Dams - What Goes Up Must Come Down, and Then What?

The video discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding dam removal, highlighting the need for scientific understanding to guide community decisions. Dartmouth geographer Frank Mcgilligan, supported by the National Science Foundation, conducts research on river systems to assess the impact of dam removal. His team uses Lidar and GPS technology to gather detailed topographic data before and after the removal of the Homestead Dam on the Ashuelot River. The research reveals significant changes in river paths and bank erosion, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in dam removal processes.

What is one of the main challenges communities face when deciding on dam removal?

• The cost of building new dams

• The lack of scientific understanding of the consequences

• The need for more recreational areas

• The availability of construction materials

What technology did Frank Mcgilligan's team use to capture pre-removal data of the riverbed?

• Sonar

• Radar

• Lidar

• Infrared

What is the primary purpose of using Lidar in Mcgilligan's research?

• To measure water temperature

• To capture detailed topographic elevation

• To analyze water quality

• To track fish populations

Why does Mcgilligan's team use GPS devices in their research?

• To navigate the river

• To measure water depth

• To track wildlife movement

• To obtain centimeter-scale topographic information

What notable change has been observed in the riverbank since the dam removal?

• Increase in fish population

• Decrease in water flow

• Bank erosion and deposition

• Formation of new islands