Search Results (44)

The Niland Moving Mud Spring, located near the southeastern margin of the Salton Sea, represents a rare and evolving geotechnical hazard. Unlike the typically stationary mud pots of the Salton Trough, this spring is a CO₂-driven mud spring that has migrated southwestward since 2016, at times exceeding 3 m per month, posing threats to critical infrastructure including rail lines, highways, and pipelines. Emergency mitigation efforts initiated in 2018, including decompression wells, containment berms, and route realignments, have since slowed and recently almost halted its movement and growth. This study integrates hydrochemical, temperature, stable isotope, and tritium data to propose a refined conceptual model of the Moving Mud Spring’s origin and migration. Temperature data from the Moving Mud Spring (26.5 °C to 28.3 °C) and elevated but non-geothermal total dissolved solids (~18,000 mg/L) suggest a shallow, thermally buffered groundwater source influenced by interaction with saline lacustrine sediments. Stable water isotope data follow an evaporative trajectory consistent with imported Colorado River water, while tritium concentrations (~5 TU) confirm a modern recharge source. These findings rule out deep geothermal or residual floodwater origins from the great “1906 flood”, and instead implicate more recent irrigation seepage or canal leakage as the primary water source. A key external forcing may be the 4.1 m drop in Salton Sea water level between 2003 and 2025, which has modified regional groundwater hydraulic head gradients. This recession likely enhanced lateral groundwater flow from the Moving Mud Spring area, potentially facilitating the migration of upwelling geothermal gases and contributing to spring movement. No faults or structural features reportedly align with the spring’s trajectory, and most major fault systems trend perpendicular to its movement. The hydrologically driven model proposed in this paper, linked to Salton Sea water level decline and correlated with the direction, rate, and timing of the spring’s migration, offers a new empirical explanation for the observed movement of the Niland Moving Mud Spring. Full article

Centrifugal irrigation pumps in Southern Xinjiang face severe performance degradation due to high fine-sediment loads in canal water. This study combines Eulerian multiphase simulations with experimental validation to investigate the coupled effects of sediment size (0.05~0.8 mm) and concentration (5~20%) on hydraulic performance. Numerical models incorporating Realizable k–ε turbulence closure and discrete phase tracking reveal two critical thresholds: (1) particle sizes ≥ 0.4 mm trigger a phase transition from localized disturbance to global flow disorder, expanding low-pressure zones by 37% at equivalent concentrations; (2) concentrations exceeding 13% accelerate nonlinear pressure decay through collective particle interactions. Velocity field analysis demonstrates size-dependent attenuation mechanisms: fine sediments (≤0.2 mm) cause gradual dissipation via micro-scale drag, while coarse sediments (≥0.6 mm) induce “cliff-like” velocity drops through inertial impact-blockade chains. Experimental wear tests confirm simulation accuracy in predicting erosion hotspots at impeller inlets/outlets. The identified synergistic thresholds provide critical guidelines for anti-wear design in sediment-laden irrigation systems. Full article

Sediment accumulation in irrigation channels poses a significant challenge to water resource management, impacting hydraulic efficiency and agricultural sustainability. This study introduces an innovative multidisciplinary framework that integrates advanced image analysis (FIJI/ImageJ 1.54p), statistical validation (RStudio), and vector field modeling with a novel Sinusoidal Morphodynamic Bedload Transport Equation (SMBTE) to predict sediment deposition patterns with high precision. Conducted along the Malacatos River in La Tebaida Linear Park, Loja, Ecuador, the research captured a natural sediment transport event under controlled flow conditions, transitioning from pressurized pipe flow to free-surface flow. Observed sediment deposition reduced the hydraulic cross-section by approximately 5 cm, notably altering flow dynamics and water distribution. The final SMBTE model (Model 8) demonstrated exceptional predictive accuracy, achieving RMSE: 0.0108, R²: 0.8689, NSE: 0.8689, MAE: 0.0093, and a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.93. Complementary analyses, including heatmaps, histograms, and vector fields, revealed spatial heterogeneity, local gradients, and oscillatory trends in sediment distribution. These tools identified high-concentration sediment zones and quantified variability, providing actionable insights for optimizing canal design, maintenance schedules, and sediment control strategies. By leveraging open-source software and real-world validation, this methodology offers a scalable, replicable framework applicable to diverse water conveyance systems. The study advances understanding of sediment dynamics under subcritical (Fr ≈ 0.07) and turbulent flow conditions (Re ≈ 41,000), contributing to improved irrigation efficiency, system resilience, and sustainable water management. This research establishes a robust foundation for future advancements in sediment transport modeling and hydrological engineering, addressing critical challenges in agricultural water systems. Full article

