Aswan Dam Flashcards
Where is the Aswan High Dam located?
On the Nile River in southern Egypt.
When was the Aswan High Dam constructed?
Between 1960 and 1970.
What are the primary purposes of the Aswan High Dam?
Flood control, increased water storage for irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
What large man-made lake was created by the dam?
Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.
How did the dam change the natural flooding of the Nile?
It halted the annual floods that deposited nutrient-rich silt, affecting traditional flood-recession farming.
What impact did stopping the floods have on agriculture?
Farmers now rely on artificial irrigation and chemical fertilizers, increasing costs and dependence on modern methods.
Approximately how many Nubians were displaced due to the dam’s creation of Lake Nasser?
About 100,000 Nubians.
What challenges did the displaced Nubians face?
They had to adapt to significantly different climates and farming conditions, leading to cultural and social disruptions.
What is a significant water loss issue associated with Lake Nasser?
Up to 10% of the water is lost annually due to evaporation from its vast surface.
How was the dam funded and which country notably supported it?
It was funded with a $1 billion investment, with significant support from the Soviet Union after other funding attempts fell through.
How much electricity does the Aswan High Dam produce annually?
Around 2,100 MW, making it one of Egypt’s primary sources of power.
In what way has Lake Nasser boosted local tourism?
It attracts tourists for boating, fishing, and visits to nearby historical sites such as the Abu Simbel temples.
What new industry emerged as a positive consequence of the dam?
A fishing industry developed around Lake Nasser, supporting local economies.
How has the dam contributed to stabilizing agriculture in the Nile Delta?
By controlling floods and releasing water gradually, it makes farming more predictable and less risky.
In what ways has the Aswan High Dam contributed to Egypt’s economic modernization?
It generates hydroelectric power, supports irrigation for agriculture, creates jobs in energy, agriculture, and tourism, and even offers potential for exporting surplus electricity.
