Canal bottoms of various forms and the fall of water
The figure water carves striking a raised bed, the gravel it leaves, and remedies for damage
A large pen drawing of water breaking into radiating jets and froth heads the leaf, with a smaller sketch of a channel bend at the lower right. The note studies canal bottoms of various forms — here a bed raised in the middle from which water falls — asking what figure the water makes at each obliquity of descent, what concavity it carves on a uniform bottom, what shape the gravel takes after the impact, and what remedies guard against the resulting damage.
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Canal bottoms of various forms and the fall of water
Leonardo considers a bed raised in the middle so that water falls from its height. He asks what figure the water makes at each obliquity of descent, and what concavity it carves when striking a bottom of uniform material.
Gravel left after the water's impact
He further asks what shape the gravel takes where it settles after the impact of each fall. The question treats the sorting of sediment on a uniform bed.
Remedies against damage to the channel
The note closes by asking for the remedies against the damage caused by these falls. It is a practical concern for protecting canal and river works.
Breaking wave and spray at the head of the sheet
A large pen drawing at the top shows water breaking into radiating jets and froth, illustrating the falling and rebounding water discussed below. A smaller curved sketch of a channel bend sits at the lower right.