3 Gorges Dam Flashcards
What are the 2 major uses of the dam?
HEP and flood control
Why was the dam built?
Devastating floods in 1991
How long does the reservoir run back through the valley?
66km
How much did the project cost?
£24 billion
What were the socio economic advantages of the project?
Flood control downstream
Construction jobs created by the construction
What were the economic advantages of the project?
HEP from the dam provides about 10% of the counties current needs
Allows large ships to reach Chongqing at all times of the year
Provides water supplies to towns in the valley
Creates jobs and promotes economic growth
What were the environmental advantages of the project?
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
Reduces siltation downstream
What were the socio economic disadvantages of the project?
At least 1.3 million people had to be relocated
140 towns, 13 cities and 1,300 villages were submerged
Many people will loose their jobs
Land taken from owners for replacement housing
Resettlement leads to a lower quality of life
Large areas of farmland flooded
Cultural heritage and family homes destroyed
What were the environmental disadvantages of the project?
More pollution from sewage and industry in the river
More erosion downstream due to sediment being trapped by the dam
Large dams can cause earthquakes
Some animal species are threatened e.g Yangtze dolphin
What is the political disadvantage of the project?
The dam is a vulnerable target in war
What river is the dam located on?
The Yangtze
