Question

The world’s largest dam is
A. Kallanai Dam
B. Gorges Dam
C. Lake Homs Dam
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: A dam is a barrier that resists water flow or underground streams. Dams can be naturally made or human-made. The purpose of human-made dams decides the size and structure of a dam. The world’s largest Dam is situated in Hubei province, China. It is a hydroelectric gravity dam.

Complete answer: A dam is a structure for water impoundment. It is a reservoir that not only suppresses flood but also provides water for various beneficial activities. Irrigation, water for human consumption, industrial and agricultural use, etc. are supplied from the dams. Hydropower is the phenomenon of producing electricity from water and this term is often used in conjunction with dams. A dam can be used to collect water or for the storage of water that can be evenly distributed between different locations. Dams are also called floodgates or levees inherent to their property to prevent floods. The world’s largest known dam is Gorges Dam. It is in the Hubei province of China spanning over the Yangtze River. It is also called the ‘Three Gorges dam’. It is a hydroelectric gravity dam. It is the world’s largest power station in regard to installed capacity. The dam was completed by 2006 and became functional by July 4, 2012. The dam aims to produce electricity as well as to increase the Yangtze River’s shipping capacity. It provides flood storage space and reduces the potential for floods downstream.
a) The Kallanai dam is one of the ancient dams built across the river Kaveri.
b) The Lake Homs Dam is a Roman-built dam situated in Syria. It is also an ancient dam that is still in use.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Although dams provide many beneficial things to humans, they have some serious negative impacts on the environment. Dam failures can cause catastrophic destruction. If the structure of the dam is breached or damaged, it will lead to dam failures. The only solution is regular inspection and deformation monitoring.