2. A. Hard Engineering Strategies
(p117)
• This uses technology in order to try to control
rivers.
• They tend to give immediate results but are
expensive
• Also in the future they may provide more
problems.
How can river flow be managed – ‘hard engineering’
3. What is a dam and what does it
do?
How can river flow be managed – ‘hard engineering’
5. Cross section of a dam
How can river flow be managed – ‘hard engineering’
6. Why are they built?
• Generate electricity
• Stop river flooding downstream
• Provide water for farmers, factories or
homes nearby.
7. 1. Dams & Reservoirs
• Often part of a multi-purpose project (often to
control river flow, produce HEP, supply water, etc.)
• Recreation activities on Lake Powel, USA here
• Major example is the 3 Gorges Dam in China.
Costs Benefits
How can river flow be managed – ‘hard engineering’
9. 2. Channel (River)
Straightening
• This involves digging a straighter shorter channel in
areas where rivers meander. The logic behind this is
to speed up water flow in flood prone areas, and stop
water from "hanging around".
• This has occurred in York, but can cause flooding in
downstream areas - a knock on consequence.
Costs Benefits
How can river flow be managed – ‘hard engineering’
10.
11. Example of Hard Engineering:
Three Gorges Dam, China
• Reduces flood risk from 1 in
10 yr event to 1 in 100 yr
event.
• 1.4m people moved to build
dam and reservoir.
• What are the costs and
benefits of the scheme?
COSTS BENEFITS
