1. By Colten Parr, Meghan Ryan, and Jamie Schroeder

2. What Is a Dam?  Barrier constructed to contain water flow Sometimes can generate electricity Promotes irrigation Controls flooding in local areas

3. How Does a Dam Work?  Dams are often triangular for strength  Giant wall withstands pressure  Excess water stored, released when needed  Locks and gates contain water sometimes

4. Requirements of a Dam  Dams must be water tight  Must have ample strength  Ability to release certain water amounts  Capacity to contain large quantities

5. Benefits of Dams  Store flood water for human usage  10% of irrigation water from dams  Navigation occurs on dam water  Dam water is good for recreation

6. Hydroelectric Dams  Water travels to “powerhouse” near dam  Water then spins turbines repeatedly  Electricity is created cleanly and resourcefully

7. Gravity Dams  Use gravity to advantage  Heavy materials push down  Water pressure doesn’t do much

8. Arch Dams  Notches cut in stone walls  Curved arch placed in notches  Water pushes the arch into notches

9. Buttress Dams  Water pushes against the dam wall  Supports push back  The buttresses prevent movement

10. Embankment Dams  Entirely made of clay and earth  Water resistant soils are specially placed  Dam keeps the water in place

11. Impact on Environment  Environmentalists hate continued use of dams  Dams interfere with natural processes  Different fish species are affected  Minerals or extra salts may present

12. References  https://www.llnl.gov/str/June07/gifs/dam1.gif https://www.llnl.gov/str/June07/gifs/dam1.gif  http://www.cromwell.org.nz/aerial_photos/images/Clyde%20Dam_jpg.jpg http://www.cromwell.org.nz/aerial_photos/images/Clyde%20Dam_jpg.jpg  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/damfailure/benefits.shtm http://www.fema.gov/hazard/damfailure/benefits.shtm  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/damfailure/index.shtm http://www.fema.gov/hazard/damfailure/index.shtm  http://science.jrank.org/pages/1942/Dams-Impact-dams.html http://science.jrank.org/pages/1942/Dams-Impact-dams.html  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/dam/index.html http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/dam/index.html  http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season4/dams/facts.cfm http://idahoptv.org/dialogue4kids/season4/dams/facts.cfm  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impacts_of_dams#Impact_above_dam http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_impacts_of_dams#Impact_above_dam  http://www.bpa.gov/corporate/BPANews/Library/images/Dams/ http://www.bpa.gov/corporate/BPANews/Library/images/Dams/  http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-dams-work.htm http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-dams-work.htm  http://members.optusnet.com.au/~engineeringgeologist/page5.html http://members.optusnet.com.au/~engineeringgeologist/page5.html  http://www.ussdams.org/howdam.html http://www.ussdams.org/howdam.html