4.6 Multipurpose dam projects Flashcards

1
Q

factors affecting the choice of site of a dam-

7 points

A
  • Rivers and lakes nearby to provide water
  • The valley should be quite narrow, where the dam is built (wider dam would be more costly)
  • A dam also needs to be quite high up a valley (Higher it is,the greater the pressure of water,will have more potential energy)
  • Should be sited away from the developed areas to reduce the risk of getting pollution in the reservoir.
  • High precipitation to provide sufficient water;
  • Low temperature to prevent evaporation;
  • Built on strong impermeable rock so water doesn’t drain and has a good foundation;
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2
Q

advantages of a dam

9 points

A
  • Generation of electricity in hydro-electric power plants;
  • Flood control;
  • Irrigation
  • Creates recreational land for tourism and leisure
  • Provision of water
  • Creation of habitat for wetland species
  • Renewable source of energy so Doesn’t produce greenhouse gases
  • Reduces fossil fuel consumption
  • Creates more jobs
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3
Q

disadvantages of a dam

7 points

A
  • Relocating people
  • Flooding land
  • Disrupting the lifecycles of fish and other aquatic organisms.
  • Altering the water supply for people downstream of the dam.
  • Reducing the enrichment of soil downstream of the dam.
  • Dam may become redundant due to sediment build up
  • expensive to build
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4
Q

Sustainability of dams:

A

Alternative for burning of fossil fuels as no greenhouse gases are produced.

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5
Q

Unsustainability of dams:

A
  • Reservoir can become silted due to material carried into it by rivers;
  • Dam structure under a lot of pressure can deteriorate and eventually fail;
  • Have negative effects on the environment and fish population.
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