what are some effects of building a dam course hero

What are the effects of dams on rivers?

Building of dams can cause flooding on its nearby areas which can destroy the forest and croplands as well as displace the people living near it. Also, it losses too much water during the process of water evaporation. It also decreases the water on the rivers due to withdrawal, affecting now the aquatic habitat of aquatic animals.

What are the health risks associated with large dam construction?

Apr 07, 2018 · 8. What are some environmental costs and societal benefits associated with building dams? Diverts water from it naturally flows, as well as not caring the nutrients needed for environmental live and societal benefits are people get to choose where the water goes, instead of losing it to the ocean. 9.

Why do we need dams?

12 ) What are some effects of building a dam ? A ) A stream has more sediment below the dam and so can erode more efficiently B ) The reservoir ( lake ) traps sediment that over time fills up part of the reservoir

What are the disadvantages of dam construction in the Nile Delta?

Some of the environmental implications cited by Chinese officials which have occurred as a result of the Dam project are water pollution , the disruption of the river 's ecosystem , deforestation , …

How do dams affect the environment?

The impoundment of not just the water, but also the blocking of the riverine silt and nutrient load as well, has altered the ecologies ...

How do dams affect rivers?

The effects of dams on rivers can have dramatic consequences both upstream and downstream as the natural flow and drainage of the land is altered. One of the most obvious of these effects is a profound altering of the natural sediment load carried by the waters of the previously free-flowing river. As the sediment-laden upstream waters flow into the impoundment behind the dam, suspended sediments drop out and form thick layers of silt at the bottom of the impoundment. Also as a result, when water is released through the dam it is relatively sediment-free, and hungrily picks up a sediment load as it moves downstream, leading to increased erosion of the riverbanks and streambed for dozens and sometimes hundreds of kilometers downstream from the dam.

What happens when water is released through a dam?

Also as a result, when water is released through the dam it is relatively sediment-free, and hungrily picks up a sediment load as it moves downstream , leading to increased erosion of the riverbanks and streambed for dozens and sometimes hundreds of kilometers downstream from the dam.

How many people have been displaced by dams?

The World Commission on Dams estimates that 40-80 million people have been displaced by dam construction in living memory.

What is the oldest branch of engineering?

The construction of dams and other hydraulic structures is one of the oldest branches of engineering. Human civilization started around rivers, and as we have spread and advanced across the globe tens of thousands of dams and reservoirs have been constructed on virtually every watershed upon the earth. These engineering works, large and small, have ...

What are the environmental consequences of dams?

The environmental consequences of huge dams vary from time to time and from place to place and include direct impacts to the biological, chemical and physical properties of rivers and bank (or "stream-side") environments.

Why are dams important?

Throughout history, dams have played a vital role in the growth and enlargement of civilization. Many ancient town planners relied on dams to funnel water through their cities even though it was far-off, whereas military leaders used dams to change ...

What are the disadvantages of hydropower?

Some Other Disadvantages Include 1 Relocation is another big concern. People living in villages and cities that are within the natural depression zone that might be flooded, should move out. Hence, they lose their farms and businesses. In some countries, people are forcibly removed so that hydro-power plant constructions can go ahead. This happens to be an ethical concern. 2 The building of large dams can result in serious ecological damage. For example, the building of the Hoover Dam in the USA prompted a number of earthquakes and has depressed the earth's surface at its location. This is an alarming matter as it may lead to devastation. 3 Although modern planning and design of dams have been less prone to the devastating results, in the past old dams have been known to be ruptured. This has led to deaths and flooding in several places. 4 Dams built on or near the border between two countries may also block the progress of a river in one country. This means that the water supply from the same river in the neighboring country is not under their control anymore. This can result in serious issues between neighbor countries. For example, the neighboring countries like India and Pakistan on one hand and West Bengal, an eastern state of India and Bangladesh are at constant conflict due to the water supply from Indus river and Teesta River respectively.

What are dams used for?

Dams and their reservoirs provide recreation areas for fishing and boating During times of excess water flow, dams store water in the reservoir; then they release water during times of low flow, once natural flows are inadequate to satisfy water demand.

Why are dams created?

As a result, dams are created to store water and for the management of the water moving down a stream or watercourse. Today, dams just like the Hoover Dam, ...

Which country has the most dams?

China presently holds the record for the maximum number of dams. Domestic use of dams varies from everyday activities like water for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing to the field and garden watering.