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Technology changes with the tides.
While strolling through the National Science Museum, I observed a series of inventions used to aid people in predicting tides and protecting coastlines against surges of water in the case of natural disasters. Each invention, extraordinary in their own rights, has allowed scientists to further their knowledge of the ocean.
The first in the series of inventions begins with a tide predicting machine invented in 1872. The machine was revolutionary for the time and paved a way for other inventions that would greatly help people across the world in safe-guarding against natural disasters.
Inventions like the tide-predicting machine allowed for important innovations like the Thames Barrier pier. The Thames barrier pier was invented over a century after the tide-predicting machine and is used in the case of emergency to prevent surge into London by rotating from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
Another invention facilitated by the tide predicting machine was the electronic ocean model. The electronic ocean model could predict storm surge timings, as well as strength and location. This invention has been vital to more innovation in protecting against natural disasters.
These machines really stood out to me because of our closeness to the Thames and my knowledge of hurricanes in places like Florida. I found the innovation incredibly interesting and important to protecting people who live along coastlines.
Thank you for reading!
Written by Ailish Lynch, 6 February, 2025.