Cascais tide gauge

Category: Civil Architecture > Tide Gauge

District: Lisboa > Cascais > Cascais > Gandarinha

Location

The Cascais Tide Gauge is uniquely located in Gandarinha, Cascais, by the coastline that stretches along the municipality. This location provides a direct and uninterrupted connection with the vast Atlantic Ocean, allowing visitors an immersive experience in the local maritime landscape.

Situated at a strategic point, the Tide Gauge offers a privileged perspective on the dynamics of the tides and the immensity of the sea, blending harmoniously into its serene natural surroundings, where human presence meets the force of nature.

A Legacy of Scientific Observation

This remarkable monument is, in essence, a scientific instrument of great historical importance for Portugal. The Cascais Tide Gauge is one of the oldest and most important sea level measurement instruments in continuous operation in the country.

Since its installation, it has been a crucial tool for collecting data that allows for the understanding of complex ocean movements, including tides and mean sea level variations. Its existence represents a lasting commitment to science and navigation, contributing significantly to oceanographic studies and maritime cartography.

Architecture and Function

The structure housing the Tide Gauge is an example of architecture designed for a specific purpose: to protect a high-precision measuring instrument. The building is designed to ensure the stability and integrity of the equipment, despite constant exposure to maritime elements such as salinity and wave force.

While functional, its construction is robust and adapted to the coastal environment, integrating discreetly into the landscape. It is a testament to the engineering required to keep an observatory in operation that demands uninterrupted and extremely rigorous measurements over decades.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marégrafo_de_Cascais

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt