EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
BREASTWORK
Vertically-faced or steeply inclined structure usually built with timber and parallel to the shoreline, at or near the
beach crest, to resist erosion or mitigate against flooding.
BUFFER AREA
A parcel or strip of land that is designed and designated to permanently remain vegetated in an undisturbed and
natural condition to protect an adjacent aquatic or wetland site from upland impacts, to provide habitat for wildlife and to
afford limited public access.
BULKHEAD
A structure or partition to retain or prevent sliding of the land. A secondary purpose is to protect the UPLAND
against damage from wave action.
BULK DENSITY
Identical to apparent specific gravity, Ga = soil density density of water. "Apparent" means that the basis of
measurement is the total soil volume including voids, not just the individual soil particles.
BULL NOSE
Substantial lip or protuberance at the top of the seaward face of a wall, to deflect waves seaward.
BUOY
A float; especially a floating object moored to the bottom, to mark a channel, anchor, shoal rock, etc. Some
common types include: a nun or nut buoy is conical in shape; a can buoy is squat and cylindrical above water and conical
below water; a spar buoy is a vertical, slender spar anchored at one end; a bell buoy, bearing a bell, runs mechanically or by
the action of waves, usually marks shoals or rocks; a whistling buoy, similarly operated, marks shoals or channel entrances; a
dan buoy carries a pole with a flag or light on it.
BUOYANCY
The resultant of upward forces, exerted by the water on a submerged or floating body, equal to the weight of the
water displaced by this body.
BYPASSING, SAND
Hydraulic or mechanical movement of sand from the accreting updrift side to the eroding downdrift side of an inlet
or harbor entrance. The hydraulic movement may include natural movement as well as movement caused by man.
A-12
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
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