The Huka Falls on the Waikato River is one of New Zealand's most visited natural tourist attractions. On average, the river has a flow rate of about 300,000 L/s. At the gorge, the river narrows to 20-m wide and averages 20-m deep. (a) What is the average speed of the river in the gorge?

(b) What is the average speed of the water in the river downstream of the falls when it widens to 60 m and its depth increases to an average of 40 m?

(a) V = 0.75 m/s

(b) V = 0.125 m/s

Explanation:

The speed of the flow of the river can be given by following formula:

V = Q/A

V = Q/w d

where,

V = Speed of Flow of River

Q = Volume Flow Rate of River

w = width of river

d = depth of river

A = Area of Cross-Section of River = w d

(a)

Here,

Q = (300,000 L/s) (0.001 m³/1 L) = 300 m³/s

w = 20 m

d = 20 m

Therefore,

V = (300 m³/s) / (20 m) (20 m)

V = 0.75 m/s

(b)

Here,

Q = (300,000 L/s) (0.001 m³/1 L) = 300 m³/s

w = 60 m

d = 40 m

Therefore,

V = (300 m³/s) / (60 m) (40 m)

V = 0.125 m/s