Name: gradually varying flow
Uploaded: 2025-03-26T15:04:22.000Z
Duration: 1 min 29 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

ohios-learning-standards-and-model-curriculum

Ohio’s Learning Standards and Model Curriculum

9-12

Physical Geology

igneous-metamorphic-and-sedimentary-rocks

Igneous, Metamorphic And Sedimentary Rocks

Ocean

Gradually Varying Flow

In open channels, gradually varying flow, or GVF, occurs when the depth of water changes slowly along the channel due to varying factors, such as a non-uniform bottom slope, changing channel shape, or obstructions.This type of flow occurs when the flow depth adjusts gradually due to an equilibrium between gravitational forces, flow inertia, and friction. It is characterized by a low rate of depth change, denoted by dy over dx.&nbsp;GVF profiles are typically used in rivers, canals, and natural streams, where flow depth gradually increases or decreases over long distances.When the slope of the channel bed differs from the energy slope, the flow adjusts accordingly.For example, when the bed slope is steeper, the depth tends to decrease, while gentler slopes result in an increase in depth.This adjustment is driven by gravity and shear forces, which change the velocity and depth to meet continuity and energy requirements.Optimal hydraulic cross sections, such as rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular shapes, are often used in design to support efficient flow. Understanding GVF enables the prediction of flow behavior and the designing of channels to minimize abrupt flow changes.

gradually varying flow

Gradually varying flow (GVF) in open channels describes situations where water depth changes slowly along the channel due to factors like non-uniform bed slope, channel shape variations, or obstructions. This flow type occurs when the depth adjusts gradually to balance gravitational forces, shear forces, and energy requirements, resulting in a low rate of depth change.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Characteristics of Gradually Varying Flow</h3>GVF is commonly observed in natural streams, rivers, and canals, where flow depth changes progressively over extended distances. The slope of the channel bed, relative to the energy slope, plays a critical role in determining the flow behavior. When the bed slope is steep, water depth decreases due to the dominance of gravitational forces. In contrast, gentler slopes promote increased depths as shear forces and energy gradients adjust to maintain balance. These gradual changes ensure flow continuity while meeting energy conservation principles.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Hydraulic Cross Sections and Flow Efficiency</h3>Channel design often incorporates optimal hydraulic cross sections, such as rectangular, trapezoidal, or triangular profiles, to enhance flow efficiency and minimize energy losses. These shapes support the stable and predictable behavior of GVF, reducing the likelihood of abrupt flow changes and separation. By selecting appropriate cross-sectional designs, the channel can sustain a controlled transition of water depth over varying terrain.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Applications of GVF Analysis</h3>Understanding GVF is critical for predicting flow behavior and designing channels that align with natural and engineered conditions. Accurate analysis of GVF helps maintain flow stability, prevent erosion, and support efficient water transport. This knowledge is essential in managing rivers, designing irrigation systems, and optimizing drainage channels for sustainable and reliable operation.

Gradually varying flow (GVF) in open channels describes situations where water depth changes slowly along the channel due to factors like non-uniform bed ...

Education

JoVE Core

Civil Engineering

Unit 1

Open Channel Flow

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

energy considerations in open channel flow

energy-considerations-in-open-channel-flow

Energy Considerations in Open Channel Flow

Open channel flow, where a fluid flows with a free surface exposed to the atmosphere, is primarily governed by gravitational and surface effects, ...

uniform depth channel flow

Uniform Depth Channel Flow

Uniform depth channel flow keeps fluid depth consistent along channels such as irrigation canals. In natural channels, such as rivers, approximate uniform ...

uniform depth channel flow: problem solving

uniform-depth-channel-flow-problem-solving

Uniform Depth Channel Flow: Problem Solving

To calculate the flow rate for a trapezoidal channel, first, identify the bottom width, side slope, and flow depth of the channel. The cross-sectional ...

 rapidly varying flow

 Rapidly Varying Flow

Rapidly varying flow (RVF) in open channels is characterized by abrupt changes in flow depth over a short distance, with the rate of depth change relative ...

hydraulic jump

Hydraulic Jump

A hydraulic jump is a sudden rise in fluid depth in open channels, occurring when high-velocity (supercritical) flow transitions to low-velocity ...

hydraulic jump: problem solving

Hydraulic Jump: Problem Solving

To analyze a hydraulic jump in a rectangular channel with a flow speed of 6 meters per second, follow these steps:Calculate Effective Upstream ...

