Questions and Answers
Where is Aswan located?
What is the length of the Aswan High Dam?
3600 metres
How many turbines does the Aswan High Dam have?
12 turbines
When did the construction of the Aswan High Dam start?
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What type of energy does the Aswan High Dam generate?
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What is the name of the artificial lake created by the Aswan High Dam?
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What are some advantages of the Aswan Dam?
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The Aswan Dam has no impact on local fish stocks.
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What was one of the significant disadvantages associated with the Aswan Dam?
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What does salinization affect in irrigated farmland?
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What disease is associated with water channels created from the reservoir?
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What may happen when water evaporates in irrigation areas?
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Study Notes
Aswan High Dam Overview
- Located about 600 km south of Cairo, near the Sudan border.
- An embankment dam composed of a triangular block of granite.
Key Facts
- Dimensions: 3600 meters long, 111 meters high.
- Construction backed by the Soviet Union; began in 1960 and completed in 1971.
- Engaged approximately 30,000 workers.
- Generates over 10 billion kilowatts of electricity annually via 12 turbines.
- Creates Lake Nasser, the world's largest artificial lake, at 560 km in length.
Advantages of the Aswan Dam
- Provides water for homes, industries, and irrigation.
- Supports development in Egypt.
- Enhances fish stocks in Lake Nasser.
- Supplies electricity for domestic and agricultural use.
- Creates new farmland by controlling river water levels.
Development Opportunities
- Lake Nasser enables hydroelectric power (HEP) generation and flood control.
- Reduces flood-related casualties and property damage, enhancing quality of life.
Hydroelectric Power
- HEP accounts for approximately 15% of Egypt's electricity needs, serving homes and industries.
Flood Control
- Lake Nasser mitigates flooding along the Nile, safeguarding surrounding farmland.
Creation of New Farmland
- Lowered water levels in the Nile allow for the emergence of new, flood-resistant farmland.
- Overall irrigation area has expanded by one-third.
Irrigation for Agriculture
- Irrigation channels transport water from Lake Nasser to adjacent desert areas, facilitating crop cultivation with electric pumps.
Fish Stocks Enhancement
- Fishing in Lake Nasser is more accessible, supporting local livelihoods.
- Promotes tourism through game fishing opportunities.
Disadvantages of the Aswan Dam
- High initial investment costs led to substantial borrowing, creating long-term financial burdens for Egypt.
Salinization Issues
- Evaporation rates in hot climates lead to salt accumulation on soil surfaces, jeopardizing crop health and yields.
Increase in Water-borne Diseases
- Stagnant water promotes disease vectors like water snails, increasing bilharzia and other diseases due to reduced river flow.
Bilharzia Overview
- Caused by Schistosoma parasites, affecting over 300 million people globally.
- Transmission occurs via infected snails in stagnant water bodies.
Symptoms of Bilharzia
- Initial symptoms include fever, chills, skin rash, and enlarged lymph nodes.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and painful urination may occur as the condition progresses.
Land Loss from Lake Nasser
- While some land gains were made, significant agricultural land was lost to flooding behind the dam.
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Test your knowledge of the Aswan High Dam with these flashcards. Learn about its location, scale, and the history behind its construction. Perfect for students or anyone interested in Egyptian engineering and dams.
