A hydropower planner studies Fig. 1 before selecting a site on a northern tributary of the Indus. The sketch shows a steep-sided gorge, a dam, reservoir and...
Question 1 Report
A hydropower planner studies Fig. 1 before selecting a site on a northern tributary of the Indus. The sketch shows a steep-sided gorge, a dam, reservoir and transmission line to a town. Seasonal snowmelt produces high flows, but residents have raised concerns about environmental and social change.
(a) Identify the feature labelled X. [1]
(b) Describe why a narrow gorge is suitable for building the structure shown. [1]
(c) Explain three disadvantages of this hydroelectric development. [3]
Answer Details
(a) Dam [1] (b) Steep, narrow sides require a shorter dam wall and can hold back deep water [1] (c) Any three: expensive to construct in remote mountainous terrain [1]; villages/farmland may be submerged and people displaced [1]; sediment can reduce reservoir capacity [1]; altered flow harms river habitats/fisheries [1]; output varies with seasonal water flow [1]; dam failure or reservoir-induced hazards may threaten communities [1]. [3]
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