I'm curious, and a curious mind always finds an answer."
I have so many questions inside my mind, some of them are answered, while there are many questions unanswered waiting in a queue. One such question which was running a lot in my mind was this, why these solid rocks are placed alongside Marine Drive in Mumbai? Why they are shaped like this and much more!
"Spend time with yourself, and you'll find an answer to everything you see."
I've been to Mumbai so many times, and Marine Drive is one of my favorite place to spend some quality time with myself. I could sit there for hours, doing almost nothing.
So, let's find out the answer to our curious question!
First of all, we need to know their name.
Well, these rocks alongside Marine Drive, Mumbai are called as Tetrapods. In the language of Coastal Engineering, they are called as Tetrahedral Concrete structure, which simply means a concrete structure with three heads. This structural design was brought in Mumbai in late 1950's. And they are as old as Marine Drive, Mumbai.
Tetrapods originated in?
France. Yes! Tetrapods were originally invented in France, but there is no patent to this structure. Each Tetrapod weighs around 2 tons. Right after their origin Tetrapods spread worldwide because of the purpose they served and their capabilities.
Now, you might be thinking what purpose do they serve?
Well, Tetrapods are the reason why we can go to Marine Drive and spend some time there.
Tetra head or Tetrapod stops breakwater from entering into the city and controls the water force by dissipating the energy of incoming waves and allows the water to flow around them.
They look ugly in real!
"If your purpose is noble, then it doesn't matter how ugly you are."
You may like these Tetrapods in these beautiful pictures, but trust me, they look the most obnoxious rock on the earth ever made. Also, they disturb the scenic beauty. Marine Drive, Mumbai and other places like this would look even more beautiful if they were not here, but they are important.
Japan is also using Tetrapods to stop the sea water.
Though it can be said that Tetrapods have never worked for Japan in a very positive way, it has undoubtedly decreased some demonic waves from entering their city.
Even Mount Fuji in Japan has their own Tetrapods.
Japan's Mount Fuji is also surrounded by Tetrapods. When ice water comes down from Mount Fuji, these Tetrapods play a very crucial role in lowering their pressure and power to save overflowing of the water and stops it from causing any harm.
They can be spotted near the North Sea in Germany.
Ever wondered, what it would be like without Tetrapods?
It would be like this; the incoming sea waves will enter into our cities causing chaos everywhere. Forget sea shores; it'd become even harder to live near sea side.
Keep calm and enjoy sea shore!
It would be like this; the incoming sea waves will enter into our cities causing chaos everywhere. Forget sea shores; it'd become even harder to live near sea side.
