Aswan Dam

[toscar]

I understand that the Aswan Dam provides Egypt with more electricity than it can use but what effect has the dam had on Egyptian agriculture? I always understood that Egypt’s fertility depended on silt deposited by the Nile. What advantages and disadvantages has the Dam brought about?

[Aro]

This site lists (dis)advantages of the Dam.

[toscar]

Thanks Aro. I looked at the site listing the Advantages and Disadvantages and note that SILTING of Lake Nasser is one of the Disadvantages. I suppose silting is a problem with all dams.

What are the VERY long term implications of silting of dams? Obviously some rivers carry more silt than others. Would the dam eventually overflow? Are dams dredged to slow the process as is done with harbours and other waterways?

[Aro]

It has been nearly 10 years since I studied this, but…from this site (bolding mine)

The Egyptian authorities keep an eye on things using a sonar-equipped ship. According to Shallaby, the government can safely reckon that there is no danger of a drastic reduction of usable holding capacity for the next several generations. Several proposals have already been worked out should it prove otherwise, such as agricultural use of newly formed Delta land, and the use of newly accumulating mud for producing bricks.

Also, about the Dam itself…

It holds back 168 billion cubic meters of water, of which 31 billion consist of “dead space” for the accumulation of Nile silt and 90 billion cubic meters of permanently usable storage volume for irrigation and generating hydroelectric power. The remaining space of 47 billion cubic meters is to allow for a rise in flood level to a maximum of 183 meters above sea level.

[toscar]

Damn it, Aro!
You certainly know your Dams.
Thanks again.