Dams are physical structures constructed by humans, on natural bodies such as rivers. Dams are used as reservoirs of water or for the generation of hydro-electric power. They are also used to control natural calamities such as floods, by leveraging the amount of water flowing. The primary purpose of the dams is to retain water, but they can also employ floodgates or levees to gauge the amount of water flowing into specific areas of land.
Have a look at the top ten tallest dams of the world. There are a number of criteria for comparison of dams. They are- the volume of the reservoir they create, their uses and their structure and size.
#1. Nurek Dam, Tajikistan
This is the tallest dam in the world, with a height of 300m or 980 ft. It is located on the Vakhsh River, and its construction began in 1961 and completed in 1980. It is an earth fill embankment dam.
#2. Xiaowan Dam, China
The second largest dam is 292m or 958 ft tall on the Lancang River and is the world's highest arch dam. This dam was constructed to provide hydroelectric power, and it supports a 4,200 MW power station. Its construction began in 2002 and completed in 2010.
#3. Grande Dixence Dam, Switzerland
Standing 285m or 935 ft tall on the Dixence River, it is the tallest gravity dam in the world. The main purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation, it fuels four power stations and generates enough power to support 40,000 households.
#4. Enguri Dam, Georgia
This is the world's second highest concrete arch dam with a height of 271.5m or 891 ft and is a hydroelectric dam standing on the Enguri River in Georgia.
#5. Vajont Dam, Itlay
261.6m or 858 ft tall dam is a disused dam. Its construction was completed in 1959, in the valley of the Vajont River, which is 100 km to the north of Venice, Italy. This dam suffered some landslides in 1963.
#6. Manuel Moreno Torres Dam, Mexico
261m or 856 ft tall embankment dam on the Grijalva River, this became the largest dam in Mexico after renovations. It was constructed between 1974 and 1980.
#7. Nuozhadu Dam, China
Made with a purpose of hydroelectric power production, this 261m or 856 ft tall embankment dam on the Lancang River is also used for flood control and navigation.
#8. Tehri Dam, India
The highest dam in India, with a height of 260.5m of 855 ft is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River. The main motive for its construction is electricity generation and as a reservoir for irrigation and municipality water supply.
#9. Mauvoisin Dam, Switzerland
Like other dams, this 250m or 820 ft tall structure has been serving the purpose of hydroelectric power generation. It is a concrete arch dam across the Val de Bagnes. The construction of the dam finished in 1957, which began in 195. Also, in 1991, the capacity of the dam was increased for the winter storage.
#10. Laxiwa Dam, China
Having a hydroelectric power generation capacity of 4,200 MW, this 250m or 820 ft tall arch dam stands on the Yellow River.
