Hoover Dam

Definition

Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-gravity dam located on the Colorado River, primarily between the states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed during the Great Depression and serves multiple purposes, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply for agriculture and urban areas. This engineering marvel is a significant example of civil engineering achievement and plays a crucial role in managing the resources of the American Southwest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Construction of Hoover Dam began in 1931 and was completed in 1936, employing thousands of workers during the Great Depression.
2. The dam creates Lake Mead, which is the largest reservoir in the United States by volume when full, providing water for millions of people in the region.
3. Hoover Dam stands 726 feet tall and spans 1,244 feet across the Colorado River, making it one of the tallest dams in the world.
4. The hydroelectric power plant at Hoover Dam has a total generating capacity of over 2,000 megawatts, supplying electricity to several southwestern states.
5. Hoover Dam is not only a critical infrastructure project but also a national historic landmark and an iconic symbol of American engineering.

Review Questions

• How does Hoover Dam exemplify principles of civil engineering in its design and construction?
  • Hoover Dam showcases key principles of civil engineering through its innovative use of materials and structural design. The combination of an arch-gravity structure allows it to effectively resist both water pressure and seismic forces, demonstrating advanced engineering techniques. Additionally, its construction during the Great Depression reflects how civil engineering projects can provide significant employment and stimulate economic growth while creating vital infrastructure.
• Discuss the environmental impact of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River ecosystem and surrounding areas.
  • The construction of Hoover Dam has significantly altered the natural flow of the Colorado River, impacting ecosystems upstream and downstream. The creation of Lake Mead has led to changes in local wildlife habitats and has affected fish populations due to altered water temperatures and flow rates. Additionally, these changes have implications for irrigation practices, recreation opportunities, and water supply management in the surrounding areas.
• Evaluate how Hoover Dam has influenced water management policies in the American Southwest since its completion.
  • Since its completion, Hoover Dam has played a pivotal role in shaping water management policies in the American Southwest. By regulating river flow and providing essential water storage through Lake Mead, it has allowed for more reliable agricultural practices and urban water supply strategies. The success of this project led to increased collaboration among states under agreements like the Colorado River Compact, ultimately influencing regional policies regarding resource allocation and sustainability as population demands continue to grow.

Related terms

Arch-gravity dam: A type of dam that combines the features of both arch dams and gravity dams, relying on both gravity and the arch shape to withstand the forces of water.

Hydroelectric power: Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water, typically through a dam that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Colorado River Compact: An agreement among seven U.S. states in the Colorado River Basin to allocate and manage water resources from the Colorado River.