hydraulic jump

A hydraulic jump occurs when fast-moving water suddenly slows down and rises higher, creating a visible wave or splash. This usually happens when high-velocity water flows into a calmer, slower-moving section, causing turbulence and mixing. Think of it like a river flowing swiftly over a rock and then suddenly spreading out and forming a frothy, turbulent area downstream. Hydraulic jumps are important in engineering, as they help control water flow, dissipate energy, and prevent erosion or damage in dams and channels.