 1812, the huge structure was hailed as "a great national undertaking." This major civil engineering project, which took 30 years to complete, is groundbreaking in many ways and is still one of the largest freestanding breakwaters in the world. Local limestone was used to create it, and about 25 acres of the Oreston quarry disappeared, providing construction with three and a half million tons of material. Since its completion in 1841, the construction of a lighthouse was taken up, which adorned the breakwater and ensured the safe passage of ships in 1844. One of the real wonders of this design is that it is a living project that is constantly updated to protect Plymouth from bad weather.
Rockland breakwater - what is it?
The breakwater is a favorite local attraction, as it offers stunning panoramic views of Rockland, a small town located in the United States. It has a rich history and has been of critical importance to Rockland Bay since its construction. Breakwater constructiontook almost two decades (1881-1899), over 700,000 tons of granite was used and the cost was over $750,000. The need for its construction was due to the fact that in the 1850s, several large storms from the northeast caused excessive damage to Rockland Bay, and without a breakwater, the city could not realize its potential as a trading port and working harbor. The lighthouse at the end of the quay was built before 1902 and is still in use today.
At some point, the Coast Guard planned to destroy the lighthouse, but this caused a violent public outcry, and the city took over its maintenance. Notably, Rockland's emblem and letterhead include the lighthouse.
Rockland breakwater is a great walk almost a mile long
City attraction is open to the public every day. Walking over granite blocks placed in water up to 70 feet deep and crossing 7/8 miles to the end of the granite pier, you can visit the lighthouse, which houses an excellent museum with memorabilia from the US Coast Guard. And to the answers to the question what is a breakwater, we can add that it is also a great place for fishing, since it serves as a refuge and an ideal habitat for many marine fish, such as rock bass (sea bass) and sand sharks.
Any local will tell you that the best view for souvenir photos is from the water. You can take advantage of one of the boats and schooners that frequent the harbour, or take advantage of the daily ferries that pass by.
Breakwater likeattraction
Such constructions are not only an important element that ensures the safety of the coastal territory, but also often a landmark that their owners can rightly be proud of. Photos of breakwaters allow you to verify this.
