Interest and Use of Dams??5 answersInterest in dams varies across different contexts. Farmers show interest in utilizing dam water for irrigation and aquaculture purposes, especially in regions with distinct seasons. Additionally, dam lakes offer recreational opportunities like camping, fishing, and water sports, contributing to their growing popularity since 1945. However, concerns arise regarding dam maintenance and water quality. For instance, blockages in dams can lead to decreased water quality and disrupted irrigation flow, necessitating reconstruction efforts and community awareness on waste management. Interestingly, dental dams are promoted for safer sex practices, yet their usage among women who have sex with women remains low, with more reliance on latex gloves and condoms for protection. Overall, dams serve diverse purposes ranging from agriculture and recreation to public health considerations.
How does the construction of hydroelectric dams impact the ecosystem and wildlife?5 answersThe construction of hydroelectric dams significantly impacts ecosystems and wildlife. Dams alter river flow, sediment flux, water temperature, and habitat structure, leading to reduced biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, and blocked migration routes. Studies show that dam development reduces fish biodiversity, especially for migratory and threatened species, while increasing diversity in less regulated rivers. Dam construction in the Yangtze River has caused a decrease in reproduction suitability for major Chinese carps, leading to a shift in spawning grounds and a net loss of spawning areas with larger dams. Immediate effects of dam construction activities like blasting and quarrying cause severe disturbances to biodiversity, with long-term impacts on ecological integrity and environmental health. To mitigate these impacts, exploring new reservoir management strategies, banning fishing activities, and removing unnecessary dams are crucial for ecosystem restoration.
What are the effects of dam on the trend river volume in Ethiopia?5 answersThe construction of dams in Ethiopia has various effects on river volume. The analysis of the Ribb River shows that the construction of a dam and a weir will strongly alter water and sediment discharges, leading to adjustments in the river's morphology. Dams can also lead to changes in the composition and density of vectors and intermediate host species, as well as an increase in the incidence of diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis. Additionally, the ecological effect of small dams on the Koga River ecosystem shows that sediment adversely affects macroinvertebrate assemblages, and water quality is influenced by sediment and nutrient dynamics. The impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on vegetation and water show a decrease in vegetation area and an increase in water area during construction, with variable impacts on surrounding vegetation, water quality, and level. Overall, dams in Ethiopia have significant effects on river volume, morphology, ecological systems, and water quality.
How effective are subsurface dams for water harvesting?5 answersSubsurface dams are effective for water harvesting as they increase groundwater storage capacity and minimize the risk of water shortage in different climatic conditions. They can prevent seawater intrusion and increase the amount of fresh groundwater discharge. By constructing subsurface dams with the minimum effective height, saltwater intrusion can be prevented while increasing fresh groundwater discharge. The construction of subsurface dams can also raise groundwater levels and provide a valuable source of water for consumption during drought seasons. However, the effectiveness of subsurface dams in reducing contaminant levels, such as nitrate concentration, may vary.
Does the change of level in dams influence the incision of rivers?5 answersThe change in level of dams has a significant influence on the incision of rivers. Flow regulation associated with dams leads to reductions in flow magnitude and frequency, as well as changes in the timing and duration of flows. Dams can cause channel incision and bed armoring directly downstream due to sustained sediment-free releases. The downstream effects of dams are complex and difficult to predict, but tributary impacts and differential responses of gravel bed and sand bed systems need to be considered. Dams also trap sediment, leading to a reduction in sediment delivery to oceans and coastal erosion. The downstream effects of dams can take upward of a century to establish new equilibrium profiles and channel widths in gravel bed rivers. The change in level of dams can result in sediment deficit or surplus downstream, which affects channel change and width. Dams alter the flow of water and sediment, interrupting and altering ecological processes downstream. The reduction in flood magnitude and flow competence caused by dams can lead to a reduction in river capacity to transport sediment and subsequent morphological changes.
Are dams and spillways beneficial for a community?5 answersDams and spillways can have both positive and negative impacts on communities. On the positive side, they provide recreational opportunities for the general public, such as surfing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. They also contribute to flood control, water storage, irrigation, and electric generation. However, there are also negative effects to consider. Dams can disrupt downstream river flow regulation and impact riparian ecosystems, which can threaten the livelihoods of river-dependent communities. Dams are also the largest anthropogenic disturbance in aquatic ecosystems and can impact nitrogen transformation, which affects the overall health of aquatic environments. Additionally, the construction of dams can lead to gully formation and degradation of land, which can negatively impact the environment and community livelihoods. Therefore, while dams and spillways provide certain benefits, it is important to carefully consider their potential negative impacts on communities and ecosystems.