This study investigates the impact of pipe installation height on the hydraulic performance of a combined canal–pipe water conveyance system (CCPS) and provides practical recommendations. A combined experimental and numerical simulation approach was conducted to systematically analyze and evaluate the impact of different pipe installation heights (0, 1, 3, and 5 cm) and flow rates (18.40, 21.21, 24.74, 28.27, 33.58, and 38.88 L/s) on the system’s behavior. The results indicated that the canal water depths obtained from the numerical simulations were in close agreement with the measurements from the experiments. The water depth in the upstream canal remained nearly parallel to the canal bottom. At the junction, the trend of water depth varies under different flow rates. When the flow rate is low, the water depth sharply decreases. Conversely, when the flow rate is higher, the water depth rises significantly. Cross sections farther from the junction exhibit a higher uniformity in flow velocity distribution. As the height of the pipe installation increases, the range of influence of the junction on the flow velocity distribution in the upstream canal decreases. The elevation of the pipe installation height has been instrumental in enhancing the uniformity of flow velocity distribution across the section. However, the local head loss gradually increases as the installation height increases. Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and turbulent eddy dissipation rate (TED) are negatively correlated with the distance between the section and the junction point, and the maximum value decreases gradually with increasing values of the pipe installation height. Considering the hydraulic performance and engineering construction investment, the recommended pipe installation height under the conditions of this study is 1 cm. Full article

This study develops a synergistic optimization method of multiple gates integrating hydrodynamic simulation and data-driven methods, with the goal of improving the accuracy of water distribution and regulation efficiency. This approach addresses the challenges of large prediction deviation of hydraulic response and unclear synergy mechanisms in the coupled regulation of multiple gates in irrigation areas. The NSGA-II multi-objective optimisation algorithm is used to minimise the water distribution error and the water level deviation before the gate as the objective function in order to achieve global optimisation of the regulation of the complex canal system. A one-dimensional hydrodynamic model based on St. Venant’s system of equations is built to generate the feature dataset, which is then combined with the random forest algorithm to create a nonlinear prediction model. An example analysis demonstrates that the optimal feedforward time of the open channel gate group is negatively connected with the flow condition and that the method can manage the water distribution error within 13.97% and the water level error within 13%. In addition to revealing the matching mechanism between the feedforward time and the flow condition, the study offers a stable and accurate solution for the cooperative regulation of multiple gates in irrigation districts. This effectively supports the need for precise water distribution in small irrigation districts. Full article

As a crucial component of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal’s hydraulic engineering, the Jiangnan Canal has historically played a pivotal role in China’s development as a key hydraulic infrastructure. This water conservancy project, connecting northern and southern water systems, not only facilitated regional economic integration but also nurtured unique cultural landscapes along its course. The Jiangnan Canal and its adjacent cities were selected as the study area to systematically investigate 334 tangible cultural heritage (TCH) sites and 420 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements. Through integrated Geographical Information System (GIS) spatial analyses—encompassing nearest neighbor index, kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse assessment, multi-ring buffer zoning, and Geodetector modeling, the spatiotemporal distribution features of cultural heritage were quantitatively characterized, with a focus on identifying the underlying driving factors shaping its spatial configuration. The analysis yields four main findings: (1) both TCH and ICH exhibit significant spatial clustering patterns across historical periods, with TCH distribution displaying an axis-core structure centered on the canal, whereas ICH evolved from dispersed to clustered configurations. (2) The center of gravity of TCH is primarily around Taihu Lake, while that of ICH is mainly on the south side of Taihu Lake, and the direction of distribution of both is consistent with the direction of the canal. (3) Multi-ring buffer analysis indicates that 77.2% of TCH and 49.8% of ICH clusters are concentrated within 0–10 km of the canal, demonstrating distinct spatial patterns: TCH exhibits a gradual canal-dependent density decrease with distance, whereas ICH reveals multifactorial spatial dynamics. (4) Human activity factors, particularly nighttime light intensity, are identified as predominant drivers of heritage distribution patterns, with natural environmental factors exerting comparatively weaker influence. These findings provide empirical support for developing differentiated conservation strategies for canal-related cultural heritage. The methodology offers replicable frameworks for analyzing heritage corridors in complex historical landscapes, contributing to both applied conservation practices and theoretical advancements in cultural geography. Full article

