Understanding Differences Between Lakes and Reservoirs

There are many examples of how human activities alter species’ habitats, including the damming of lakes or rivers to create reservoirs. We build dams to create reservoirs that provide water and generate electricity for human needs. Scientists have learned that building new dams and creating reservoirs on lakes and rivers changes the local habitat, making it unsuitable for many species that once lived there. Through processes known as environmental flows, reservoirs can be operated to resemble natural lakes. However, we have not kept good records of where we built reservoirs, so scientists have devised creative ways to map where these and associated dams occur across the globe. When we know where reservoirs and dams occur, we are better prepared to determine how these have altered surface water on the planet and impacted animals, plants, and humans.