![]() ![]() The sharper the weir edge, the more water will actually separate from the weir edge. This is not to infer that you need to create extreme rapids upstream of a waterfall however, you do need to create conditions that agitate and break up the gentle, smooth and consistent flow.Īnother key factor in maximizing water visibility is the need to ensure that the water leaves the weir edge abruptly, suddenly free-falling rather than clinging to vertical rock surfaces. This action creates voids and turbulence, which in turn produces air bubbles within the flowing water. Conflict is the act of encouraging chaos within the flowing water, which causes changes in water speed and direction to the point that as it tumbles, it turns and moves at different rates of speed than the water directly next to it. The method and the term I use is to create conflict upstream of the weir. Some water features, such as those in commercial projects that may require a strong visual impact from a greater distance away, require considerable mixing of air and water in order to be easily seen and identified as a waterfall. It is this illumination of the air bubbles that makes the falling water appear white - thus the term “white water” - and easily seen. ![]() To make a waterfall or falling water visible and easily seen, there needs to be a sufficient quantity of fine air bubbles mixed within the falling or cascading water column to allow sunlight or landscape lighting to illuminate them. Second, the water that was actually falling was difficult to see because it was clear - so transparent, in fact, that I could look directly through the falling water and see the rocks behind it. First, only a portion of the water in the waterfall was actually falling - the rest was clinging to and running down the face of the waterfall. Disappointment with some of the visual results challenged me to understand how to manipulate the water. When I started building waterfalls, I just assumed that I would easily see the falling water, and it would be an awesome display. Visual: Manipulating Moving and Falling Water This effort and passion to control and manipulate the water flow explains why, when considering waterfall and cascading stream design, I focus on two critical factors: visual and audible presentation. This is also the time of reckoning when hopefully the water volumes, visual appearance and pleasant sounds meet or exceed my and my client’s expectations and goals. As the flowing water begins to build and work its way down the rock formations, you can actually see the intricate character of the rock surfaces affecting the direction and visual nature of the water. ![]() The anticipation grows as I watch the water flow increase, change direction and finally drop off the edge of a weir. Seeing that very first trickle of water emerge from a shadowy area and flow over a virgin waterfall stone is almost a spiritual experience for me. The oversized fly fisherman and several deer placed throughout this waterfall display enhance the visual aesthetics. They seem to call out, “Hey! Over here! Pick me! I’d be perfect in a waterfall!” This frontal view of the left half of the main entry waterfall has very strong visual action provided by the water flow of 3,000 gpm over each 12- foot waterfall weir. In my search for the perfect natural stone, I might find an unlimited variety of shapes, structures, textures and markings. There are so many material variations available that each waterfall or stream I build is unique unto itself. I speak for myself, and perhaps for many of you, when I say that the most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of water feature construction is building waterfalls and streams. This childhood fascination has turned into a passionate profession for many of you reading this article - and for me as well. Remember how much fun it was as a child to redirect the flow of water in a small creek or a muddy water seep after a rain storm? It’s a fascinating effort, and it can consume hours of a child’s time. See the entire set of waterfall images, visit our Pond Gallery Spotlight.
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