Yangtze, China: The Three
Gorges Dam has drawn fire from people around the world for its role in raising
water levels and displacing millions of Chinese residents in the area. As a
work of engineering, however, it is unparalleled. It will be the largest
hydroelectric dam in the world, 600 feet high and holding 1.4 trillion
cubic feet of water behind 100 million cubic feet of concrete. This engineering
wonder will also eventually provide as much as 10% of China’s vast power needs.
Millau, France: The
Millau Viaduct is the highest bridge in the world. At almost
1,000 feet high (taller than the even the Eiffel Tower) and over 8,000 feet
long it sometimes sits above the cloud line, as shown in the beautiful
photographs above. The engineered wonder of the bridge itself is nearly as
amazing as the view of the valley below.
Zhangjiajie, China:
The Bailong Elevator is the world’s largest exterior elevator. At
over 1,000 feet tall, this elevator looms high midway up a cliff overlooking a
valley far below. Moreover, the elevator is mostly glass, affording passengers
a dizzying view to the depths below. There is some concern, however, about the
elevator’s long-term impact on the surrounding natural environment.
Mubarak, Egypt: The Toshka Project is an
amazing attempt to convert a half million acres of desert landscape
into arable land. The Mubarak Pumping Station is at the center of this
effort, and will channel millions of cubic feet of water per hour. It will
ultimately redirect 10% of the country’s water from the Nile and will increase
the inhabitable land in Egypt by as much as 25%.
Norway to Easington, Britain:
The Langeled Pipeline is slated to be the longest underwater gas
pipeline in the world. It will ultimately supply 20% of Britain’s gas
needs, connecting England to the largest gas field in Europe via 750 miles of
complex underwater terrain. Engineers have had to account for subzero
temperatures an stormy waters in addition to developing techniques for
installing the pipeline in the first place. They are able to lay an amazing 8
miles of pipe per day.
By: Mo7ammed Nabeh"
By: Mo7ammed Nabeh"
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