Jan 16, 2025 · dam, structure built across a stream, a river, or an estuary to retain water. Dams are built to provide water for human consumption, for irrigating arid and semiarid lands, or for use in industrial processes.

Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees (also known as dikes) are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions.

A dam is usually constructed across a river to create a reservoir in the valley behind by storing the water that flows into it naturally. Sometimes, they are built across dry valleys, or valleys with small streams, to create a storage area for water that is transported from elsewhere.

The most common initiation mechanisms for dam-forming landslides are excessive rainfall and snowmelt and earthquakes. Landslide dams can be classified into six categories based on their relation with the valley floor.

Jun 21, 2024 · A dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water. People have used different materials to build dams over the centuries. Ancient dam builders used natural materials such as rocks or clay.

Sep 21, 2018 · Planning and Design of Dams is carried out in the following stages: Initial screening is conducted based on river profile and topographic maps. Reconnaissance plan is developed using only already available data.

Jun 19, 2024 · A dam is a structure commonly built across a river or stream to create a large reservoir behind it. We use dams for various human consumption purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power, reducing peak floodwater, and improving navigation.

Of the numerous kinds of dams that form by natural processes, dams formed from landslides, glacial ice, and late-neoglacial moraines present the greatest threat to people and property. Landslide dams form in a wide range of physiographic settings.

Jul 2, 2017 · A dam is a hydraulic structure or assembly that is constructed across a river to form a reservoir on its upstream side for confining water for various purposes like Hydropower, water supply, flood control, navigation, fishing and recreation, irrigation. Dams are constructed depending on the purpose for which they are used.