Open channels top surface bounded by the atmosphere.

Open Channel flow (Free Gravity flow):

Open Chanel flow is that type of flow which is neither
completely enclosed by the boundaries nor is under any
external pressure but gravity. It is subjected to
atmospheric pressure. e. g Rivers, natural and artificial
canals, streams, channels etc. Partially filled pipes flow is
also an example of open channel flow.
Types of open channel flow
Steady Flow:

For open channel, the flow is steady if the depth of flow
does not change with respect to time at a particular
location or section.
Unsteady flow:

For open channel, the flow is unsteady if the depth of
flow changes with respect to time at a particular location
or section.
Uniform flow:

For open channel flow, the flow is uniform if the depth of
flow remains constant along a certain length of the
channel.
Non Uniform flow:

For open channel flow, the flow is non uniform if the
depth of flow does not remains constant along a certain
length of the channel.
Gradually Varied flow:

If the depth of flow changes over a relatively long
distance along the length of a channel, then the flow is
called gradually varied flow.
Rapidly Varied flow:

If the depth of flow changes over a relatively short
distance along the length of a channel, then the flow is
called rapidly varied flow.