Cape Race
Cape Race | ||
Geographical location | ||
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Coordinates | 46 ° 39 ′ 31 ″ N , 53 ° 4 ′ 22 ″ W | |
Waters 1 | Atlantic Ocean | |
Cape Race on a postage stamp |
The Cape Race is a headland on the southeastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the Canadian island of Newfoundland .
Its name is probably borrowed from the Portuguese language, meaning "flat cape". The name of the cape appeared on nautical charts as "Cape Raso" as early as the early 16th century. Other sources derive it from Cabo Raso at the mouth of the Tejo in Portugal .
geography
The Cape Race is a flat, barren headland that protrudes far into the Atlantic Ocean . The area is characterized by a harsh climate and thick fog. On average, the Avalon Peninsula is shrouded in fog 158 days a year. These weather conditions and the proximity to the transatlantic shipping routes led to numerous ship accidents in this sea area. The first lighthouse to improve safety for shipping was put into service in 1856 on a headland on the southeastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula.
Web links
- Russ Rowlett: Lighthouses of Southeast Newfoundland ( English ) In: The Lighthouse Directory . University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Retrieved November 5, 2010.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Lighthouse at Cabo Raso ( Memento of the original from August 15, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , Portuguese, accessed November 5, 2010.