Worksheet 1 - Introductory Questions

INTRODUCTION

The most topical and controversial large dam scheme is undoubtedly the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, China. It will be the largest man-made structure in the world. It has been constructed not only for flood protection, navigation and hydroelectric power generation purposes, but as a political statement to the world. The impact on the local populations has been immense, involving relocation of over a million people, the abandonment (and eventual inundation under dam waters) of entire cities, the drowning of archaeological sites, and destruction of the wildlife and habitats during construction. 

REMIT

Answer the following question. Use the web links to research your answers.

1. Where is the Three Gorges Dam located? Find a map and images, if possible. Produce a location map using World Wide Web links and a good atlas. 

2. On your map, draw the following:

   • Yangtze River and Yellow River

   • the principal cities (Shanghai)

   • the location of the Three Gorges and the construction site for the Three Gorges Dam

   • those towns and cities most affected by the project (Wanxian, Chonqing)

3. What dimensions will the Three Gorges Dam be? How tall? How deep? How long?

4. How big is the Three Gorges Dam compared to other large dams?

5. What are the reasons for the Three Gorges Dam?

6. List the economic benefits?

7. List the environmental, social and archaeological detrimental effects?

8. How many cities and towns will be drowned?

9. How many, and where, other Big Dams can you find in the world? What problems have they faced?

10. Do you think that large dams (>100 m high) should be constructed?

Other resources:

• Synopsis

• Three Gorges Dam - A Review

• Worksheet 1 - Introductory Questions

• Worksheet 2 - Advanced Questions

• Worksheet 3 - Role-play Game

• Worksheet 4 - Classroom Debate

• Notes for Teachers

• Further Reading

• Web Links

Adapted from:

• RiversWEB: www.smuc.ac.uk/RiversWEB/index.html

• Simm DJ (2002) Using the internet as a teaching tool: Three Gorges Dam, China. Teaching Geography, 27(2), 82-86.

© British Society for Geomorphology (Education and Outreach). Author: Dave Simm, Bath Spa University College (2004).