Monday, March 30, 2009

3 Gorges Dam



As engineers the 3 Gorges Dam is a great example of many solutions to energy and ecosystem problems. the energy the 3 gorges dam produce can give energy to many people in the surrounding area. A hydraulic turbine converts the energy of flowing water into mechanical energy. A hydroelectric generator converts this mechanical energy into electricity. The Chang River is located in the heart of China and runs through the middle of it. It is also the longest river in China.

There are many local farms and a small cities. Many will have to evacuate in order to build this dam. It will help flooding problems and save many lives and agriculture. The vegetation is very green around the river with many small towns, cities, and farms. To see this flooding first hand makes us wonder if the Earth is going through global warming or climate changes. If flooding happens at the Chang River; it might be also happening around the world.

Also, the dam has been known to cause landslides, altering entire ecosystems, and other serious environmental issues. It has led to a particularly strong lake effect. And many waterborne diseases have increased. Because humanity has built this huge dam, it has become China's biggest potential environmental nightmare. But the Government officials have long defended the 24 billion dollar project is a major source of renewable power for the energy-hungry nation.

1 comment:

Grace's 8th Grade Page said...

Hey you mighty engineers.
I have been visiting the Roaring 40's lately and i thought this damn sounded interesting. I learned a lot from your post. First i learned that you can see the 3 Gorges Dam from outer space, but you can't the Great Wall. AMAZING! Also this dam causes landslides! that must be very dangerous! I think its very scary how this can be a nightmare!

The Roaring 40's is very different from the 3 Gorges Dam. First, this dam is definitely not a very rough part of the ocean! But as a comparison it sounds like our locations can both be very dangerous at times!

Well I'm glad i got to learn about this dam! Have fun exploring!
-Grace