Talk #17, 4/27/05

The Three Gorges Dam in China

Bob Ginaven

In 1993, after more than 70 years of discussion and planning, construction began on a huge dam across the Yangtze river in China. Ten years later the diversion channel around the new dam was closed and the reservoir began to fill. The dam is situated in the middle of the Xiling gorge, the last (going East, downstream) of the scenic Three Gorges of the Yangtze river. When full, the reservoir will stretch over 400 miles upstream as far as Chongquing as the water level at the dam rises more than 350 ft. above the original river level. The dam is the centerpiece of the world’s largest water control project.

China_2004_355

The talk includes a discussion of the stated reasons for the project, (flood control, power generation and navigation) as well as the implicit reason of China’s national pride. The project has generated considerable controversy. Critics question how well it will satisfy its three main objectives mentioned above. They also worry about adverse effects on the environment, the local culture and natural beauty of the area and the lives of over a million people being displaced by the rising water. The pros and cons of the project are presented.

China_2004_353d

In September 2004, as part of an Elderhostel tour of China, Bob and Willy Ginaven sailed down the Yangtze from Chongquing through the huge locks that shunt ships around the dam to Yichang below the dam. The talk includes pictures from their trip (see figures 1 and 2 for examples).