weir

Weir

A weir is a hydraulic structure designed to partially obstruct an open channel, enabling precise control and measurement of water flow. By forcing water ...

weir: problem solving

Weir: Problem Solving

Water flow in open channels is often measured using hydraulic structures such as weirs, which allow precise calculation of discharge. In a rectangular ...

underflow gates

Underflow Gates

Underflow gates are vital for controlling water flow in irrigation canals. The three main types of underflow gates — vertical, radial, and drum gates ...

design example: design of an irrigation channel

design-example-design-of-an-irrigation-channel

Design Example: Design of an Irrigation Channel

Trapezoidal channels are widely used in irrigation systems due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency in conveying water. Trapezoidal channels feature ...

key terms and concepts

Learn how water depth changes gradually in open channels, how slope and channel shape affect flow, and why GVF matters in rivers, canals, and drainage.

Open Channel Depth Changes in GVF | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Civil Engineering offers a foundational exploration of essential construction materials such as bricks, stones, steel, wood, and concrete, along with fluid mechanics topics like flow over immersed bodies, open channel flow, and dimensional modeling. It also covers key surveying concepts, including leveling, traverse adjustments, curve design, topographic mapping, and geospatial technologies (GPS & GIS). Science-in-action videos showcase laboratory research on materials, fluids, and surveying practices in real-world engineering systems.

civil engineering

Virginia  Standards of Learning

HIgh School

Earth Science

ES.8

ES.8.d

Igneous Intrusive Rock

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Igneous rocks are products of the cooling and crystallization of high temperature ...

Igneous Volcanic Rock

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Igneous rocks are the products of cooling and crystallization of magma. Volcanic rocks ...

determining-spatial-orientation-rock-layers-with-brunton

Determining Spatial Orientation of Rock Layers with the Brunton Compass

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Most rock units exhibit some form of planar surfaces or linear features. Examples ...

using-topographic-maps-to-generate-topographic-profiles

Using Topographic Maps to Generate Topographic Profiles

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Topographic maps are &#34;plan-view&#34; representations of Earth&#39;s ...

Making a Geologic Cross Section

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
Geologic maps were first made and utilized in Europe, in the mid-to-late 18th century. ...

Igneous
• Mafic and felsic rocks and minerals
• Intrusive (igneous structures: dikes, sills, batholiths, pegmatites)
• Earth's interior (inner core, outer core, lower mantle, upper mantle, Mohorovicic discontinuity, crust)
• Magnetic reversals and Earth's magnetic field
• Thermal energy within the Earth
• Extrusive (volcanic activity, volcanoes: cinder cones, composite, shield)
• Bowen's Reaction Series (continuous and discontinuous branches)

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are introduced. Rocks and minerals are tested and classified. Plate tectonics, seismic waves and the structure of Earth are studied and the geologic record is introduced (including the evidence of climatic variances through Earth's history). In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included as they relate to the documented history of life in the geologic record. In the Physical Science strand, waves, thermal energy, currents, pressure and gravity are presented. In this course, geologic, topographic, seismic and aerial maps are used to locate and recognize igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary structures and features. Technological advances permit the investigation of intrusive structures and the interior of Earth. Connections between the minerals present within each type of rock and the environment formed are important. The processes and environmental conditions that lead to fossil fuel formation (Note: this links to the energy resources section below) includes the fossil fuels found in Ohio, nationally and globally. Bowen's Reaction Series is used to develop an understanding of the relationship of cooling temperature, formation of specific igneous minerals and the resulting igneous environment. The focus is on knowing how to use Bowen's Reaction Series, not to memorize it. Virtual demonstrations and simulations of cooling magma and crystallization of the igneous minerals found on the series can be helpful in conceptualizing the chart. The magnetic properties of Earth are examined through the study of real data and evidence. The relationship of polar changes, magnetic striping, grid north, true north and the North Pole are included in the study of Earth's magnetic properties. Features found in the ocean include all types of environments (igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary). Using models (3-D or virtual) with real-time data to simulate waves, tides, currents, feature formation and changing sea levels to explore and investigate the ocean fully is recommended. Interpreting sections of the geologic record to determine sea level changes and depositional environments, including relative age, is also recommended. Technological advances can be used to observe and record the physical features of the Earth, including the ocean floor. Interpreting geologic history using maps of local cross-sections of bedrock can be related to the geologic history of Ohio, the United States and Earth.

