Dam up the Strait of Gibralter

[Steve Bullock]

Imagine putting a dam across the strait of Gibralter. Many people have written about it. Most want to lower the surface of the Mediterranean Sea by as much as 200 metres. One such is Atlantropa.

My idea would not do that.

I envision an 8 mile long highway, rail, pipeline system that includes several locks on the north and south ends for navigation. I see 2 lanes in each direction for automobiles and 2 for trucks, and 2 sets of railroad tracks.

Then there are the tourist things on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean sides; places to eat, get married, marinas, fishing piers, etc.

I include turbines for the incoming Atlantic pressure and for the outgoing Mediterranean heavy salt water. These turbines are actually slowly turning giant screws that would not impede aquatic animals from passing through the strait. I also see windmills along the dam to add aditional power.

Just imagine the potential energy and commerce benefit of such a dam!

[William Baranowski]

Napoleon and Hannibal would have gotten a kick out of that, as well.

[Elizabeth Allen]

That is the main entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, that is where it refreshes itself. Damning the mouth of the sea would kill it and the incredible sea life it contains. Also, all life along it's shores that depend on the sea for their livelihood.

Maybe a damn is not work as ewll as thought.