Tuesday 21 June 2011

ABC Wednesday - Weirs

The River Leven drains from Windermere but when it reaches Backbarrow the terrain gives it a steep fall so the weirs perform their task well at this point of altering a rivers flow and preventing flooding. In the past this water flow allowed industrial use of the river for mills and ironworks. Nowadays the water just gives its name to a hotel, The Whitewater. 
A gentler flow in a tributary of the River Kent which has a weir mechanism on one of the flows, the people in the camp site lower down can rest easy at night. Some weir mechanisms are more elaborate
although this one in France did not seem to have a lot of water coming down it, and was very still
on the other side. I think the metal work would be tempting for a small boy to walk across
although this one on the River Findhorn as it flows through the town of Forres in Scotland is so much better to launch your boat down or test your fishing net.

An entry for ABC Wednesday, a journey from A to Z
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9 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

I learned something today. I didn't know those low dams were called weirs! Thanks!

Roger Owen Green said...

wonderful scenes, with mini-waterfalls.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Sylvia K said...

Love the mini-waterfalls, too, and I also learned something new -- weirs! Great post for the W Day! Enjoy!

Sylvia
ABC Team

Kay L. Davies said...

Apparently the water downstream from a weir can be exceptionally dangerous and can hold a person underwater for quite some time.
They look like peaceful little waterfalls, though, don't they? And there are often fish ladders built beside weirs to allow the fish to swim upstream.
Very interesting post.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

photowannabe said...

Well, I learned a new word and its definition today. Great photos explaining it too.

Tumblewords: said...

Wow - very interesting - excellent narrative and photos!

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Yes, interesting and wishing that we had some of that water here! We forgot what rain is like.

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots by the river.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Those are gorgeous!

Would love you to peek at my ABC. You are welcome to come by anytime, have a nice day!