Outline the advantages and disadvantages of one named hard engineering river flood management strategy. (6 marks)

Named flood management strategy: DamsDams are the classic hard engineering solution to flooding problems. A dam is a giant wall built across a river’s channel to impede its flow. Water builds up behind the dam and forms a reservoir which can then be steadily drained at a controlled rate over time. This helps keep discharge downstream of the dam low even during prolonged heavy rainfall. It is not necessary to include this paragraph in your response to this question – I have just provided some info as to what a dam is and how it works for your benefit.
Advantages:·      Provide flood control through controlled release of water (1)·      Provide a supply of freshwater in the reservoir created behind the dam (1)·      Provide the potential for hydroelectric power production (1)·      Jobs are created in the construction and maintenance of the dam·      Tourism is boosted by visitors to the dam
Disadvantages:·      Flooding of the reservoir behind the dam displaces people and wildlife (1)·      Dams block the migratory paths of certain animals, e.g. Salmon (1)·      Sedimentation behind the dam reduces its effectiveness of water flow control + hydroelectric potential (1)·      Loss of sediment downstream of the dam affects floodplain soil fertility, in turn affecting plant growth and crop production·      A reduction in sediment downstream of the dam results in increased rates of erosion·      High construction and maintenance costs·      Reduced accessibility for transport along the river for boats/ships·      Risk of large scale, catastrophic flooding if dam fails
This question is 6 marks and looks for 6 separate points. These should cover both advantages and disadvantages evenly (3 points each). Bullet point format is fine for this kind of question. I have given additional points in red.