Canal vs. Aqueduct — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
A canal is a man-made waterway for transportation or irrigation, whereas an aqueduct is a structure built to convey water over a distance, often elevated.
Difference Between Canal and Aqueduct
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A canal is primarily constructed to facilitate water transportation and irrigation, providing navigable routes for boats and helping in agricultural activities. On the other hand, an aqueduct is designed to transport water from one place to another, typically from a water source to a populated area.
Canals are often at ground level or dug into the earth, using locks and gates to manage water levels and flow. Whereas aqueducts are frequently built above ground on bridges and use gravity to maintain a steady flow of water.
The purpose of canals can vary from irrigation, navigation, to water supply. On the other hand, aqueducts are mainly focused on the delivery of drinking water or water for irrigation to cities and farms.
Canals may alter local ecosystems by changing water flow and affecting nearby land and water systems. In contrast, aqueducts are often lauded for their minimal impact on the landscape over which they pass, although they can affect the ecosystems at the source and terminus of their routes.
Historically, canals have played a crucial role in the economic development of many regions by facilitating trade and commerce. Aqueducts, while primarily utility structures, have also been critical in supporting the growth of large cities, especially in arid regions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Transportation, irrigation
Water conveyance
Typical Location
At or below ground level
Often elevated
Construction
Includes locks and gates
Uses gravity flow
Impact
Alters local ecosystems
Minimal landscape impact
Historical Role
Facilitated trade and commerce
Supported urban growth
Compare with Definitions
Canal
An artificial channel used for irrigation.
Farmers rely on the canal to irrigate their crops during the dry season.
Aqueduct
An ancient method of water transportation.
Aqueducts were essential for the survival of ancient civilizations in arid regions.
Canal
A man-made river designed for water management.
The canal diverts floodwaters away from the city.
Aqueduct
A conduit used to maintain a continuous water supply.
The aqueduct is crucial for maintaining the city’s water supply during droughts.
Canal
A waterway constructed for the transport of goods and people.
The Panama Canal significantly reduces the maritime journey between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Aqueduct
A bridge-like structure carrying water across a valley.
The Roman aqueducts are still admired for their architectural brilliance.
Canal
A navigable channel filled with water.
Boats traverse the canal to transport agricultural products.
Aqueduct
An elevated channel designed to transport freshwater.
The aqueduct supplies the town with water from the distant lake.
Canal
A structure that adjusts water levels through locks.
The canal uses a series of locks to help ships ascend and descend hilly terrains.
Aqueduct
A gravity-based water delivery system.
The aqueduct uses the natural slope of the terrain to facilitate water flow.
Canal
Canals are waterway channels, or artificial waterways, for water conveyance, or for servicing water transport vehicles. They carry free surface flow under atmospheric pressure, and can be thought of as artificial rivers.
Aqueduct
A pipe or channel designed to transport water from a remote source, usually by gravity.
Canal
An artificial waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation
The Oxford Canal
They travelled on by canal
Aqueduct
A bridgelike structure supporting a conduit or canal passing over a river or low ground.
Canal
A tubular duct in a plant or animal, serving to convey or contain food, liquid, or air
The ear canal
Aqueduct
(Anatomy)A channel or passage in an organ or a body part, especially such a channel for conveying fluid.
Canal
Any of a number of linear markings formerly reported as seen by telescope on the planet Mars.
Aqueduct
An artificial channel that is constructed to convey water from one location to another.
Canal
An artificial waterway or artificially improved river used for travel, shipping, or irrigation.
Aqueduct
A structure carrying water over a river or depression, especially in regards to ancient aqueducts.
Canal
(Anatomy) A tube, duct, or passageway.
Aqueduct
(anatomy) A structure conveying fluid, such as the cerebral aqueduct or vestibular aqueduct.
Canal
(Astronomy) One of the faint, hazy markings resembling straight lines on early telescopic images of the surface of Mars.
Aqueduct
A conductor, conduit, or artificial channel for conveying water, especially one for supplying large cities with water.
Canal
To dig an artificial waterway through
Canal an isthmus.
Aqueduct
A canal or passage; as, the aqueduct of Sylvius, a channel connecting the third and fourth ventricles of the brain.
Canal
To provide with an artificial waterway or waterways.
Aqueduct
A conduit that resembles a bridge but carries water over a valley
Canal
An artificial waterway or artificially improved river used for travel, shipping, or irrigation.
Canal
(anatomy) A tubular channel within the body.
Canal
(astronomy) One of the faint, hazy markings resembling straight lines on early telescopic images of the surface of Mars; see Martian canals
Canal
To dig an artificial waterway in or to (a place), especially for drainage
Canal
To travel along a canal by boat
Canal
An artificial channel filled with water and designed for navigation, or for irrigating land, etc.
Canal
A tube or duct; as, the alimentary canal; the semicircular canals of the ear.
Canal
A long and relatively narrow arm of the sea, approximately uniform in width; - used chiefly in proper names; as, Portland Canal; Lynn Canal.
Canal
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
Canal
A bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance;
The tear duct was obstructed
The alimentary canal
Poison is released through a channel in the snake's fangs
Canal
Long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation
Canal
Provide (a city) with a canal
Common Curiosities
How does an aqueduct work?
Aqueducts work by using gravity to transport water from a higher elevation to a lower one.
Are aqueducts still built today?
Modern aqueducts are built, often as part of large-scale water supply projects.
How do locks in canals work?
Locks in canals help raise and lower boats between stretches of water at different levels.
What is the main function of a canal?
A canal is mainly used for transportation and irrigation purposes.
What is a famous example of a canal?
The Suez Canal is a well-known example, facilitating a major shipping route between Europe and Asia.
What is a notable historical aqueduct?
The Pont du Gard in France is an ancient aqueduct famous for its preservation and beauty.
Can canals be used for purposes other than navigation?
Yes, canals are also used for irrigation and water management.
What materials are used to build aqueducts?
Aqueducts are commonly built from stone, concrete, or brick.
How do canals impact the environment?
Canals can alter local ecosystems and water flow, sometimes leading to negative environmental impacts.
Why are aqueducts considered architectural feats?
Their ability to span vast distances and maintain water flow with precision makes them architectural marvels.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Pillar vs. Pole
Next Comparison
Glue vs. AdhesiveAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
