Zayanderud Dam, Concrete and hydroelectric dam in Chadegan County, Iran.
The Zayanderud Dam is a concrete arch structure that spans 450 meters across the river and rises 100 meters above the riverbed. Its curved design allows it to redirect enormous water pressure into the surrounding rock walls, making it structurally efficient.
Construction began in 1969 and the dam opened in 1971, creating one of the most important water control projects in the region. It was built to manage seasonal river variations and ensure reliable water access throughout the year.
The dam influences agricultural patterns in the region by controlling water flow to Isfahan, located 88 kilometers east of the structure.
The dam can be viewed and photographed from several vantage points accessible from the surrounding landscape. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when weather conditions are most stable.
The structure sits at an elevation of 2,063 meters in a mountainous region, exposing it to dramatic seasonal temperature swings. This high-altitude location makes it an engineering feat for serving a productive agricultural valley below.
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