What are these barrier like structures in London?
Tower Bridge, London
On the London Bridge they are positioned such that they look like barriers, but here as pictured on the Tower bridge they don't seem to offer any such protection.
What are these things and what purpose do they serve?
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What are the Thames barriers?
The Thames Barrier spans 520 metres across the River Thames near Woolwich, and it protects 125 square kilometres of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges. It has 10 steel gates that can be raised into position across the River Thames.Why was the Thames Barrier built in London?
The barrier, built in 1982 on the Thames on the eastern side of the capital at Woolwich, was designed to protect 48 sq miles (125 sq km) of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges.How does the Thames Barrier London work?
The Thames Barrier is made up of ten steel gates and spans the entire width of the River Thames. The gates control the amount of water allowed to flow from the North Sea into the Thames. When the gates are in the open position, the Thames flows freely and ships can pass through.How was the Thames Barrier built?
The barrier was built over a 520m wide stretch of the Thames near Woolwich in south London. It divides the river into 4 spans - each span is 61m across. Engineers chose the location as the banks were relatively straight at this point and the chalk river bed was strong enough to support the barrier.The Real Reason London's Skyscrapers Are Oddly Shaped - Cheddar Explains
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Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Anete Lusina, Anete Lusina, Mary Taylor