Artificial reservoirs

Definition

Artificial reservoirs are man-made lakes or ponds created by damming rivers or other water bodies to store water for various purposes, including irrigation, flood control, recreation, and municipal water supply. These reservoirs play a crucial role in the hydrologic cycle by regulating water flow, recharging groundwater, and providing habitat for aquatic ecosystems, all while impacting local water resources management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artificial reservoirs can significantly alter local ecosystems by changing water levels and flow patterns, impacting fish populations and plant communities.
2. They provide essential water storage for agriculture, especially in arid regions where rainfall is inconsistent.
3. Reservoirs can help mitigate flooding by absorbing excess rainwater and releasing it gradually, reducing downstream flooding risks.
4. Recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming often take place in artificial reservoirs, contributing to local economies.
5. The construction of artificial reservoirs can lead to social challenges, including displacement of communities and changes in land use.

Review Questions

• How do artificial reservoirs influence the local hydrologic cycle and water resources?
  • Artificial reservoirs influence the local hydrologic cycle by altering natural water flow patterns. They can capture runoff during periods of heavy rain and release it slowly, which helps maintain river flow during dry periods. Additionally, they provide storage for irrigation needs and enhance groundwater recharge through percolation. However, these changes can disrupt local ecosystems and affect biodiversity.
• Discuss the environmental impacts of creating artificial reservoirs on aquatic ecosystems.
  • Creating artificial reservoirs can lead to significant environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The alteration of natural river flows can disrupt the habitats of fish and other wildlife, potentially leading to declines in certain species. Moreover, the flooding of land to create these reservoirs can destroy terrestrial habitats. Water quality may also change due to stagnation, leading to increased algae blooms and reduced oxygen levels that negatively affect aquatic life.
• Evaluate the trade-offs involved in constructing artificial reservoirs for water management versus their ecological consequences.
  • Constructing artificial reservoirs offers several benefits for water management, such as ensuring reliable water supply for agriculture and urban areas while also providing flood control. However, these advantages come with trade-offs related to ecological consequences. The inundation of land can lead to loss of biodiversity, alteration of natural habitats, and changes in local climate conditions. Therefore, careful planning and assessment are necessary to balance human needs with ecological preservation when considering new reservoir projects.

Related terms

Dam: A barrier constructed across a river or stream to hold back water and create a reservoir, often used for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control.

Watershed: An area of land that drains into a specific water body, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; it plays a key role in managing water resources.

Evaporation: The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas; it is an important part of the hydrologic cycle and influences the water balance in reservoirs.