Dams and Reservoirs- flood management strategies - Advantages and disadvantages table in GCSE Geography

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Created on: 19-05-19 12:44

Flood Management Strategies

Advantages

Reservoirs store water, especially during periods of prolonged or heavy rain, which reduces the risk of flooding by controlling the river discharge.
The water in the reservoir is used as drinking water.
The water can provide hydro-electric power, benefiting industry and domestic needs. (e.g. Kielder provides electricity for 10,000 people).
Creates new wetland habitats and benefits aquatic ecosystems and fisheries.

Disadvantages

Dams are very expensive to build. (e.g. Kielder Dam cost £167 million).
Creating a reservoir can flood existing farmland and buildings and destroy or damage habitats.
Eroded material is deposited in the reservoir and not along the river's natural course, making farmland downstream less fertile.
Social costs include the displacement of people from the flooded area. (e.g. Kielder Reservoir led to over 50 families being relocated).

Evaluation

What is this Strategy? Concrete or earth dams (huge walls) are built across rivers, usually in the upper course. A reservoir (an artificial lake) is formed behind the dam and can be used to control river flow.

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