Final answer:
Aqueducts are the human-made channels created for transporting water over long distances. Roman aqueducts and the Grand Canal in China are renowned examples. Sir Hugh Myddleton's New River is another important historical water channel still in use today.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human-made channel that was designed for carrying water long distances is known as an aqueduct. Aqueducts are architectural marvels, with the Roman aqueducts being particularly famous for their engineering. They transported water from sources like springs and rivers to cities, often covering great distances.
For example, the Romans were adept at creating these channels, avoiding the construction of arches whenever possible and instead opting for underground tunnels. The Grand Canal in China, which stretches for over 1,100 miles, was another significant water channel whose older parts were connected during the Sui dynasty. Similarly, Sir Hugh Myddleton's New River project in the early 17th century is a 60 km long canal that continues to serve as an important water source for London.
Aqueducts have not only facilitated urban development and agricultural irrigation but have also been a testament to the ingenuity of past civilizations in managing and manipulating the environment to suit human needs, especially amidst increasing water demand due to population growth and industrialization.