A breakwater is an artificial coastal structure that protects the harbor, anchorage or water basin from the waves. Breakwaters intercept coastal currents and, as a rule, prevent erosion of beaches. In the long run, however, erosion and sedimentation processes cannot be effectively overcome by interfering with currents and precipitation. Deposition of sediment in one area will be offset by erosion in another location; this phenomenon occurs regardless of whether one breakwater or even a series of such structures is installed.
In simple words, to the question of what a breakwater is, it can be answered that it is a wooden or stone wall that extends from the coast to the sea and serves as a protection for 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 rightfully claim to be a significant contribution to the formation of the history and well-being of the south-west of England. Located at the mouth of the Plymouth Strait, it is an amazing structure created by human hands. The story of a mile-long breakwater reflects one of the daring engineering ambitions played out under the most difficult conditions. In 1811, civil engineer John Renny was instructed by the Admiralty to develop a project for the construction of a breakwater. What is Plymouth Breakwater?
When work began on its construction in 1812, the huge structure was called the "great national endeavor." This major civil engineering project, which took 30 years, is innovative in many ways and remains one of the largest autonomous breakwaters in the world. Local limestone was used to create it, and about 25 acres of quarry in Oreston disappeared, providing for the construction of three and a half million tons of material. Since its completion in 1841, they dealt with the construction of a lighthouse, 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 being updated to protect Plymouth from bad weather.
Rockland Breakwater - what is it?
The breakwater is a favorite local attraction, because it offers stunning panoramic views of Rockland - a small town located in the United States. It has a rich history and, from the time of construction, is critical to Rockland Harbor. The construction of the breakwater took almost two decades (1881-1899), more than 700, 000 tons of granite were used, and the cost amounted to more than $ 750, 000. The need for its construction was due to the fact that in the 1850s several major 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 pier was built before 1902 and is still in use.
At some point, the Coast Guard planned to destroy the lighthouse, but this caused a storm of public protest, and the city took over its maintenance. It is noteworthy that the Rockland logo and letterhead contain an image of a lighthouse.
Rockland's Breakwater - A Great Walk About a Mile Long
A city attraction is open to the public every day. Walking through 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 of what is a breakwater, we can add that this is also a great place for fishing, as it serves as a refuge and ideal habitat for many sea fish, such as rock bass (sea bass) and sand sharks.
Any local will tell you that the best view for memory pictures can be obtained from the water. You can use one of the boats and schooners, which are often in the harbor, or daily ferries passing by.
