Jetty Or Breakwater? EarthCache
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• This is an Earthcache. There is no actual container to hunt for at the listed coordinates, however there is a logging requirement. Please read below as you will be learning an earth science lesson about the unique features of this particular type of area. •
•You will need to time your visit to this earthcache in conjunction with LOW TIDE. The area CANNOT be accessed by foot during high tide, nor will you be able to observe the object in question properly•
This earthcache is located in the Department Of Defense Ponds Wildlife Management Area. This area was once a 335 acre sand mining operation including a large lake and many interconnected ponds. It was purchased by the NJDEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection) and is now open to the public. You can park at the parking coordinates listed here, or you can park elsewhere and walk the trail system around the property. Either way, bring a camera and binoculars for some spectacular views.
At the posted coordinates, you'll see a man-made object built with rocks. I was recently discussing this area with a co-worker who is familiar with it as well. It came into question on whether this object is in fact a jetty, or a breakwater. Well, upon doing some research on the two different man made objects, we came to a conclusion. Before asking any questions, let's learn a little bit about the two objects in question.
JETTIES
Sea Bright Jetty - Sea Bright Beach, NJ
•By definition, a jetty is a structure extended into a sea, lake, or river to influence the current or tide. The forms and constructions of jetties are varied as are their uses.
• Jetties 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 coast for ports in tideless seas.
• In short, jetties are generally used to constrict the current of a particular body of water to a certain direction.
BREAKWATERS
Sunset Beach Breakwater, Cape May, NJ
• By definition, a breakwater is a barrier built out into a body of water to protect a coast or harbor from the force of waves.
• Offshore breakwaters reduce the intensity of waves in inshore waters, thus reducing coastal erosion.
• Breakwaters are also built to provide safe anchorage into harbors for boats and other water based vessels.
YOU MUST EMAIL ME VIA MY GEOCACHING.COM PROFILE WITH THE ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS TO CLAIM THIS EARTHCACHE *ANY LOG NOT MEETING THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL PROMPTLY BE DELETED* -
1. So tell me....do you think this is a jetty or a breakwater and why?
2. What is one of the tell-tale features of this object that make it a jetty or a breakwater?
3. Upon observing the geological features of the coastline on both sides of the object in question, why do you think this object was built?
4. Walk out onto the object and examine the rocks. Describe the texture and the shape.
5. (OPTIONAL) Get a picture of yourself standing on the object in question. Go ahead, walk out into the river a bit on it, it's not going anywhere!
Please be respectful of this type of cache and be sure to send the information within a reasonable amount of time before or after logging a find. If I haven't received any information from you within a few days of your find, please do not be surprised if your log is deleted. Any logs with the earthcache answers in them will also be deleted. Have fun and as always, please be safe and mindful while caching the DODs.
| This Earthcache was placed by an: |
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*Special thanks to Trowel32 & 4wheelin_fool for this excellent snapshot of the jett....er....break....wait....jet...no....bre....You tell me!*
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Treasures
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