Underground Culverts

What is this mysterious tunnel, and where does it lead? Tunnels like this are called culverts and divert running water under- or above-ground. Some culverts are as simple as an aluminum pipe, while others are miles long stone waterways. Culverts can reduce soil erosion and flooding by trapping the running water in a controlled channel. However, channelizing disrupts the natural flow of the water, harming riparian (river) species such as the migratory Chinook salmon. Additionally, culverts themselves physically block sunlight and species from entering the creek, reducing ecological stability of riparian flora and fauna. Strawberry Creek is almost entirely buried in a culvert between campus and Strawberry Creek Park. It briefly "daylights" in the park before flowing into the San Francisco Bay at the end of University Avenue.