Debating Big Dams

Flashcards about debating big dams.

Dam

Dams and reservoirs are most commonly human constructions built to manage water resources for 5,000 years.

Thirlmere Lake

A reservoir that is 3.5 miles long, 1.2 miles wide and 158 feet deep built by Manchester Corporation in 1889.

Haweswater

A reservoir that is 4 miles long and half a mile wide. Manchester Corporation was given permission by the Haweswater Act of Parliament to build a dam to augment supplies.

Large Dam

Structures > 15M (above foundation).

Major Dam

Structures > 150M.

Hydroelectric Power (HEP)

Power generated from water held in reservoirs.

Irrigation

Storing as much water as possible for the growing season.

Flood Control

Maintaining a small water level to maximize storage capacity.

Navigation

Water stored to offset low-flow.

Biggest dam builders

China, USA, India, Spain, Japan.

Aswan High Dam

Completed in 1970 and generates 20% of Egypt's electricity using HEP.

World Commission on Dams (2000)

Estimates 40 to 80 million people displaced by reservoirs in the last 50 years.

Siltation

The trapping of sediment; a major issue that seriously effects the useful life of a dam.