Accurate characterization of aquifer hydrogeological parameters is critical for sustainable groundwater resource management. Traditional methods such as pumping tests often assume aquifer homogeneity and require substantial resources, limiting their applicability for large-scale heterogeneous systems. This study proposes a novel approach to estimate the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity (T) and specific storage (Ss) in the Qingtongxia Irrigation Area, utilizing canal stage fluctuations as natural stimuli. By analyzing high-frequency groundwater level responses from monitoring wells during irrigation channel operations, we employed a Sequential Linear Estimator (SLE) method combined with canal stage tomography to invert aquifer parameters. The results demonstrate that the inverted hydraulic conductivity distribution aligns well with lithological variations and historical data, showing higher values in the southern alluvial fan and lower values in the northern plains. The SLE method effectively captured aquifer heterogeneity, with RMSE and correlation coefficients between pumping test and inversion results improving to 1.81 and 0.76 after excluding outliers. This work highlights the potential of natural stimuli (e.g., irrigation-induced canal fluctuations) for basin-scale hydrogeological parameter estimation, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The findings provide valuable insights for groundwater modeling and resource management in arid regions with intensive irrigation systems. Full article

At the beginning of human history, surface water, especially from rivers and springs, was the most frequent water supply source. Groundwater was used in arid and semi-arid regions, e.g., eastern Crete (Greece). As the population increased, periodic water shortages occurred, which led to the development of sophisticated hydraulic structures for water transfer and for the collection and storage of rainwater, as seen, for example, in Early Minoan times (ca 3200–2100 BC). Water supply and urban planning had always been essentially related: the urban water supply systems that existed in Greece since the Bronze Age (ca 3200–1100 BC) were notably advanced, well organized, and operable. Water supply systems evolved considerably during the Classical and Hellenistic periods (ca 480–31 BC) and during the Roman period (ca 31 BC–480 AD). Also, early Indian society was an amazing vanguard of technology, planning, and vision, which significantly impacted India’s architectural and cultural heritage, thus laying the foundation for sustainable urban living and water resource management. In ancient Egypt, the main source of freshwater was the Nile River; Nile water was conveyed by open and closed canals to supply water to cities, temples, and fields. Underground stone-built aqueducts supplied Nile water to so-called Nile chambers in temples. The evolution of water supply and urban planning approaches from ancient simple systems to complex modern networks demonstrates the ingenuity and resilience of human communities. Many lessons can be learned from studying traditional water supply systems, which could be re-considered for today’s urban sustainable development. By digging into history, measures for overcoming modern problems can be found. Rainwater harvesting, establishing settlements in proximity of water sources to facilitate access to water, planning, and adequate drainage facilities were the characteristics of ancient civilizations since the ancient Egyptian, Minoan, Mohenjo-Daro, Mesopotamian, and Roman eras, which can still be adopted for sustainability. This paper presents significant lessons on water supply around the world from ancient times to the present. This diachronic survey attempts to provide hydro-technology governance for the present and future. Full article

Recently, the single-cone hydraulic canal filling technique using bioceramic sealers was found to hinder retreatment due to the mechanical properties of the bioceramic sealers. This study assessed the effectiveness of four nickel–titanium rotary files in removing gutta-percha and bioceramic sealer from molar root canals in vitro. Eighty-eight root canals from extracted molars were instrumented with Vortex Blue rotary files and filled with gutta-percha and bioceramic sealer using a single-cone technique. After 30 days, the filled canals were randomly divided into four groups according to the file used for re-instrumentation: ProTaper Gold (PTG), Endo ReStart (ERS), XP-3D Shaper (XPD), and HyFlex Remover (HFR). This study assessed whether root canal filling material removal and patency were achieved within a 10-min time frame, recording the time required in seconds. The rate of regaining patency and the time required to achieve patency were compared among groups using a generalized linear model. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the mechanical changes to the files after use. The patency rate of XPD and HFR was significantly higher than PTG. ERS and XPD demonstrated shorter patency times than HFR and significantly shorter patency times than PTG. SEM images revealed a varied range of reverse windings across file groups. PTG and ERS exhibited microcracks and fractured tips, while XPD and HFR did not display these mechanical alterations. The four file systems in this study displayed varying levels of effectiveness in the retreatment of root canals filled with bioceramic sealers. Full article

