GROUND SLUICE Meaning and
Definition
-
A ground sluice is a specialized type of mining apparatus utilized for the extraction of minerals or precious metals, predominantly gold, from alluvial deposits or riverbeds. It typically consists of a long, narrow channel or trough that is constructed on the ground, often with an inclined slope for optimal water flow. The purpose of a ground sluice is to separate valuable minerals from the surrounding gravel or sediment by utilizing a constant flow of water.
The operation of a ground sluice involves feeding a mixture of water and sediment into the channel, where it is vigorously agitated and washed downstream. This water flow carries away the lighter materials, such as rocks and debris, while heavier particles, such as gold or other valuable minerals, settle along the bottom of the sluice due to their higher density.
Miners often use riffles or obstructions within the sluice channel to create turbulent areas where the heavier particles tend to accumulate. The use of riffles helps to enhance the separation and retention of valuable minerals, increasing the efficiency of the ground sluice.
Throughout history, ground sluice systems have played a crucial role in gold mining operations, particularly during the gold rushes of the 19th century. While modern mining techniques have evolved and become more sophisticated, ground sluices remain an important tool in small-scale mining operations or areas where mechanical equipment is not feasible or economical.
Common Misspellings for GROUND SLUICE
- fround sluice
- vround sluice
- bround sluice
- hround sluice
- yround sluice
- tround sluice
- geound sluice
- gdound sluice
- gfound sluice
- gtound sluice
- g5ound sluice
- g4ound sluice
- griund sluice
- grkund sluice
- grlund sluice
- grpund sluice
- gr0und sluice
- gr9und sluice
- groynd sluice
- grohnd sluice
Etymology of GROUND SLUICE
The word "ground sluice" is a combination of two separate etymologies.
The term "ground" comes from the Old English word "grund", which means "bottom" or "foundation". It can also refer to the solid surface of the earth or a piece of land. This sense of "ground" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "grunduz".
The word "sluice" comes from the Middle English word "sluse" or "sluys", which originated from the Old French word "ecluse". "Ecluse" itself can be traced back to the Late Latin word "exclusa", meaning "closed" or "shut off". The term "sluice" refers to a channel or passage used for controlling the flow of water, typically by opening or closing gates or valves.
