Wing dam meaning

A wing dam is a man-made barrier built perpendicular to the flow of a river to control erosion and redirect water towards a desired direction.


Wing dam definitions

Word backwards gniw mad
Part of speech The word "wing dam" is a noun.
Syllabic division wing dam syllable separation: wing dam
Plural The plural of the word "wing dam" is "wing dams."
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) i,a
Consonants (5) w,n,g,d,m

A wing dam is a man-made structure built in a river to control the flow of water and direct it towards a navigation channel, preventing erosion and sediment buildup. These dams typically consist of rocks or wooden piles placed diagonally in the water, jutting out from the riverbanks.

One of the primary functions of a wing dam is to narrow the river's width, increasing the water's speed in the main channel. This helps in scouring the riverbed, removing sediment and maintaining a navigable depth for boats and ships. Additionally, the increased speed helps prevent stagnation and improves water quality.

Construction and Design

Wing dams are often constructed in pairs, with one on each side of the river, creating a funnel-like effect that pushes water towards the center. The materials used for construction can vary based on location and available resources, but they are designed to withstand the force of the flowing water.

Ecological Impact

While wing dams serve a practical purpose in maintaining waterways for navigation, they can also have environmental benefits. They create diverse habitats for aquatic plants and animals, including fish seeking shelter from the stronger currents. However, improper placement or design of wing dams can disrupt natural river processes and harm ecosystems.

Maintenance and Regulation

Regular maintenance of wing dams is essential to ensure they continue to function effectively. Sediment buildup, damage from debris, or changes in the river flow can all affect the dam's performance. Regulatory bodies oversee the construction and maintenance of wing dams to minimize their impact on the environment and ensure navigational safety.

In conclusion, wing dams play a vital role in managing rivers and water flow, balancing human needs with ecological considerations. Properly designed and maintained wing dams can enhance navigation, prevent erosion, and promote biodiversity in river ecosystems.


Wing dam Examples

  1. The wing dam helped control the flow of the river.
  2. The construction crew built a new wing dam to protect the shoreline.
  3. The purpose of the wing dam is to redirect water flow.
  4. The engineers designed the wing dam to prevent erosion.
  5. The wing dam created a safe harbor for boats.
  6. They used rocks and concrete to build the wing dam.
  7. The wing dam improved the fishing habitat in the area.
  8. The wing dam is a crucial part of the local ecosystem.
  9. The wing dam reduced flooding downstream.
  10. The wing dam serves as a barrier to control sedimentation.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 18/04/2024 - 09:55:29