definition
strict definition
weir
A barrier with water flowing over it, used to control the flow rather than block it.
A weir is a barrier placed in a river, stream, or other flowing water, and over which water is allowed to continue flowing. It may or may not create a larger body of water upstream, but unlike a dam its purpose is not to block the flow of water (using controlled flow to generate power) but rather to regulate or otherwise control the water's flow.
Water continues over the barrier rather than passing through movable gate openings. The upstream water surface can change without reservoir creation being its defining purpose.
A barrage provides controlled passages through gates. The weir instead regulates flow through its overflow form.
In other languages
- Deutsch
- Eine Barriere, durch die Wasser fließt, zur Kontrolle des Flusses anstatt deren Blockierung.
weir Photos
Related definitions
-
arch dam
A dam curved toward the upstream side so that arch action helps resist the pressure of the water behind it. -
arch-gravity dam
A composite dam with the bowed shape of an arch dam and the heavy infill of a gravity dam. -
barrage
A dam consisting of a series of movable gates used to regulate water flow in a channel. -
embankment dam
A water barrier composed of loose material held together by an outer shell. -
gravity dam
A dam that relies primarily on its own substantial mass to resist pressure from the water behind it.