How can hydroelectric dams be improved to allow greater passage of juvenile pacifc salmon?5 answersTo enhance the passage of juvenile Pacific salmon through hydroelectric dams, several strategies can be implemented based on the findings from various studies. Temporary measures like turbine modulation, shutdown during specific times, and reservoir level lowering have shown promise in reducing migration delays and mortality rates. Installing efficient fish passage solutions such as angled racks with bypasses and large nature-like fishways can significantly improve downstream passage conditions, with passage rates increasing with body length. Additionally, optimizing the design and location of bypass systems can increase fish guidance efficiency and reduce mortality risks associated with dam passage. It is crucial to consider site-specific factors, flexible approaches, and the behavioral traits of salmon to develop effective mitigation measures for enhancing the safe and timely passage of juvenile Pacific salmon through hydroelectric dams.
Do dams affect the fish distributin range?5 answersDams have been found to impact the distribution range of fish species. The construction of dams can lead to a reduction in the longitudinal connectivity of rivers, disrupting fish migration and altering the spatial distribution of species. The effects of dams on fish communities vary across different biomes, with significant declines in richness and diversity observed in tropical regions, while temperate regions show similar directional changes but with lower amplitude. Dams also contribute to the fragmentation of fish species' occurrence ranges, with non-diadromous species being more affected than diadromous species. The planned construction of dams in Gabon poses a substantial threat to marine-associated fish species, potentially leading to the loss of riverine habitats and impacting biodiversity and fisheries. Overall, dams have been shown to have significant effects on the distribution range of fish species, with implications for ecosystem processes, services, and conservation efforts.
How do dams affect livelihoods?4 answersDams have significant impacts on livelihoods, affecting both rural communities and ethnic minority societies. The construction of small dams can lead to displacement and involuntary resettlement, destabilizing the family fabric and causing complex challenges for affected communities. Hydropower expansion projects, such as the Madushan Dam in Southwest China, have triggered outward migration flows, exposed ethnic minority farmers to external influences, and reshaped social networks. In the Mekong River Basin, dam construction has neglected the livelihood and food security of local populations, with different impacts observed in Laos and Thailand. In the Amazon Basin, large dam construction has resulted in conflicts and impacts on traditional fishing communities, highlighting the need for collaborative mechanisms and social justice in mitigation measures. The Bui Dam Hydroelectric project in Ghana has affected farmers' livelihoods, particularly in terms of land acquisition, soil fertility, and compensation issues. Overall, dams have diverse and multidimensional impacts on livelihoods, necessitating comprehensive assessment and mitigation measures.
Why are dams important?3 answersDams are important for several reasons. Firstly, they help organizations respond to external changes in a dynamic environment and promote internal changes within the organization. Secondly, dams trap pollutants such as microplastics in their reservoirs, which is crucial for estimating global river inputs to oceans. Additionally, dams play a significant role in providing a regulated water supply, especially for irrigation, as well as protecting water resources and preventing floods. Moreover, the seismic safety and interaction behavior of dams are vital to ensure their stability and performance. Overall, dams are essential for managing change, protecting water resources, controlling pollution, and ensuring the safety and stability of water structures.
How dam improve electricity?5 answersDams improve electricity production in several ways. Firstly, the addition of hydroelectric power generation capabilities to existing dams through retrofitting is a cost-effective method to increase electricity production. Hydroelectric power generation harnesses the gravitational force of falling or flowing water to generate electricity, and the cost of hydroelectricity is relatively low, making it a competitive source of renewable electricity. Dams are used to collect and store water, which can be evenly distributed between locations, ensuring a consistent water supply for power generation. Furthermore, the weight and slow movement of water can be exploited to generate electricity using innovative methods such as designing rotors with large blades submerged in the water. By utilizing these techniques, dams can significantly increase the production of electricity, contributing to the overall energy supply.
How can we change turbines in a dam?5 answersTurbines in a dam can be changed by implementing different methods. One approach is to use in-stream turbines that harness the kinetic energy of water without requiring storage. Another method involves using blade hydraulic turbines, which are mounted between two half dams to collect water flow and improve water levels. Water-driven turbines can also be mounted in movable gates, sluices, or dams to generate electricity from marine tides or river flows. Additionally, a dam can be equipped with multiple water-turbine generator sets, with each set placed at the upper inlet and lower outlet of a water diversion culvert. Furthermore, turbine installations can be designed with reduced inner and outer gaps, utilizing a water passageway, a turbine runner, and a discharge ring to optimize efficiency.