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Related Concept Videos

Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources02:03

Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources

The xylem of vascular plants distributes water and dissolved minerals that are taken up by the roots to the rest of the plant. The cells that transport xylem sap are dead upon maturity, and the movement of xylem sap is a passive process.
Uniform Depth Channel Flow01:27

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 flow is often assumed. This condition occurs when the channel’s bottom slope matches the energy slope, balancing potential energy lost from gravity with head loss due to shear stress. This balance prevents depth changes along the channel length, resulting in a steady, uniform flow.Uniform flow in open channels with a constant cross-section...
Rapidly Varying Flow01:24

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 to distance often approaching unity. These flows are inherently complex due to their transient and multi-dimensional nature, making exact analysis difficult. However, approximate solutions using simplified models provide valuable insights into their behavior.Key Features of Rapidly Varying FlowRVF is commonly observed in scenarios involving...
Gradually Varying Flow01:29

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.Characteristics of Gradually Varying FlowGVF is commonly observed in natural streams, rivers, and canals, where flow depth...
Uniform Depth Channel Flow: Problem Solving01:18

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 area (A) corresponding to the depth of flow (y), channel bottom width (B), and side slope (θ) is determined by:Next, calculate the wetted perimeter, which includes the bottom width and the sloped side lengths in contact with the water. Using the values of the cross-sectional area and the wetted perimeter, determine the hydraulic radius by...
Plane Potential Flows01:23

Plane Potential Flows

Plane potential flows simplify fluid motion by assuming the fluid to be irrotational and incompressible. These characteristics allow these flows to be described by a velocity potential function, ϕ, representing the flow speed in a given direction, and a stream function, ψ, that visualizes the flow path, both governed by Laplace's equation. These parameters help in estimating flow patterns, velocity distributions, and pressure fields around various hydraulic structures.
Uniform Flow
Uniform flow...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Xylem Water Distribution in Woody Plants Visualized with a Cryo-scanning Electron Microscope
10:47

Xylem Water Distribution in Woody Plants Visualized with a Cryo-scanning Electron Microscope

Published on: June 20, 2019

Flows through forest canopies in complex terrain.

S E Belcher1, J J Finnigan, I N Harman

  • 1Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Earley Gate, P.O. Box 243, Reading RG6 6BB United Kingdom. s.e.belcher@reading.ac.uk

Ecological Applications : a Publication of the Ecological Society of America
|September 5, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Understanding forest canopy flow in complex terrain is key for accurate carbon dioxide flux measurements. This review details how terrain affects wind, turbulence, and gas exchange, aiding flux tower data interpretation.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Xylem Water Distribution in Woody Plants Visualized with a Cryo-scanning Electron Microscope
10:47

Xylem Water Distribution in Woody Plants Visualized with a Cryo-scanning Electron Microscope

Published on: June 20, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Environmental science
  • Atmospheric science
  • Forestry

Background:

  • Accurate interpretation of carbon dioxide fluxes from tower measurements is crucial for understanding ecosystem exchange.
  • Complex terrain, such as forest edges and hilly areas, significantly influences atmospheric boundary layer flow above and within forest canopies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review progress on understanding boundary layer flow in forests situated in complex terrain.
  • To develop methods for interpreting carbon dioxide fluxes measured by tower-based systems in real-world terrain.
  • To analyze the impact of specific terrain features on atmospheric dynamics and scalar transport within and above forest canopies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on boundary layer flow dynamics.
  • Analysis of dynamical arguments concerning wind and turbulence adjustments at forest edges.
  • Examination of flow patterns over hills, including neutral and nighttime stratified conditions.
  • Consideration of scalar advection and mixing processes influenced by terrain.

Main Results:

  • Forest edges cause adjustments in mean wind and turbulence over distances scaling with canopy drag length (L(c)).
  • Hilly terrain induces significant changes in flow, leading to air ejection and scalar flux variations.
  • Nighttime stratification can decouple canopy-internal turbulence from above-canopy flow, creating drainage currents.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding terrain-induced flow modifications is essential for reliable flux tower data.
  • The findings provide a basis for correcting flux tower measurements in complex terrain scenarios.
  • Further analysis aids in accurately assessing net ecosystem exchange in diverse landscapes.