Grand Coulee Dam

Definition

The Grand Coulee Dam is a massive concrete gravity dam located on the Columbia River in Washington State, completed in 1942. It serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control, significantly transforming the agricultural landscape and energy supply in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest concrete structures in the world, standing at 550 feet tall and stretching over a mile long.
2. It has an installed capacity of about 6,809 megawatts, making it one of the most powerful hydroelectric plants in the United States.
3. The construction of the dam led to the creation of Lake Roosevelt, a large reservoir that provides water storage for irrigation and recreation.
4. The dam plays a crucial role in providing water to over 600,000 acres of farmland in Eastern Washington through extensive irrigation systems.
5. The Grand Coulee Dam also has significant economic impacts, contributing to job creation and supporting industries reliant on affordable hydroelectric power.

Review Questions

• How did the Grand Coulee Dam influence agricultural development in Washington State?
  • The Grand Coulee Dam revolutionized agriculture in Washington State by providing a reliable water supply through extensive irrigation systems. Before its construction, much of Eastern Washington faced challenges with water scarcity for farming. With the dam's infrastructure, over 600,000 acres of farmland could be irrigated, allowing for increased crop production and contributing to the region's agricultural economy.
• Evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam.
  • While the Grand Coulee Dam has provided substantial benefits like hydroelectric power and irrigation, its construction also had significant environmental consequences. The dam altered river ecosystems and disrupted habitats for fish species such as salmon, which rely on natural river flows for spawning. Additionally, it changed sediment transport dynamics within the river system, leading to long-term effects on downstream environments.
• Analyze how the Grand Coulee Dam serves as a model for balancing energy needs with agricultural development in contemporary discussions on resource management.
  • The Grand Coulee Dam exemplifies how large-scale infrastructure can meet both energy and agricultural demands while highlighting challenges related to resource management. As discussions around sustainable practices intensify, this case illustrates balancing hydroelectric power generation with ecological conservation and agricultural productivity. It encourages exploration into innovative solutions that could apply lessons learned from the dam's history to modern energy policies and farming practices.

Related terms

Columbia Basin Project: A comprehensive water resource development project that includes the Grand Coulee Dam and aims to manage water for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation across the Columbia River Basin.

Hydroelectric Power: Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water, with the Grand Coulee Dam being one of the largest sources of hydroelectric power in the United States.

Irrigation: The artificial application of water to soil to assist in growing crops, which was greatly enhanced by the infrastructure provided by the Grand Coulee Dam.