What is a Harbor?
A harbor is a sheltered body of water which can be used as a shelter for ships. Many major cities are located near large natural harbors, since a harbor can provide a connection to international trade and shipping. Both natural and artificial harbors can be found all over the world, ranging from small coves which are little more than shelters from inclement weather to bustling ports. In some English speaking nations, the word is spelled “harbour.” Harbors fall into two basic types. Natural harbors are geological features created by the landscape. A natural harbor can be quite large, or just small enough to fit a few ships sheltering from a storm. San Francisco Bay in California is a well known example of a natural harbor. Artificial harbors are created through the use of piers, jetties, and other man-made features, and they may also be dredged to allow passage for larger ships. The port of Trondheim in Norway is a large artificial harbor. A large harbor is often combined with a port, a
