water surface profile

A water surface profile shows how the height of the water's surface changes along a channel or river. It illustrates levels upstream and downstream, highlighting changes in flow, slope, or obstacles. This profile helps engineers analyze how water moves, identify areas where it might rise or fall, and design solutions for flood management or efficient water routing. Essentially, it’s a map of the water surface elevation along the course, providing a critical understanding of water flow behavior in natural or constructed channels.