Igneous

physical-properties-of-minerals-ii-polymineralic-analysis

Physical Properties Of Minerals II: Polymineralic Analysis

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
The physical properties of minerals include various measurable and discernible ...

physical-properties-of-minerals-i-crystals-and-cleavage

Physical Properties Of Minerals I: Crystals and Cleavage

Source: Laboratory of Alan Lester - University of Colorado Boulder
The physical properties of minerals comprise various measurable and discernible ...

Metamorphic
• Pressure, stress, temperature and compressional forces
• Foliated (regional), non-foliated (contact)
• Parent rock and degrees of metamorphism
• Metamorphic zones (where metamorphic rocks are found)

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are introduced. Rocks and minerals are tested and classified. Plate tectonics, seismic waves and the structure of Earth are studied and the geologic record is introduced (including the evidence of climatic variances through Earth's history). In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included as they relate to the documented history of life in the geologic record. In the Physical Science strand, waves, thermal energy, currents, pressure and gravity are presented. In this course, geologic, topographic, seismic and aerial maps are used to locate and recognize igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary structures and features. Technological advances permit the investigation of intrusive structures and the interior of Earth. Connections between the minerals present within each type of rock and the environment formed are important. The processes and environmental conditions that lead to fossil fuel formation (Note: this links to the energy resources section below) includes the fossil fuels found in Ohio, nationally and globally. Bowen's Reaction Series is used to develop an understanding of the relationship of cooling temperature, formation of specific igneous minerals and the resulting igneous environment. The focus is on knowing how to use Bowen's Reaction Series, not to memorize it. Virtual demonstrations and simulations of cooling magma and crystallization of the igneous minerals found on the series can be helpful in conceptualizing the chart. The magnetic properties of Earth are examined through the study of real data and evidence. The relationship of polar changes, magnetic striping, grid north, true north and the North Pole are included in the study of Earth's magnetic properties. Features found in the ocean include all types of environments (igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary). Using models (3-D or virtual) with real-time data to simulate waves, tides, currents, feature formation and changing sea levels to explore and investigate the ocean fully is recommended. Interpreting sections of the geologic record to determine sea level changes and depositional environments, including relative age, is also recommended. Technological advances can be used to observe and record the physical features of the Earth, including the ocean floor. Interpreting geologic history using maps of local cross-sections of bedrock can be related to the geologic history of Ohio, the United States and Earth.

Metamorphic

Magnetism

Magnets are commonly found in everyday objects, such as toys, hangers, elevators, doorbells, and computer devices. Experimentation on these magnets shows ...

Magnetic Field Lines

The representation of magnetic fields by magnetic field lines is very useful in visualizing the strength and direction of the magnetic field. Each of the ...

Meridians

In surveying, meridians are vital reference lines to measure directions and establish accurate land orientations. Meridians run from the north to the ...

Compass

The compass is a fundamental instrument that operates by aligning its magnetic needle with Earth's magnetic field. This alignment facilitates navigation ...

Magnetic Fields

Source: Yong P. Chen, PhD, Department of Physics &#38; Astronomy, College of Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Magnetic fields can be ...

Sedimentary
• Division of sedimentary rocks and minerals (chemical, clastic/physical, organic)
• Depositional environments

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are introduced. Rocks and minerals are tested and classified. Plate tectonics, seismic waves and the structure of Earth are studied and the geologic record is introduced (including the evidence of climatic variances through Earth's history). In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included as they relate to the documented history of life in the geologic record. In the Physical Science strand, waves, thermal energy, currents, pressure and gravity are presented. In this course, geologic, topographic, seismic and aerial maps are used to locate and recognize igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary structures and features. Technological advances permit the investigation of intrusive structures and the interior of Earth. Connections between the minerals present within each type of rock and the environment formed are important. The processes and environmental conditions that lead to fossil fuel formation (Note: this links to the energy resources section below) includes the fossil fuels found in Ohio, nationally and globally. Bowen's Reaction Series is used to develop an understanding of the relationship of cooling temperature, formation of specific igneous minerals and the resulting igneous environment. The focus is on knowing how to use Bowen's Reaction Series, not to memorize it. Virtual demonstrations and simulations of cooling magma and crystallization of the igneous minerals found on the series can be helpful in conceptualizing the chart. The magnetic properties of Earth are examined through the study of real data and evidence. The relationship of polar changes, magnetic striping, grid north, true north and the North Pole are included in the study of Earth's magnetic properties. Features found in the ocean include all types of environments (igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary). Using models (3-D or virtual) with real-time data to simulate waves, tides, currents, feature formation and changing sea levels to explore and investigate the ocean fully is recommended. Interpreting sections of the geologic record to determine sea level changes and depositional environments, including relative age, is also recommended. Technological advances can be used to observe and record the physical features of the Earth, including the ocean floor. Interpreting geologic history using maps of local cross-sections of bedrock can be related to the geologic history of Ohio, the United States and Earth.

