Chapter 6 - Possible coastal reservoirs for Northeast Asia

Abstract

This chapter mainly investigates the problems of coastal reservoirs in the Northeast Asia. Traditionally, China, Korea, and Japan have constructed many coastal reservoirs, but all of them are the first-generation coastal reservoirs, most of them become water reservoirs, or the purpose has been changed from clean water resources development to tidal power generation. This chapter suggests that second-generation coastal reservoirs should be constructed for its water resources development and flood defense, especially for earthquake prone regions like Japan, Taiwan, etc. Coastal reservoirs can be used to defend disasters induced by storms, typhoons, tsunamis. If possible, the existing aged dams should be dismantled to avoid dam-break risk, and the dams should be replaced by coastal reservoirs as early as possible. In conclusion, Northeast Asia is blessed with plentiful water resources along its coastline, which is sufficient to support its coastal mega cities. Among them, Shanghai is a good example to follow.