A tunnel or covered channel that allows water to flow under roads, railways, or other obstructions. Culverts maintain natural drainage patterns while permitting human infrastructure to cross waterways.
From Old French 'coulouer' meaning 'to flow,' related to Latin 'colare' (to strain or filter). The term evolved through Middle English to describe these water-conducting passages that allow controlled flow beneath obstacles.
Culverts are like underground highways for fish and wildlife! Modern 'fish-friendly' culverts are designed with natural bottoms and varied flow patterns to allow salmon and other species to migrate upstream, proving that good geography considers both human and natural movement patterns.
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