the grand dixence scheme, switzerland

Question 1

where the the grand dixence dam situated

Answer 1

the head o the val des dixe is SW swtizerland

Question 2

when was the dam intitially constructed and why

Answer 2

in the 1960s to provide switzerland with hydro electric power

Question 3

how much water does the dam store every year

Answer 3

400 million m3 of water

Question 4

how does the dam produce energy

Answer 4

• the grande dixence operates by storing glacial meltwater in the summer and using it to generate energy in the high demand winter period
• the dam drives the turbines for four power stations which provide electricity for 400,000 swiss homes

Question 5

what are the environmental and human impacts of the dam

Answer 5

• environmental impacts are limited because pumping stations and powerplants are largely built underground.
• thus tourism has been enhanced, with tours of the dam and helicopter rides above it being available

Question 6

what is the main impact on glacial systems

Answer 6

due to the build up of water behind the dam, energy is lost and material is abruptly deposited. to solve this problem, some of the water in the dam is dedicated to flushing out the material and moving it downstream

Question 7

what is the impact on river channels

Answer 7

the trapping of sediment at the dam leads to very clear water flowing into the natural river channels with excessive unused energy. this leads to increased channel erosion. the amount of sediment flowing into lake geneva has halfed since the dam’s construction