dams and reservoirs

• this is a dam / reservoirs

  
• dams

  dams are built across rivers usually in the upper course
• reservoirs

  this forms behind the dam
• benefit of dams / reservoirs

  storing water water in the reservoir reduces risk of flooding
• benefit of dams / reservoirs

  water stored in the reservoir can be used as drinking water to reduce water water shortages in times of drought
• benefit of dams / reservoirs

  the dam can generate hydroelectric power which reduces reliance on fossil fuels
• benefit of dams / reservoirs

  promotes new habitats and encourages tourism and recreation which can boost the economy
• costs of dams / reservoirs

  flooding a valley to make way for the reservoir usually displaces people thus destroying communities
• costs of dams / reservoirs

  dams are very expensive to create and take a long time to build so are a big investment
• costs of dams / reservoirs

  fertile silt gets trapped behind the dam instead of spreading onto surrounding farmland so decreases crop yields
• costs of dams / reservoirs

  dams can interfere with migrating fish patterns
• costs of dams / reservoirs

  building of dams can cause earthquakes from pressure of the water, meaning people feel unsafe