Sedimentary

measuring-structure-composition-change-underwater-environments-with

Measuring the Structure, Composition, and Change of Underwater Environments with Large-area Imaging

Digital imaging and processing technology have evolved to facilitate the expansion of large-area imaging surveys, which increase our capacity to study the ...

a-field-primer-for-monitoring-benthic-ecosystems-using-structure-from

A Field Primer for Monitoring Benthic Ecosystems Using Structure-From-Motion Photogrammetry

Structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry is a technique used to generate three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions from a sequence of two-dimensional (2D) ...

Thermal Expansion

The expansion of alcohol in a thermometer is one of many commonly encountered examples of thermal expansion, which is the change in size or volume of a ...

Density

Density is an important characteristic of substances, crucial in determining whether an object sinks or floats in a fluid. Its SI unit is kg/m3, and its ...

Tidal Forces

The origin of Earth&#39;s ocean tides has been a subject of continuous investigation for over 2000 years. However, the work of Newton is considered to be ...

The Water Cycle

The Earth&rsquo;s hydrosphere includes all of the areas where the storage and movement of water occurs. Since water is the basis of all living processes, ...

Climate Change

The certainty of climate change remains a public controversy despite the consensus among approximately 97% of active climate researchers, who not only ...

Streamlines, Streaklines, and Pathlines

Consider water flowing steadily through a curved pipe. The direction of flow inside the pipe can be visualized using streamlines.
A streamline represents ...

Hydraulic Jumps

Source: Alexander S Rattner and Mahdi Nabil; Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
When ...

design-example-analyzing-capacity-contours-for-flood-risk-assessment

Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment

Flood risk assessment involves careful planning and analysis to ensure the safety of communities near water retention structures. Capacity contours are a ...

Ocean
• Tides (daily, neap and spring)
• Currents (deep and shallow, rip and longshore)
• Thermal energy and water density
• Waves
• Ocean features (ridges, trenches, island systems, abyssal zone, shelves, slopes, reefs, island arcs)
• Passive and active continental margins
• Transgressing and regressing sea levels
• Streams (channels, streambeds, floodplains, cross-bedding, alluvial fans, deltas)

Content elaboration: This unit builds upon a variety of topics studied in middle school. In the Earth and Space Science strand, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are introduced. Rocks and minerals are tested and classified. Plate tectonics, seismic waves and the structure of Earth are studied and the geologic record is introduced (including the evidence of climatic variances through Earth's history). In the Life Science strand, fossils and depositional environments are included as they relate to the documented history of life in the geologic record. In the Physical Science strand, waves, thermal energy, currents, pressure and gravity are presented. In this course, geologic, topographic, seismic and aerial maps are used to locate and recognize igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary structures and features. Technological advances permit the investigation of intrusive structures and the interior of Earth. Connections between the minerals present within each type of rock and the environment formed are important. The processes and environmental conditions that lead to fossil fuel formation (Note: this links to the energy resources section below) includes the fossil fuels found in Ohio, nationally and globally. Bowen's Reaction Series is used to develop an understanding of the relationship of cooling temperature, formation of specific igneous minerals and the resulting igneous environment. The focus is on knowing how to use Bowen's Reaction Series, not to memorize it. Virtual demonstrations and simulations of cooling magma and crystallization of the igneous minerals found on the series can be helpful in conceptualizing the chart. The magnetic properties of Earth are examined through the study of real data and evidence. The relationship of polar changes, magnetic striping, grid north, true north and the North Pole are included in the study of Earth's magnetic properties. Features found in the ocean include all types of environments (igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary). Using models (3-D or virtual) with real-time data to simulate waves, tides, currents, feature formation and changing sea levels to explore and investigate the ocean fully is recommended. Interpreting sections of the geologic record to determine sea level changes and depositional environments, including relative age, is also recommended. Technological advances can be used to observe and record the physical features of the Earth, including the ocean floor. Interpreting geologic history using maps of local cross-sections of bedrock can be related to the geologic history of Ohio, the United States and Earth.

Gradually Varying Flow

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