What type of flow is characterized by varying velocity at different points?

The type of flow characterized by varying velocity at different points is known as non-uniform flow. In non-uniform flow, the velocity can change from one point to another within the fluid, meaning that the flow properties, such as speed and direction, vary spatially. This behavior is typical in many real-world scenarios, such as river systems or more complex fluid dynamics situations where external factors like obstacles, changes in channel shape, or varying fluid properties come into play.

In contrast, steady flow refers to a condition where the fluid's velocity at any given point remains constant over time, while unsteady flow indicates that the flow characteristics change with time. Uniform flow denotes a scenario where the flow is consistent, with constant velocity and flow characteristics at every point along the flow's path, which does not apply when velocities vary. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for civil engineers when analyzing and designing systems involving fluid dynamics.