Glacial Landscape Impact Case Study - Switzerland

Question 1

When was the Grande Dixence Dam built?

Answer 1

Between 1951 and 1965.

Question 2

How much did the Grande Dixence Dam cost to build?

Answer 2

US$1.9 billion dollars.

Question 3

What are the dimensions of the Grande Dixence Dam?

Answer 3

The dam is 285m high, and the width varies from 200m wide at the base to 15m wide at the top.

Question 4

How many glaciers provide the Grande Dixence Dam with water?

Answer 4

35 glaciers.

Question 5

How does the Grande Dixence Dam utilise glacial meltwater to generate energy?

Answer 5

Glacial meltwater is stored during the summer and then released to generate energy in the winter.

Question 6

How much energy does the Grande Dixence Dam generate annually?

Answer 6

2000 GWh, which is enough to power 400,000 homes.

Question 7

How much Swiss electricity comes from hydroelectric water storage power stations such as the Grande Dixence Dam?

Answer 7

Around a third.

Question 8

In what two ways did the planners of the Grande Dixence Dam minimise impacts on the landscape?

Answer 8

• Aggregates used for the dam were obtained locally from multiple moraine deposits to ensure minimal impact.
• The pumping stations are below ground to maintain how the area looks.

Question 9

What are the two impacts that the Grande Dixence Dam has on the landscape?

Answer 9

• The lack of flow caused by the dam causes increased sediment deposition, which means that 15% of available water has to be used to move this sediment downstream.
• Released water from the dam is much faster than from a natural meltwater stream, causing increased channel erosion.