Harbor facts for kids
A harbor (or harbour) is a safe place for ships to stay. It's like a parking spot for boats! Harbors keep ships safe from bad weather and strong waves. A port is also a harbor, but it's usually much bigger and busier.
Ports often have special areas of water protected by breakwaters. These are walls built to block waves. Inside, there are quays or piers where ships can tie up. From these spots, goods can be moved using different transport systems. This includes trains, trucks, and even pipelines. Smaller ships can also carry goods on rivers.
Contents
What is a Harbor?
A harbor is a natural or man-made place where ships can find shelter. Think of it as a safe haven for boats. This protection is important for ships, especially during storms.
Natural Harbors
Some harbors are completely natural. This means the land around them already provides a safe, deep area for ships. A great example is San Francisco in the USA. Its bay naturally protects ships.
Artificial Harbors
Other harbors are built by people. These are called artificial harbors. Ancient Carthage had famous artificial harbors. Sometimes, a harbor can be a mix of both natural and artificial features.
Harbors in History
During World War II, a very clever idea was used. For the D-Day invasion in 1944, two special artificial harbors were built. They were called Mulberry harbors. These temporary harbors were set up right off the beaches in France. They helped bring many supplies and soldiers ashore quickly.
Related pages
Images for kids
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New York Harbor and the Hudson River in the foreground; the East River in the background.
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Tanjung Perak is a famous example of a natural harbor in Indonesia. The harbor location in Madura Strait.
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Port Jackson, Sydney.
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The harbor of Gorey, Jersey falls dry at low tide.
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Punta del Este's harbor – nicknamed the Monte Carlo of South America
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The harbor in Aberystwyth, painted c. 1850
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Port of Szczecin, Poland
See also
In Spanish: Refugio marítimo para niños
