Effects of Dams Flashcards
What are some likely downstream effects of dams?
- Erosion
- Deposition
- Altered habitat
- Increased flooding
How do hydrographs change downstream once a dam is instructed?
- fewer flood peaking
- less flow (not as high)
What happens downstream with water supply dams?
- fewer flood peaks
- less flow
- lower high flow
What happens down stream with flood control dams
- fewer flood peaks
- lower high flow
- flow changes
How does sediment load change downstream once a dam is instructed?
- more erosion downstream
- flow changes, therefore, transport changes
- sediment is trapped in reservoir
- clearer water
What are other downstream effects of dams?
- change in chemistry
- change in temperature
- change in habitat
What is the purpose of conventional dams?
To store and supply water (Rio Grande and Platte River)
What is the purpose of power generation dams?
produce energy from power of water (Snake River)
Water supply dams reduce ______ flow and ______ flow
flood & total
Power generation dams have ________ effect on flood and total flow
little to no
What is a prime example of multiple use dams?
Chattahoochee River, GA
- water storage
- flood control
- power
- recreation
Who wants what from the Chatahoochee River?
City of Atlanta: no flooding, public water supply, cheap power
Power companies & customers: fluctuate flow based on consumer demand
Farmers: minimize bank erosion downstream and get water for irrigation
Fishermen: not much flow variation (dangerous if they are fishing downstream) & cold, oxygen rich water for trout to be healthy
Boaters: high water level
Who is downstream of the Chatahoochee River that is also needing its resources?
Floridia and Alabama
- not enthralled by Georgia’s water use
What kind of dam reduces average and peak water discharge?
water supply
What kind of dam often daily fluctuations in the water discharge downstream?
hydroelectric power
