Aqueduct
An aqueduct is an artificial (man-made) channel that is constructed to convey water (properly called a canal) from one location to another. Many aqueducts are raised above the landscape, resembling bridges rather than rivers. Sufficiently large aqueducts may also be usable by ships. They bear certain resemblances to viaducts.
Aqua Claudia, Rome (Larger image) |
Historically, many agricultural societies have constructed aqueducts to irrigate crops. Archimedes invented the water screw to raise water for use in irrigation of croplands.
Another widespread use for aqueducts is to supply large cities with clean drinking water. Some of the famed Roman aqueducts still supply water to Rome today. In California, USA, a large aqueduct runs in the central valley that transports water from North California to the Los Angeles area.
In modern civil engineering projects, detailed study and analysis of open channel flow is commonly required to support flood control, irrigation systems, and large water suppy systems when an aqueduct rather than a pipeline is the preferred solution.
Navigable aqueducts include:
- aqueduct near Roelofarendsveen (mun. Alkemade), Netherlands: Ringvaart canal crosses A4 highway, which is situated on land below the level of the canal (and below sea level)
- Gouwe aqueduct, near Gouda, Netherlands: Gouwe river crosses A12 highway, which is on land below the level of the river.
Segovia, Spain (Larger image) |
Roman aqueducts include:
See also irrigation, leat.
