What is a dam?

What is a dam?

• What is a dam?

• “ A dam is an engineering structure built to block a valley or other low lying area for the purpose of storing water” (Hancock and Skinner, 2000).

• How many?

• From 1992 there was over 10 thousand dams worldwide.

• About 500 dams are being creating every year, which exceed 15metres in height. (Jiles and Spencer, 1995).

“60% of total stream flow is regulated by dams and reservoirs for flood control” (Jiles and Spencer, 1995).

• “60% of total stream flow is regulated by dams and reservoirs for flood control” (Jiles and Spencer, 1995).

• This is due to flood peaks being reduced, and the uniformity in base flow being increased throughout.

Dams of the world

• They can be large

• They can be small

• With adaptations for fish (ladders and turbine guards)

• Without adaptations for fish

Transport on the River

• Ferry transportation began in 1860s, they now use barges

• Economical

• Consumer Benefits

• Relieves rail congestion

Ecology Friendly

A Commissioner’s Story

References

• Anon, 1998 acessed at: http//www.grid.unep.ch/product/publication/freshwater_Europe/images/eurodam.jpg

• Buchal James NG & 60 Min

• http://www.saveourdams.com

• Gibson Beth Roll on Columbia By

• http://members.aol.com/Gibson0817/river.htm

• Hancock and Skinner, 2000, “The oxford companion to the earth”. Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford.

• Park, C., 1997, “The environment”, 29 West 35th Street, New York.

• S Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division POC: Adele Merchant, Pacific Salmon Coordination, [phone]

• Page Updated: Thursday September 05 2002

• H:\COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN - DAMS AND SALMON.htm

• http://www.deniskingphoto.com/coulee_dam/coulee_dam3.html

• The Pacific Northwest Barge Industry on the Columbia-Snake River System by American Waterways Operation 1992-3

• http://www.bluefish.org/pnbarge.htm

• Spencer, T., and Jules, H. 1995, “Coastal Problems”, Oxford University Press Inc, 198 Madison Avenue, New York.