Ep 3. China's Great Dam

China's Great Dam is an episode from the seventh season of the popular television show called Modern Marvels. The series is known for showcasing modern-day marvels of engineering, technology, and science, and this episode is no different. It explores one of the most significant man-made structures ever built- the Three Gorges Dam in China.

The episode begins by introducing the viewer to the sheer magnitude of the Three Gorges Dam. It is the largest hydropower project and the most extensive concrete dam in the world. The dam stretches across the mighty Yangtze River, which is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river globally. The construction of the dam took over two decades, and the completed structure stands at an astonishing 607 feet tall and over 7,600 feet long.

The narrator then takes the viewer on a journey through the different stages of the construction process of China's Great Dam. The episode features interviews with engineers, scientists, and construction workers who were involved in building the massive structure. This provides a unique perspective into what it took to complete such a colossal project. We learn about the engineering techniques, the challenges they faced during construction, and the environmental impact of the dam.

As the viewer watches the impressive visuals of the concrete being poured, transportation of the heavy machinery, and the installation of turbines in the power station, they get an appreciation for the amount of work required to build the dam. We see the ingenuity of the engineers in solving complex problems such as how to move the enormous concrete blocks and divert the river's water during construction.

The program also delves into the political and social impact of the Three Gorges Dam. The dam has faced criticism from environmentalists who warn of the effects of such large-scale human intervention on the natural world. Furthermore, the construction of the dam necessitated the relocation of hundreds of thousands of people. The program highlights how the Chinese government tried to mitigate the social impact by providing new homes, infrastructure, and jobs for those affected by the dam.

The episode also briefly explores the positive impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the Chinese economy. The dam has enabled the country to generate vast amounts of hydroelectric power, which helps to reduce China's dependence on fossil fuels. The dam's power station can generate up to 22,500 MW of electricity, which is approximately 10% of China's total energy production. Additionally, the dam has helped to improve navigability on the Yangtze River, allowing larger vessels to make their way upstream, making it an essential transportation link for China's economy.

Lastly, the program showcases how the Three Gorges Dam has become a popular tourist attraction in China. Tourists can take a cruise and witness the beauty of the Three Gorges and marvel at the dam's scale. Visitors can also visit the power station and learn about the dam's history and the science behind generating electricity from water.

In conclusion, Modern Marvels season 7 episode 3, China's Great Dam, is an excellent showcase of one of the world's most impressive engineering achievements. The episode provides an entertaining and informative look at what it took to build such a colossal structure, the challenges faced, and the positive and negative impacts of the dam on the environment, society, and the Chinese economy. The program's use of stunning visuals, interviews with experts and those involved in the construction of the dam, and its exploration of the social and political issues surrounding the Three Gorges Dam makes this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in modern engineering and infrastructure projects.