Continuous flushing systems such as vortex settling basins (VSBs) are commonly utilized to remove sediment particles in power plants and irrigation and drainage networks. This study evaluates the performance of a typical VSB, focusing on sediment removal efficiency (${\eta }_e$), flow efficiency (${\eta }_{flow}$), and inlet canal efficiency (${\eta }_{in}$). In the continuous operation of VSBs, sediment removal efficiency remains the appropriate metric, as opposed to trapping efficiency. The impact of hydraulic and geometric parameters was analyzed using the Taguchi design, experimental modeling, and statistical analysis through response surface methodology (RSM). The performance of the VSB was evaluated using the ANOVA test, along with the Pareto chart and the desirability function approach for multi-objective optimization. The predicted optimal values for ${\eta }_{in}$, ${\eta }_e$, and ${\eta }_{flow}$ were 94.09%, 69.40%, and 91.67%, respectively. This optimum condition for having higher efficiency in the VSB was for the case with 0.3625 mm particle diameter, 0.1 m orifice diameter, 0.1 m end sill height, 22 L/s inlet discharge, and 0.05 m outlet weir. Larger sediment particle size and inlet discharge enhanced VSB desirability, while smaller orifice size and outlet weir height are preferred for optimal performance. This paper provides a framework for the optimum design of VSBs. Full article

This study analyses the Roman hydraulic system linked to Las Médulas gold mining complex in Northwest Iberia. The research includes a detailed mapping and assessment of the hydraulic network, which extends over 1110 km, using advanced geomatic techniques and an innovative script for tracing canals implemented in Matlab. The study reveals previously unidentified canals, improves existing cartographic representations, and addresses water sourcing and canal distribution uncertainties. It identifies 41 canals distributed between La Cabrera and El Bierzo regions, (33 and 8, respectively), with 14 canals supplying water to Las Médulas. Our study also provides evidence that this canal system had a wider purpose than simply supplying the mining works at Las Médulas. Furthermore, the findings presented here challenge established assumptions about the system’s water sources and offer new insights into how this outstanding canal system was built. Thus, this work not only provides a detailed map of the Las Médulas hydraulic system but also constitutes a model for an effective methodological approach for studying similar ancient hydraulic systems worldwide. Full article

As irrigation districts rapidly advance in terms of informatization, research on intelligent water quantity control technologies for open channels has gained increasing importance. This study aims to investigate the flow capacity and hydraulic characteristics of gates in open channels, focusing on the flow measurement and the hydraulic behavior around water-measuring structures. Although automated control in irrigation systems has achieved significant development, research on the flow characteristics near gates remains limited. To address this gap, an integrated approach combining indoor physical model experiments with theoretical analysis was used. This study explored the water surface profile, cross-sectional flow velocity distribution, vertical velocity distribution, and turbulent kinetic energy under various gate opening conditions and flow rates. The findings reveal that the water surface exhibits a sharp rise upstream of the gate, followed by a steep decline and stabilization downstream, influenced by the gate’s water-blocking effect. The flow velocities near the gate opening differ significantly in direction and magnitude from those in other cross-sections, affecting both longitudinal and vertical velocities. The turbulent kinetic energy is concentrated near the gate opening, and the turbulent kinetic energy is primarily concentrated near the sidewalls and the channel bottom; the gate’s opening size plays a crucial role in its diffusion and distribution. Linear regression analysis was utilized to fit the gate flow coefficient formula, and a comparative analysis of the measurement accuracy was conducted. The relative error between the calculated flow values and the actual measured values is within ±5%, which meets the precision requirements specified in the water measurement standards for irrigation canal systems in the irrigation district. This study pioneers an integrated approach for investigating the hydraulic characteristics of gates in open channels, merging physical model experiments with theoretical analysis. It provides novel insights into how gate openings affect water surface profiles, flow velocity distributions, and turbulent kinetic energy. This research also underscores the role of gate discharge in turbulent kinetic energy distribution, offering technical insights to enhance flow measurement accuracy and prevent sediment deposition, thereby optimizing gate applications for efficient water management. Overall, this study significantly advances the understanding of open channel flow dynamics and holds substantial significance for the refinement of water quantity control techniques in irrigation districts. Full article

