What is the Difference Between Weir and Dam?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a weir and a dam lies in their purpose and functionality. Here are the key differences:
- Purpose: A weir is a small barrier built across a stream or river to control and raise the water level slightly on the upstream side, while a dam is a larger structure constructed across a river to impound water behind a wall and form a deep storage reservoir.
- Flow: Weirs generally allow water to flow over the crest (top) or sometimes underneath some sections. In contrast, dams primarily regulate (control) water flow through gates or spillways, usually not allowing water to go over the crest.
- Size: Weirs are smaller in size compared to dams, and they are designed to alter the flow characteristics of a river. Dams, on the other hand, are larger structures designed to impound water behind a wall.
- Function: Weirs are often used to control water flow, measure discharge, prevent flooding, and make rivers navigable. Dams are used to store water for various purposes, such as agriculture, drinking water, and electricity generation.
In summary, weirs are smaller structures that control and raise the water level slightly, allowing water to flow over or underneath them, while dams are larger structures that impound water behind a wall and regulate water flow through gates or spillways.
Comparative Table: Weir vs Dam
Here is a table comparing the differences between a weir and a dam:
| Feature | Weir | Dam |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Control water flow, measure discharge, prevent flooding, and make rivers navigable | Impound water and create a deep storage, often used for irrigation and electricity generation |
| Structure | Low structure, usually made of wood, concrete, or moraine material (rocks, gravel, boulders) | Large structure, often constructed across a river valley |
| Water Flow | Water flows over the weir | Water flows through a spillway or is stored behind the dam |
| Height | Generally lower than dams | Generally higher than weirs |
| Use | Traditionally used to create mill ponds, also used for flood prevention and discharge measurement | Often used for irrigation, electricity generation, and flood control |
In summary, weirs are low structures used to control the flow of water, while dams are larger structures used to impound water and create a deep storage for various purposes.
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