LOCATION OF HARBORS

Abstract

The location of harbors is dependent on many factors, which vary widely in different parts of the country. For example, along the Atlantic coast are many natural waterways. The improvement of these waterways, especially for small craft, is comparatively inexpensive and harbors are constructed at frequent intervals. However, along the coast of southern California, natural facilities are almost nonexistent. Consequently, improvements are farther apart and correspondingly larger. The cost per boat accommodated remains about the same. In general, this discussion is based on conditions along the coast of California, particularly southern California. The purpose of this paper is to show how the costs, functions, types, sizes, and physical features of harbors and the effect of harbors on adjacent shore lines and underground basins are related to the selection of a proposed harbor site. Typical examples, with brief discussions of the principal factors involved in the selection of harbor Sites, are given later in this paper.