To enhance the efficiency of irrigation water utilisation, China is progressively converting irrigation ditches into pipelines. The water distribution outlets in irrigation zones are predominantly right-angled, and there are typically occurrences of erosion, sedimentation, and structural deterioration in the surrounding areas. This article employs a synthesis of indoor physical model experiments and theoretical analysis to examine the distribution of channel flow velocity and variations in water surface profile, pipeline flow rate, diversion ratio, circulation intensity, and turbulence energy across different relative water depths. The experimental results indicate that the water surface adjacent to the main canal wall demonstrates a pattern of initial decline, followed by an increase and subsequently another decline; furthermore, as the water level in the main channel rises, the magnitude of this fluctuation progressively diminishes. In some sections of the canal, the water surface elevation progressively increases, albeit with minimal amplitude. With a constant relative water depth, an increase in main channel flow results in a corresponding increase in pipeline flow; however, the diversion ratio is inversely related to the main channel flow. Conversely, when the main channel flow rate is constant, the diversion ratio increases as relative water depth rises. The vertical flow velocity near the water diversion outlet has a negative value, signifying the existence of a backflow zone, while the horizontal flow velocity varies considerably, facilitating the formation of circulation and resulting in localised deposition and erosion. The water flow near the pipe inlet downstream of the lower lip of 0.5 times the pipe diameter is impacted by the return zone, which has a higher turbulence energy and circulation strength and is more susceptible to siltation. The turbulence energy of the water flow is higher in the range of 0.5 times the pipe diameter upstream and downstream of the pipe inlet. This research is highly significant in facilitating the conversion of irrigation channels into pipelines. Full article

While atmospheric warming intensifies the global water cycle, regionalised effects of climate change on water loss, irrigation supply, and food security are highly variable. Here, we elucidate the impacts of the climate crisis on irrigation water availability and cropping area in Nepal’s largest irrigation scheme, the Sunsari Morang Irrigation Scheme (SMIS), by accounting for the hydraulic capacity of existing canal systems, and potential changes realised under future climates. To capture variability implicit in climate change projections, we invoke multiple Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs; 4.5 and 8.5) across three time horizons (2016–2045, 2036–2065, and 2071–2100). We reveal that although climate change increases water availability to agriculture from December through March, the designed discharge of 60 m³/s would not be available in February-March for both RCPs under all three time horizons. Weed growth, silt deposition, and poor maintenance have reduced the current canal capacity from the design capacity of 60 m³/s to 53 m³/s up to 10.7 km from the canal intake (representing a 12% reduction in the discharge capacity of the canal). Canal flow is further reduced to 35 m³/s at 13.8 km from canal intake, representing a 27% reduction in flow capacity relative to the original design standards. Based on climate projections, and assuming ceteris paribus irrigation infrastructure, total wheat cropping area could increase by 12–19%, 23–27%, and 12–35% by 2016–2045, 2036–2065, and 2071–2100, respectively, due to increased water availability borne by the changing climate. The case for further investment in irrigation infrastructure via water diversion, or installation of efficient pumps at irrigation canal intakes is compelling. Such investment would catalyse a step-change in the agricultural economy that is urgently needed to sustain the Nepalese economy, and thus evoke beneficial cascading implications for global food security. Full article

This research study aims to develop a system which ensures the mobility of a floating dock and its stability in position during docking operations. The dock is designed for operation in a river canal. In order to dock a ship, it is moved away from the quay over a dock trench. Initial requirements and design criteria for the system were determined. The most important of them include docking in the maximum weather conditions, corresponding to a wind speed of 5° Beaufort (5°B), and a zero-emission target for the power supply system (use of a renewable energy source). A wire and winch system was designed to move the dock and stabilise it in position during docking operations. The system comprises mooring wires which are tied to bollards on both quays, and wire winches mounted on both sides of the dock. The wire winches are hydraulically driven, and the hydraulic pumps, run by electric motors, are powered with batteries charged using photovoltaic panels. Statistical environmental parameters (wind, river current) were analysed and the probability of certain mooring wire loads and the corresponding wire winch power output were quantified. Based on these calculations, the power of photovoltaic panels and capacity of the batteries required to power the dock moving system were determined. This paper discusses the system design as well as the results of trials. Full article