flumes

Flume is a term used for several related concepts in water engineering, forestry, and entertainment. In hydrology, a flume is a channel or conduit with a defined cross-section designed to measure or regulate flow. By constraining the shape and slope, a flume creates a predictable relationship between water depth and discharge, enabling accurate flow measurement across a range of volumes. Common forms include Parshall flumes and Venturi flumes, which are widely used in irrigation districts, wastewater systems, and research projects. Flumes can be constructed from concrete, metal, or plastic and can be installed in natural streams or in artificial channels.

As a transport device, a flume is an inclined watercourse used to move materials, particularly logs or timber, from a higher elevation to a lower one. Log flumes were built in forested regions from the 18th to the early 20th centuries to deposit timber at mills or ports. They range from wooden channels to concrete or stone troughs and can be open or covered depending on construction. Modern equivalents include artificial channels used to convey irrigation water, often fitted with gates, check structures, and fish passages where appropriate.

In entertainment, a flume ride is a type of amusement park attraction in which riders travel in boats along a water-filled, gravity-driven channel that twists and descends. The ride typically ends with a splash as water returns to the bottom. Flume rides are common in many parks and reflect the same basic principle of a gravity-fed water channel used for enjoyment.