RSSPorts and Harbors
Feb 11
The chief doorways of the world of international commerce are its harbors and ports. Through them pass cargoes and travelers from one part of the globe to another. A harbor is any sheltered body of water where boats or ships may moor or anchor. A port is an installation that has been built around a harbor with facilities for loading and unloading such vessels. Ordinarily a harbor, either natural or man-made, must exist before a port facility can be set up. Some large harbors—San Francisco Bay on the California coast, for example—are used by several ports. Some ports, such as Chicago, Ill., on Lake Michigan, are served by several small harbors. The major requirements of a good harbor are direct access to the open water and sufficient depth for vessels to enter and exit safely. Ocean harbors are commonly 40 feet deep or more. The harbor should be well protected against storms and large waves. The bottom of the harbor should provide good holding ground for anchors—it must not be too rocky, too sandy, or too muddy. The harbor should also be spacious enough for ships to ride at anchor and to maneuver. Currents and tides must not be excessive.