Description

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Context:

All is not well with the waters of Lake Kariba, the world’s largest human-made lake.

A punishing drought has drained the huge reservoir close to record lows, raising the prospect that the Kariba Dam, which powers the economies of Zambia and Zimbabwe, may have to shut down for the first time in its 65-year history.

Details

Location	Lake Kariba is located in central Africa, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Distance from Ocean	Positioned 810 miles upstream from the Indian Ocean.
Size	It is the world's largest man-made lake, covering an area of 2,000 square miles (5,200 square km).
Formation	Formed by damming the Zambezi River in the Kariba Gorge, where the river narrows between hills of hard rock 250 miles below Victoria Falls.
Kariba Dam	The dam has a double-arch wall.
Power Generation	Provides considerable electric power to both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Fishing Industry	Supports a thriving commercial fishing industry.
Islands	The lake encompasses a total of 102 islands, including Chete Island and Spurwing Island.
Chete Island	Boasts the world's largest expanse of protected, undeveloped wetlands and hosts the largest single population of African elephants.

Source:

THEGURDIAN.COM

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Kariba Dam, which was recently in the news, is located in which of the following regions?

(a) Central Africa, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe

(b) Southern Africa, along the border between Botswana and South Africa

(d) Western Africa, along the border between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire

Answer: a

Explanation

The Kariba Dam is located in Central Africa, specifically along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs formed by damming the Zambezi River in the Kariba Gorge. The dam is crucial for providing electricity to both Zambia and Zimbabwe and has played a significant role in the regional energy infrastructure. Its recent news coverage often pertains to its role in power generation, environmental concerns and resource management in the region.