Theory question 115
Geography of Africa(a) Of what importance is the Aswan High Dam to the Nile Basin?
(b) Identify four problems resulting from the construction of the dam.
Show the model answer
Model answer
(a) Stores water in Lake Nasser for perennial irrigation, adding much new farmland and allowing 2-3 crops a year; controls floods; hydro-electric power for industries and towns; fishing in Lake Nasser; improves navigation; protects against drought; tourism
(b) Loss of fertile silt downstream, so more fertilisers needed; erosion of the Nile delta coast; salinisation and waterlogging of irrigated land; spread of bilharzia and malaria; flooding of Nubian villages and monuments and resettlement of people; silting of the reservoir; high evaporation loss
Explanation
Separate benefits from problems.