tekojärviä

Tekojärviä, also known as artificial lakes or reservoirs, are bodies of water created by the construction of a dam across a river. These man-made lakes serve a variety of purposes, including water storage for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use, as well as for hydroelectric power generation. They can also be created for flood control, recreation, and to maintain navigation on rivers.

The formation of a tekojärvi involves blocking the natural flow of a river with a dam, causing water to accumulate behind it. The size and depth of a tekojärvi depend on the dimensions of the dam and the volume of water it impounds. These reservoirs can significantly alter the surrounding landscape, impacting ecosystems and riverine habitats both upstream and downstream of the dam.

While tekojärviä provide essential resources and services, their construction and operation can also have environmental consequences. These may include changes in water quality, sediment flow, and the displacement of terrestrial and aquatic life. The management of tekojärviä often involves balancing the benefits they provide with the need to mitigate their environmental effects.