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.

Apr 10, 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 …

Jun 21, 2024 · A dam is a structure built across a stream or river to hold water back. Dams can be used to store water, control flooding, and generate electricity.

The primary and main purpose of constructing a dam is to store water and use it for irrigation. The World Commission of Dam estimates around 30-40% of irrigated land relies on dams.

16 hours ago · Denver Water will forge ahead with construction on its $531 million project to raise Gross Dam despite the threat of ongoing litigation that could derail the massive reservoir expansion.

The following table lists the largest man-made dams by volume of fill/structure. A dam is generally defined as a barrier that impounds water or underground flows, so tailings dams are relegated to a separate list.

Different types of dams under various classification. Learn Dam types like Gravity, Arch, Buttress, Earth, etc. along with components or parts of dam.

Mar 13, 2020 · We use dams to impede or stop the flow of water along a river. Although this engineering structure gets commonly associated with the production of hydroelectric energy, we also use them for a variety of different purposes.

The most common types of dams include concrete dams, earth and rockfill dams, arch dams, gravity dams, and embankment dams. Each of these types of dams has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, stability, durability, and environmental impact.

Sep 29, 2013 · Kariba Dam is the world’s biggest dam based on water storage capacity. Located at the former Kariwa (Kariba) Gorge, the dam creates Lake Kariba, which has a storage capacity of 185 billion cubic metres of water and a surface area of 5,580km 2. The Lake Kariba covers a length of 280km and is 32km wide at its widest section.