These are all 'common names' and refer as much to function as to structure.
Berm is a very broad term, a linear earthen feature above grade. The term berm is common in landscape architecture with the function of creating noise abatement or implied enclosure. Berm implies earthen structure...
While berm is an outie, swales are innies, A swale is a linear feature below grade... implies low gradient, water absorbtion function, ditch suggests the goal is drainage, suggests steeper walls. drain and ditch systems , roadside ditches, etc... berm, swale and ditch both imply human made, as opposed to stream, arroyo, gully, or more technically, alluvial channel.
Curious to see if there is any divergence from these concepts. Sorry, no pictures. I am slowly designing a miniature ditch/berm/dam swale system for our place... I'll put it on the wiki when I get a chance.
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