Reservoirs Flashcards
1
Q
why do we build dams and reservoirs?
A
number one reason is irrigation, but also flood control, energy, water supply, water storage
2
Q
what is a dam?
A
a barrier built across a body of water that controls the flow of water
3
Q
in what decade did dams spike?
A
1950s
4
Q
what are the social impacts of dams?
A
- displacement
- large breeding ground for disease carrying insects and parasites
- methyl mercury poisoning
5
Q
what are the 4 main environmental effects of dams and reservoirs?
A
- they interrupt connectivity of river systems (river fragmentation) which disrupts fish spawning and migration
- alter seasonal flood regimes (flow regulation) which alters the downstream habitat conditions
- due to reduced flow velocity, reservoirs retain sediments that are needed to maintain the productivity and stability of downstream ecosystems
- alter temperature and chemical composition of release water
6
Q
what are three solutions to fish not being to pass through river fragmentation?
A
- fish ladders
- nature like bypass channel
- fish lifts
7
Q
what are the two water release systems?
A
- simple spillway for overflow (cheaper)
- multi-level release (releases water with different temperatures and chemicals + expensive)
8
Q
what percentage of water storage volume in reservoirs is lost to evaporation?
A
5%
