Author(s): Christopher D. Ungate

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Abstract: Dams, levees, and related structures are the principal approach employed to manage rivers in the twentieth century. Dams allowed humans to "correct' nature's errors by supplying water where it is scarce and diverting water from areas prone to flood. These human interventions have reduced flood risk and provided drinking water to key population centers; provided dependable waterways to move commodities on inland rivers; created agricultural economies in arid lands; and produced hydropower to electrify rural areas. The adverse and sometimes unanticipated environmental, ecological, and social effects of many of these structures exposes the incomplete understanding of the complexity of river systems that existed before the dam-building era.

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Year: 1997