Coastal Protection:
* Seawalls: Rigid structures built parallel to the shoreline to protect against erosion and flooding. They can be made of concrete, stone, or other materials.
* Breakwaters: Structures built offshore, usually perpendicular to the shoreline, to break up waves and reduce their energy. This helps protect harbors, beaches, and coastal infrastructure from erosion and storm damage.
* Groynes: Structures built perpendicular to the shoreline to trap sand and prevent erosion. They can be made of wood, concrete, or stone.
* Revetments: Protective layers of rocks, concrete, or other materials placed on the slope of a shoreline to prevent erosion.
* Beach Nourishment: The process of adding sand to a beach to restore its natural profile and protect against erosion.
Navigation and Transportation:
* Jetties: Structures extending out into the sea, typically at the entrance of a harbor, to protect the channel from sediment buildup and guide ships.
* Dredged Channels: Channels created by removing sediment from the seafloor, allowing safe passage for ships.
* Wharves and Docks: Platforms extending from the shoreline, providing access for ships to load and unload cargo.
* Bridges: Structures built over waterways, connecting land masses and facilitating transportation.
Other Purposes:
* Offshore Platforms: Structures built in the sea to support oil and gas drilling operations.
* Wind Farms: Structures built in the sea to support wind turbines for generating electricity.
* Marinas: Structures providing sheltered and protected areas for boats to moor.
* Artificial Reefs: Structures sunk into the sea to provide habitat for marine life.
Examples of Specific Seaworks:
* The Thames Barrier, UK: A flood barrier protecting London from tidal surges.
* The Great Wall of China (at the sea): A portion of the famous wall was built along the coast to protect against invaders.
* The Panama Canal: A complex system of locks, channels, and dams connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
* The Hoover Dam: A large dam built across the Colorado River, creating a reservoir and generating hydroelectric power.
These examples highlight the diverse roles seaworks play in our interaction with the marine environment, from protecting coastlines to facilitating trade and harnessing energy.