Hey there, Geography enthusiast! Today, we're going to take an exciting journey to Egypt, and visit the Aswan High Dam on the River Nile. We'll be delving into the advantages and disadvantages of such mega dams, and also take a peek at the impacts of Ethiopia's upcoming Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). So fasten your seat belts and let's explore!

Imagine this: every day, two towering structures, each at least 15 meters high, emerge from the earth. They're mega dams, and they're popping up all over the world, from Akosombo in Ghana to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

• Fun Fact: Did you know that the Aswan High Dam is taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza?

• Flood and Drought Control: Dams can be like superheroes, preventing devastating floods and ensuring crops grow even in dry years. Think of 1972 and 1973 in Egypt when crops flourished despite dry conditions, thanks to the dam.

• Irrigation: Picture turning the Sahara into a green oasis. With the Aswan Dam, around 60% of its water irrigates up to 3.4 million hectares of desert!

• Hydroelectric Power: The Aswan Dam generates a whopping 7,000 million kilowatt hours each year – that's enough to power up a lot of pyramids!

• Navigation and Tourism: The dam improves water navigation and sparks tourism. Imagine cruising the Nile, witnessing its majestic beauty.

• Economic Boost: It's estimated that the Aswan High Dam adds about $500 million to the Egyptian economy each year.