Difference between Dam and Barrage
A dam and a barrage are two types of structures that are often built across rivers or other bodies of water.
The main difference between a dam and a barrage is the purpose for which they are built. Dams are built to hold back water and create reservoirs, while barrages are built to control the flow of water and regulate its level.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Dam and Barrage:
- Dam: A dam is a large, solid structure that is built across a river or other body of water. Its main purpose is to hold back the water and create a reservoir, which can be used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, or flood control. Dams are typically made of concrete or earth, and are designed to be strong enough to withstand the force of the water.
- Barrage: A barrage is a type of dam-like structure that is built across a river or other body of water. Its main purpose is to control the flow of water and regulate its level, rather than to hold back the water and create a reservoir. Barrages are usually made of concrete, steel, or earth, and are designed to be able to open and close to allow water to flow through them.
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Now, let’s move to Dam vs Barrage:
Major differences between Dam and Barrage
| Dam | Barrage |
|---|---|
| Dams are built to hold back water and create reservoirs. | Barrages are built to control the flow of water and regulate its level. |
| Dams are typically made of concrete or earth. | Barrages can be made of concrete, steel, or earth. |
| Dams are usually much larger than barrages, as they are designed to hold back a large amount of water. | Barages are smaller compared to dams. |
| Dams are typically shaped like a long, curved wall. | Barrages are usually shorter and more rectangular in shape. |
| Dams block the flow of water completely. | Barrages allow some water to flow through them. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Dam and Barrage”.
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- Difference between Sorting and Filtering
- Difference between Internal Check and Internal Audit
Final words
A dam and a barrage are both structures that are built across rivers or other bodies of water. However, they have different purposes and are made of different materials. Dams are used to hold back water and create reservoirs, while barrages are used to control the flow of water and regulate its level.
Understanding the differences between these two structures is important when it comes to managing and using water resources effectively.
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