Dams

Name that Dam

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Reasons for building dams: Water storage for drinking, industry or irrigation. Hydroelectric power. Flood control. Regulation of river flow for navigation (river regime). Other advantages: Fish stocking. Tourism. Political reasons. Building dams shows the international community that economic development is occurring, so that overseas investors may choose that country.

Reasons for building dams:

Water storage for drinking, industry or irrigation.

Hydroelectric power.

Flood control.

Regulation of river flow for navigation (river regime).

Other advantages:

Fish stocking.

Tourism.

Political reasons. Building dams shows the international community that economic development is occurring, so that overseas investors may choose that country.

Disadvantages of dams: 1% of a dam’s capacity is lost through silting each year. There is increased likelihood of bank erosion downstream. No renewal of fertile soils. No input in dynamic depositional landforms like deltas. Flooding areas of woodland and vegetation leads to rotting vegetation and huge releases of methane and carbon dioxide (greenhouse gases). The displacement of people. Huge cost – source of money (tied aid?)

Disadvantages of dams:

1% of a dam’s capacity is lost through silting each year.

There is increased likelihood of bank erosion downstream.

No renewal of fertile soils.

No input in dynamic depositional landforms like deltas.

Flooding areas of woodland and vegetation leads to rotting vegetation and huge releases of methane and carbon dioxide (greenhouse gases).

The displacement of people.

Huge cost – source of money (tied aid?)