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Grades K–2 · Systems

Where does water go in an open channel?

Water poured into a sloping channel has a downhill way to go. This open route runs from a higher end on the left toward a lower pool on the right.

Gravity is Earth's pull on the water. It helps the water move down the slope. The channel's bottom and sides guide that moving water toward the pool instead of letting it spread in every direction.

The Higher end sits above the Lower pool. The water arrow follows the Clear channel downhill, showing how the channel guides water while gravity helps it move.

S17 visual explanationThe left end of the open channel is higher. Water is present at that end. The channel is clear. Water follows the channel downhill toward the lower right side. This is an open channel with no pump; it is not a rule for every kind of water movement.Where will channel water go?Higher endLower poolWater at the topClear channelWater follows the clear channel downhill.

In the diagramWhere will channel water go?Higher endLower poolWater at the topClear channelWater follows the clear channel downhill.

Gravity helps water move down the slope. The clear channel guides it from the higher left end to the lower pool.

A closed gate makes the small amount of water shown gather on its higher side. Opening the route lets water continue downhill. The channel guides and gravity helps move the water, but neither supplies it: an empty channel stays empty until water arrives.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Compare higher and lower places and trace a simple path.

Sources

  • Next Generation Science Standards — 2.Earth’s Systems — concrete land and water models
  • U.S. Geological Survey — Surface Runoff and the Water Cycle
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