Dams
DAMS: GOOD OR BAD
Introduction
The unequal availability of resources leads to the development of methods to store them. Water as the prime resource for survival has been the determining factor for human settlements, been the sole reason for communities to thrive and for long formed the basis for wars.
In locations where the appearance of rainfall is scanty and unreliable, the need to store water has given rise to the creation of ‘tankas’, creation of man-made lakes and similar reservoirs. However, these methods allow for temporary availability and demand replenishment.
Dams form a viable option in places where factors like foundation conditions, low possibility of seismic activity have been ascertained. It is necessary to study the chemical characteristics of ground water and the possible effects of temperature and pressure changes on the environment. When the necessary surrounding parameters are satisfied, dams are deemed to bring positive effect.
Like any measure to divert and stem the flow of water will, dams represent the possibility of a number of disadvantages.
Prior to the arrival of technology to allow for huge structures to direct the flow of water, simple techniques were popular in villages. These rough structures were useful for small groups and communities. However, with the increase in the size of human settlements the demand for water supply increased. The direction of water towards thriving human settlements allows for economic growth. The search for methods to harness water resources develops from the desire for a prosperous thriving community.
Objectives
Industry, transport, entertainment, agriculture and domestic needs are met effectively with the development of dams. It is clear that the benefits of this method are the reason why many communities the world over have chosen it.
Yet, there is a huge debate about the dams and the disadvantages they bring up. The effect on the environment and communities is quoted as
Introduction
The unequal availability of resources leads to the development of methods to store them. Water as the prime resource for survival has been the determining factor for human settlements, been the sole reason for communities to thrive and for long formed the basis for wars.
In locations where the appearance of rainfall is scanty and unreliable, the need to store water has given rise to the creation of ‘tankas’, creation of man-made lakes and similar reservoirs. However, these methods allow for temporary availability and demand replenishment.
Dams form a viable option in places where factors like foundation conditions, low possibility of seismic activity have been ascertained. It is necessary to study the chemical characteristics of ground water and the possible effects of temperature and pressure changes on the environment. When the necessary surrounding parameters are satisfied, dams are deemed to bring positive effect.
Like any measure to divert and stem the flow of water will, dams represent the possibility of a number of disadvantages.
Prior to the arrival of technology to allow for huge structures to direct the flow of water, simple techniques were popular in villages. These rough structures were useful for small groups and communities. However, with the increase in the size of human settlements the demand for water supply increased. The direction of water towards thriving human settlements allows for economic growth. The search for methods to harness water resources develops from the desire for a prosperous thriving community.
Objectives
Industry, transport, entertainment, agriculture and domestic needs are met effectively with the development of dams. It is clear that the benefits of this method are the reason why many communities the world over have chosen it.
Yet, there is a huge debate about the dams and the disadvantages they bring up. The effect on the environment and communities is quoted as
Bibliography: http://riverkeepers.org/images/uploads/dams_fact_sheet.pdf http://siteresources.worldbank.org/LACEXT/Resources/258553-1123250606139/Good_and_Bad_Dams_WP16.pdf www.hydroworld.com http://geography.about.com/od/waterandice/a/damsreservoirs.htm