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Article: Ports and Harbors
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- Water:Science and Issues
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Ports and Harbors
Foreign trade is vitally important to the United States economy and the international movement of goods and materials has highlighted the significance of harbor access and development issues. Natural harbors, typically in bays,
estuaries
, and river mouths, occur where land and water converges in such a way as to protect ships from wind and waves as they enter and dock. Harbors can also be constructed using
jetties
and
breakwaters
to provide protection for ships.
Harbors include entrance channels, interior channels (to allow movement to anchoring areas or turning basins), and support facilities for refueling and repairing vessels. Harbors can be located either on ...