A cape is a geographical feature that is made up of a small piece of land or peninsula that extends from the coast into the sea. Depending on the amount of land that enters the sea, it can have an influence on ocean currents. From these charges, coasts with more or less waves are created. Ropes have been used throughout history in navigation to keep track of the coast and it is where the lighthouses were placed.
In this article we are going to tell you what is a cape and the importance it has in the dynamics of the coasts.
What is a cape
A cape is a concept or that is used both in geography and geology to indicate a geographical feature made up of a small piece of land that extends from the coast to the interior of the sea. In this area the water surface is lower and makes navigation difficult. Furthermore, marine currents are affected by this change in the morphology of the terrain.
Among the main characteristics we find in a cape is its influence on ocean currents, as it is an extension that juts out into the sea. For hundreds of years, capes have been used as a reference point for navigators, providing greater visibility of the mainland and protecting vessels from various dangers of the open sea. The existence of capes provided greater chances of survival in the event of an unforeseen event, and therefore, many of the world's most important capes were strategic locations for the installation of lighthouses to guide sailors.
Had today, with satellite navigation the headlights have lost their importance. Now you can know the location in real time at any time and anywhere in the world. In addition, not only the morphology of the terrain is known but also that of the interior of the sea. This is done to avoid different accidents of possible collisions of boats with the tips of the underwater mountain ranges.
This small protruding portion of coastline has had a symbolic meaning throughout history. The antiquity the end of a territory was precisely a cape. For example, it can be explained through the name of Cape Finisterre. In Latin this name means end of the earth and is located on the coasts of Galicia. For the ancient Romans this point or at the extreme end of the entire western territory. There is one of the most emblematic lighthouses of the entire XNUMXth century and it is a place known for the different shipwrecks and some battles that took place.
Most important capes in the world
Now we are going to analyze the most important capes in the world for their strategic importance and their tourist attraction.
- Cape de Creus in Girona: this is one of the most visited destinations on the entire Catalan coast. It is affected by the north wind and strong waves continuously throughout the time. This wind regime has caused the rocks to be exculpated with an impressive profile throughout the entire cape. It is considered the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula. It has an altitude of 67.2 meters and rises above the Mediterranean Sea in northeast Spain.
- Cape Finisterre: As we mentioned before, it is located in Galicia on the Atlantic coast and due to its historical importance as a strategic point where numerous shipwrecks and battles have taken place, it was declared a European Cultural Heritage Site in 2007. More information about its historical relevance can be found in the details about the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Cape Catoche: this cape belongs to Holbox Island located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is the northernmost part of the Yucatan peninsula on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. At this cape you can determine the division between this coastline and the Antillean Sea. It is located 53 kilometers north of Cancun.
- Cape of three Forcas: This cape is located in the Strait of Gibraltar, north of the Rif and south of the Iberian Peninsula and the Alboran Sea. It has also had strategic importance throughout history, similar to other capes that have been crucial in navigation.
- Cape Horn: It is a cape that is located in the southernmost part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, in southern Chile. It is considered the southernmost point of the American continent.
- Cape of the Orchards: Also located in Spain on the Levantine coast is the city of Alicante. In addition, in its vicinity you can observe interesting geological formations, which are part of the Betic.
- Sail Cape: This cape is also quite high and is located in the southern Caribbean Sea. We can specifically see it in the Guajira peninsula in Colombia. The highest part has a height of 47 meters above sea level.
- Cape of San Roque: It is one of the best known capes in all of Brazil and is located about 51 kilometers from the state capital. It is famous for being the point on the Brazilian coast that is closest to the African coast.
- Cape shark: Its name is given because it is shaped like a shark and marks the beginning of the border between Panama and Colombia.
Cape in boats
The term rope is also used for the knots of the boats. It is not only important to take into account the marine currents that can generate a geological cape near the coast, but you also have to have safety on the boats.
The parts of a cape are:
The parts of a cape are mainly the firm, the bosom and the whip. The whip is the name by which the end of the cape is represented. The rest of all training is known as firm. Within the cape formation, any arc or curvature that forms along the entire surface is known as a sine.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what a cape is.
It is the most complete, clear and simple definition that I have found. Thanks.