Three Gorges DamBrilliant solution to Southern
China energy crisis or environmental disaster
http://www.yangtzeriver.org/threegorges_dam
Concept and Environmental Impact Assessment began in 1950’s during the era of Mao ZeDong
Reasons to Build Dam
Improve navigation along the Yangtze River. Major Highway for movement of coal, other goods and people
Prevent seasonal flooding which used to cause loss of life and property along river.
Provide hydroelectric power desperately needed energy for growing population
Reduce dependence on coal with environmental and health and safety issues
Chong Qing population 26 millionStart of cruise down the Yangtze
175 m sign and landslide prevention
Flooded Towns being replaced by new apartments above the 175 m water level
Collecting garbage from the flooded cities
Coal storage and chutes
Coal
Chute
Coal barge and cruise ships
Displaced people are moved up the slopes or sent to other areas of China. Families separatedNew bridges replace submerged onesNew building often on old landslip areas due to shortage of flat land for building
People still fish along the Yangtze
Steps or tram up to 175 m level
Entrance to the First Gorge
Entrance to the Second Gorge
Reservoir Induced Landslides caused by buildup of groundwater inside sediments
along side of Gorge.
Qiangjiangping landslideQiangjiangping landslide on July 13th 2003Lasted 5 minutes, Landslide monitoring gave warning1200 people evacuatedProduced 30 m high surge, caused 14 deaths, 10 disappeared, 19 injuries. Economic loss 57 million RMB Similar cause to Viant Dam landslide
buildup of water pressure below clay layer caused slippage
How to build a damFirst find a Gorge with an island in the middle
Then build a dam without stopping the fast flow of the Yangtze River
1 2 3
4 5
Dam wall, sluice gates and Garbage trap
Locks to enable ships to pass through the dam up and down river
Environmental Issues and solutionsFlooding cities including 1300 important archaeological sites
Rebuilding of cities and museums above flood level Movement of archaeological artifacts
Forced movement of peopleLoss of rich farmlands
Farms moved to poorer land along side of gorge
Increasing numbers and frequency of landslidesLandslide monitoring and prevention
Possible loss of rare or endangered plants, fish, animals living along the Yangtze Fish ladders, animal reserves
Reservior Induced landsidesMonitoring and landslide prevention engineering
Silt buildup behind dam could reduce size of reservoir and cause coastal erosionSluices at the base of the dam to allow silt to pass through
• Pollution produces amazing sunsets