What is the Difference Between Jetty and Pier?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a jetty and a pier lies in their structure, purpose, and impact on the surrounding environment. Here are the key differences:
- Structure: A pier is a platform on pillars projecting from the shore into the water, often supported by well-spaced pillars or piles. In contrast, a jetty is a long, narrow structure stretching from the shore into the water, usually made of wood, stone, earth, or concrete, and having a solid wall down to the waterbed without the support of pillars.
- Purpose: Piers are typically used for activities like fishing, docking, and tourism. They can also provide a fishing place for boatless anglers. Jetties, on the other hand, are designed to protect the coastline from currents and tides, as their solid structure can withstand the force of the water. Jetties can also be built to direct and confine a stream or tidal flow to a selected channel, protect inlet channels from cross currents or storm waves, and connect the land with deep water farther away from the shore to dock ships.
- Impact on Tide and Current: Jetties can change the path of the tide and current, while piers allow the tide and current to flow through relatively undisturbed.
In summary, a pier is a platform extending from the shore into the water, often used for fishing, docking, and tourism, while a jetty is a long, narrow structure designed to protect the coastline from currents and tides and direct water flow.
Comparative Table: Jetty vs Pier
Here is a table comparing the differences between a jetty and a pier:
| Feature | Jetty | Pier |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Coastal protection, managing water flow, and docking ships | Docking and recreational purposes |
| Structure | Long, narrow structure stretching from the shore into the water, usually made of wood, stone, earth, or concrete, and not raised with the support of pillars | Platform on pillars projecting from the shore into the water, often supported by well-spaced pillars or piles |
| Impact on Tide and Current | Can change the path of the tide and current | Allows the tide and current to flow through relatively undisturbed |
| Location | Typically built perpendicular to the shore | Usually built parallel to the shore or at an angle |
In summary, jetties are built for coastal protection, managing water flow, and docking ships, while piers are used for docking and recreational purposes. Jetties are long, narrow structures stretching from the shore into the water, usually made of wood, stone, earth, or concrete, and not raised with the support of pillars. In contrast, piers are platforms on pillars projecting from the shore into the water, often supported by well-spaced pillars or piles. Jetties can change the path of the tide and current, whereas piers allow the tide and current to flow through relatively undisturbed. Jetties are typically built perpendicular to the shore, while piers are usually built parallel to the shore or at an angle.