Three Gorges Dam: This Dam affected Earth’s Rotation

Summary

This video explores the fascinating yet controversial impact of the Three Gorges Dam in China, the largest hydroelectric dam on Earth. Built on the Yangtze River, it generates enormous power and helps control flooding, but its construction caused the displacement of over a million people and destruction of historical sites. A surprising claim discussed is that the dam, by holding 42 billion tons of water, could slow the Earth's rotation by increasing its moment of inertia, potentially lengthening days and increasing human body weight. The dam, while a marvel, raises concerns about unintended global effects.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is the largest hydroelectric dam on the planet.
• 💡 The dam has 32 massive generators, each weighing 6,000 tons, with a total electricity generation capacity of 700 MW per turbine.
• 🏗️ The idea for the dam was first envisioned by Chinese politician Sun Yat-sen in 1919, but construction only started in 1994.
• 🚧 Over a million people had to be relocated to construct the dam, causing significant displacement and controversy.
• 🏞️ The dam created a large reservoir that covers a vast area and is used for flood control, protecting millions of people downstream.
• 🌍 According to NASA scientists, the dam's massive reservoir, holding 42 billion tons of water, may slow Earth's rotation by increasing its moment of inertia.
• ⏳ A slower Earth rotation could mean longer days and nights, as the planet's full rotation could take more than 24 hours.
• ⚖️ The dam's effect on Earth's rotation could reduce centrifugal force, potentially causing people to weigh more due to reduced outward force.
• 📜 The dam's construction caused the destruction of historical and archaeological sites, which has drawn international criticism.
• 🔥 The Three Gorges Dam, despite its benefits, has been labeled a 'disaster' by critics due to its environmental and societal impacts.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River?

The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, capable of producing massive amounts of energy, and is significant for flood control, power generation, and protecting millions of people downstream.

When was the concept of the Three Gorges Dam first envisioned, and by whom?

The concept of the Three Gorges Dam was first envisioned by Sun Yat-sen, a former politician in China, during 'The International Development of China' in 1919.

When did the actual construction of the dam begin, and what led to its approval?

The construction of the Three Gorges Dam began in 1994 after the National People's Congress of China approved the project.

Why was the Yangtze River chosen as the site for the Three Gorges Dam?

The Yangtze River was chosen because it has an exceptionally large solid granite river valley, which provides a stable foundation, and the river's high water flow makes it ideal for hydroelectric power generation.

How much energy can the 32 main turbines generate?

The 32 main turbines, each with a capacity of 700 MW, can generate an enormous amount of electricity, sufficient to power vast areas and meet China's energy demands.

What other purposes does the Three Gorges Dam serve besides power generation?

In addition to power generation, the Three Gorges Dam helps control flooding, protects millions of people downstream, and supports water management for nearby cities.

What were some of the negative impacts of constructing the dam?

The construction of the dam caused over a million people to be displaced from their homes, led to floods, and resulted in the loss of historical and archaeological sites in the area.

Why did some countries react negatively to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam?

Some countries reacted negatively because of the environmental and social costs, including the displacement of people, destruction of historical sites, and the potential long-term ecological impacts.

How does the Three Gorges Dam potentially slow down the Earth's rotation?

NASA scientists claim that the massive water held in the reservoir shifts the Earth's mass distribution, increasing its moment of inertia and slightly slowing its rotation.

What could be the physical effects on humans if the Earth's rotation slowed due to the dam?

If the Earth's rotation slows, days and nights would become longer, and due to reduced centrifugal force, people might experience a slight increase in body weight.