Reservoirs (53)

From Anderson et al. (1976):
Reservoirs are artificial impoundments of water used for irrigation, flood control, municipal water supplies, recreation, hydroelectric power generation, and so forth. Dams, levees, other water-control structures, or the excavation itself usually will be evident to aid in the identification, although the water control structures themselves and spillways are included in the Other Urban or Built-up Land category. In most cases, reservoirs serve multiple purposes and may include all of the land use functions just mentioned. In certain cases like the Tennessee River, the entire length of the trunk stream is impounded. In such a situation, the stream exists as a stairstep series of impoundments with waterway, flood- control, recreation, and power-generation functions but is still considered a reservoir, since the additional functions are the result of impoundment.

Reservoirs are often distinguished from other surface waters by a triangular shape with an impoundment at the base of the triangle. There may also be water treatment facilities or hydroelectric generation facilities located near the waterway that help identify the surface water as a reservoir. Reservoirs can appear blueish-green or brown in the NAIP and very dark gray to black in the VMP orthophotos. Lighting conditions and/or wind may alter the color and otherwise smooth appearance of reservoirs in both sets of imagery; and can lead to uncertainty as to the location of the bank.

Reservoirs (53)