Gravity dam
Définition
Sens technique
A rather old dam, made of a block of solid material (concrete or masonry) heavy enough to withstand the water pressure.
Source
according to the French Committee of Dams and Reservoirs
Watercourse
Hydropower dam
Définition
Sens commun
A structure built on a watercourse for creating a water reservoir to ensure a constant production of electricity. The impounded water of the reservoir is conveyed by pipes to the power plant.
Source
according to the French Committee of Dams and Reservoirs
Earth dam
Définition
Sens commun
An embankment, formed of compact earth, built across the bed of a river to create a water reservoir. This is the simplest and oldest type of dam. Its slopes must be soft enough to ensure stability and the earth must be sufficiently impermeable (e.g. clay).
Source
according to the French Committee of Dams and Reservoirs
Needle dam/weir
Définition
Sens commun
Dam consisting of a succession of solid frames (foldable metal frames) connected by a bridge and each supporting a movable part - the needle - which can be raised or lowered.
Source
according to Voies navigables de France (French Waterways)
Navigation dam
Définition
Sens commun
A structure intended to ensure a sufficient and relatively horizontal water level to allow navigation. It can be fixed or mobile.
Source
according to Voies navigables de France (French Waterways)
Public waterways domain
Définition
Sens commun
Domain consisting of rivers and lakes belonging to the State, local authorities or their groupings, and classified in their public domain fluvial. The delimitation of state watercourses is determined by decree in Council of State.
Source
d'après Ministère chargé de l'environnement
Shifting of the bed
Définition
Sens technique
Lateral movements of the minor riverbed within the boundaries of the floodplain or delta of the watercourse and which create the free space of the watercourse.
Source
According to Ministry of the Environment and OFB
Water abstraction
Définition
Sens commun
Extraction of fresh water from a groundwater source or surface, permanently or temporarily, and conveyed to the place of use. Water abstractions include all activities related levies generated by agriculture, industry (including energy), the supply of drinking water, or other (mineral spring authorized, production artificial snow).
Source
according to OFB, IOWater, SOeS and OCDE
Grid
Définition
Sens commun
Fixed or mobile structure, situated downstream and/or upstream of a fish farm, preventing the free circulation of fish.Source
According to OFB and IOWater
Flow rate or flow or discharge
Définition
Sens technique
Volume of water passing through a cross section of a watercourse per time unit. The flow rates of watercourses are expressed in m3/s with at least three significant figures (e.g. 1.92 m3/s, 19.2 m3/s, 192 m3/s) or, for small streams in l/s. The accuracy of a flow result depends on many factors: type of method used, careful measures, rigorous counting, influence of the ground. In hydrology, the term "flow rate or flow" is found in many expressions having a descriptive character: low water flow, fluid flow, morphogenetic flow, solid discharge rate or
Source