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A LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Conditions for Life on Earth and Reservoirs Exam Study Guide
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A LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Conditions for Life on Earth and Reservoirs Exam Study Guide
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A LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE:Conditions for Life on Earth and
Reservoirs Exam Study Guide
Reservoirs
Choosing a reservoir site - Answer>> Topography influences
speed of filling, replenishment and size
Geology influences extent of seepage, stability and whether it's
more worthwhile extracting valuable rocks and minerals from the
site
Catchment area
Volume
Reliable rainfall, low evapotranspiration losses, water can't be
frozen for long
Existing land use - pollution from agriculture, turbidity from
mineral extraction, industrial pollution
Sedimentation
Access infrastructure
Vegetation clearance
Sand and compacted clay line valley floor before flooding
Need for reservoirs will change with climate change
Problems with reservoirs - Answer>> 15-20
Few rivers with sufficient vol. to feed them
Local opposition
Pumping releases CO2
Disrupts local ecology
Huge increase in traffic and noise during construction
Biotic changes in areas with reservoirs - Answer>> Higher
humidity downwind
, Higher wind speeds downwind due to smoother reservoir surfaces
having less friction
More evaporation increases cloud cover which decreases
insolation and temp.
Flooding for initial creation destroys habitats and species
Dams obstruct fish migration
Less sediment and soil fertility downstream due to sedimentation
behind dam
Less flow downstream, less flooding, less supply for drinking and
irrigation
Minimal temp. fluctuations due to high SHC of water
Process of building dams - Answer>> Divert river
Prepare foundations
Construction
Filling reservoir
Testing valves and floodgates work
Monitoring behaviour of newly built dam
Features of arch dams - Answer>> Concrete
Strong shape for resisting pushing force of water behind dam
Constructed in narrow, steep-sided valleys
Needs stable valley sides to resist forces on the dam
E.g. Hoover Dam
Cheaper as they use smaller amounts of water
Features of buttress dams - Answer>> Concrete or masonry
Watertight upstream side supported by triangular shaped walls
Resist force of water trying to push the dam over
Features of embankment dams - Answer>> Generally made
from natural materials
Earth- or rock-fill
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