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Article: Science Weekly.(dams)
- Article from:
- Science Weekly
- Article date:
- April 16, 1999
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Science Weekly, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Dams
A flood can occur after a very heavy rain or after too much melting snow. Some rivers overflow their banks. The rushing water can cause a lot of damage. Dams are built across rivers. They help control how much and how fast the river water flows. Slowly, a dam releases water as it is needed. This prevents or reduces flooding. It also helps keep the water deep enough for ships to safely navigate the rivers.
Dams Form Lakes
When a dam is built, water builds up behind it. This water forms a deep lake that can be used for boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake made by the Grand Coulee Dam in the state of Washington is 151 miles (about 250 ...