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Dams and Reservoirs topics included here: Dams types, geological characters for investigation, reservoirs and their types.
Dams and reservoirs are both structures related to rivers. Dams are built on rivers to store water for various reasons, such as hydroelectricity, irrigation, and flood control. Reservoirs are formed behind dams.
Here are some types of dams: Arch dam: A good choice for small canyons with sturdy flanks that can withstand the thrust created by the arch action. Gravity dam: A solid structure constructed across a river to create a reservoir on its upstream. It uses the weight of the material and its resistance against the foundation to hold back water. Embankment dam: A bank or hill-like structure built across the river to hold back water reservoir at one end. Barrage: A type of dam built for diverting water. It's usually built where the surface is flat across meandering rivers and raises the water level only by a few feet.
A reservoir is a man-made lake created by building a dam on a river. Reservoirs can also be formed from natural lakes whose outlet has been dammed to control the water level.
Reservoirs are built to provide water for homes, industry, and other uses.
They are used for: Flood risk management: Reservoirs collect water during times of high rainfall, reducing flood risk, and then release the water slowly over the following weeks and months Hydroelectricity Irrigation Human consumption Industrial use
Reservoirs can also support a variety of flora and fauna. Some species rely on these habitats for their entire lifecycle.
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