This EarthCache was placed here to share the beauty and serenity of this location, as well as its history. You may ask, what is a jetty? A jetty is any of a variety of structures used in river, dock, and maritime works that are generally carried out in pairs from river banks, or in continuation of river channels at their outlets into deep water; or out into docks, and outside their entrances; or for forming basins along the sea-coast for ports in tideless seas. The forms and construction of these jetties are as varied as their uses (directing currents or accommodating vessels), for they are formed sometimes of high open timber-work, sometimes of low solid projections, and occasionally only differ from breakwaters in their object. Jetties at the coast that have been raised and extended help prevent long shore drift, thereby slowing down beach erosion. This jetty in Point Pleasant is greatly used by boaters, fishermen, and, of course, the general public and its appreciation for the jetty's beauty.
While here look for forms of erosion - if any! The jetty is made to prevent this situation but often erosion rocks and other signs of erosion can be found. Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land and the removal of beach or dune sediments by wave action, tidal currents, wave currents, or drainage (see also: beach evolution). Waves generated by storms, wind, or fast moving motor craft cause coastal erosion, which may take the form of long-term losses of sediment and rocks, or merely the temporary redistribution of coastal sediments; erosion in one location may result in accretion nearby. In particular this jetty has done very well to protect the beaches of Point Pleasant and has mostly been a great success.
Furthermore, without the nearby sand dunes, beaches may greatly erode over time. Dune grass is an essential part of the protection and life span of the sand dune. The roots of sand grasses keep the dunes intact and will help control erosion.
Environmentalists and scientists know sea walls and jetties were the best way to protect barrier islands. The jetty here allows access to the Manasquan River and Lake Louise, and it is at the northern terminus of the Intracoastal Waterway which one can take to Brownsville, Texas. You can view the location pre-jetty through today at http://www.historicaerials.com/. Sometimes with jetties, you will see an accumulation of sand around them, extending the shoreline, but it appears with this jetty, the shore width appears to remain constant. This jetty is at the mouth of a tidal river, the Manasquan River.
Getting to the jetty: It is very simple and visible location to reach. From practically anywhere on the Point Pleasant Beach or Boardwalk (Jenkinson’s), look north and you can see a bunch of rocks jutting out. It couldn’t be an easier venue to find or enjoy. Ideal for the kids, bring the whole family along - fishing is great here. Benches are at the coordinates where you can sit and watch plenty of the boats go by. Metered parking is in the area.
*EarthCache coordinates are simply to guide you to the jetty to find out log answers, feel free to explore the jetty.*
To log this EarthCache email me the following:
- IT IS OPTIONAL, however recommended: A picture of yourself and/or your GPS at the location (you can post this on logs)
- What is a jetty, three uses for jetties and how the water is regulated because of them
- Describe the geological structure of the jetty including the types of rocks you see?
- From your investigating at the EarthCache site, what reasons do you think caused a jetty to be placed here (think of the uses!)
- Do you see signs of erosion, if so report them; if not say how the jetty is preventing these situations
Para registrar este correo electrónico me EarthCache los siguientes:
- Una foto de ti o tu GPS en la ubicación (puedes publicar esto en los registros)
- Tres usos de muelles
- Describir la estructura geológica de la escollera, incluidos los tipos de rocas que ver?
- A partir de su inversión en el sitio EarthCache, ¿qué razones cree usted que causó un muelle que se coloca aquí (pensar en los usos!)?
- ¿Usted ve signos de erosión, si fuera así, el informe, y si no dice cómo el muelle es la prevención de estas situaciones?
---Be extremely careful on the rocks as some protruding rocks are very dangerous---
Information for this EarthCache was gathered from books and internet sources that are available to the general public. You might want to be sure to check the weather before visiting, in case something like this occurs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev3-FxfNYhY