China_Day

 Spent yesterday having a run on learning things about China. Below,

from a site for children, this enlightening roveview on expressing numbers in 

Chinese:

                                                              

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It is a commonplace that the majority of the chinese population lives in the

South East of the country...

Below, an elevation map giving an overview of the terrain.

                                                                                 

The major rivers:

                                                                                     

The States:

                                                                                       

A very helpful video describing the major urban centers:

                                                                                                       

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Deep Seek:

Please explain the Dujiangyan irrigation system...

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is an ancient engineering marvel located in Sichuan Province, China. Constructed around 256 BCE during the Qin Dynasty under the supervision of Governor Li Bing and his son, it is one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world still in use today. Here’s an overview of its key features and significance:

Key Components:

Yuzui (Fish Mouth Levee):

A dividing levee shaped like a fish mouth that splits the Min River into two channels: an inner channel for irrigation and an outer channel for flood control.

This natural-looking structure minimizes silt buildup and ensures a steady flow of water.

Feishayan (Flying Sand Weir):

A spillway that diverts excess water and sediment from the inner to the outer channel during the flood season.

It prevents clogging and maintains the system's efficiency.

Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Channel):

A narrow inlet that regulates the flow of water into the irrigation network.

It works like a bottleneck, ensuring a controlled and consistent water supply to the farmlands.

How It Works:

The system takes advantage of the natural topography of the region, using the elevation difference between the Min River and the Chengdu Plain.

During the dry season, water is directed into the inner channel for irrigation, while during the flood season, excess water and sediment are diverted to the outer channel, preventing flooding and maintaining the system's balance.

Significance:

Agricultural Impact:

The Dujiangyan system transformed the Chengdu Plain into one of China's most fertile regions, supporting large-scale agriculture and sustaining the local population for over two millennia.

Flood Control:

By managing the flow of the Min River, the system has effectively prevented devastating floods, protecting lives and property.

Engineering Innovation:

Unlike dams, which block rivers, Dujiangyan works in harmony with nature, showcasing an early understanding of ecological principles and sustainable engineering.

Cultural Heritage:

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a testament to ancient Chinese ingenuity and remains a symbol of human-nature coexistence.

Legacy:

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System continues to irrigate over 5,300 square kilometers of farmland, benefiting millions of people.

It is celebrated not only for its technical brilliance but also for its enduring functionality and minimal environmental impact.

In summary, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a remarkable example of ancient engineering that has stood the test of time, combining practicality, sustainability, and innovation.

                                                                                    

                                                                                       

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I have a bit more work to do on this...!!??

                                                                                    

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PERPLEXITY AI:

This youtube video describes the functioning of the Dujiang Irrigation system. I am having trouble understanding what is described. Could you explain it to me in layman's terms? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w01nFTy6bc&t=269s

Answer

Okay, I can certainly help you understand the Dujiangyan Irrigation System as described in the YouTube video you shared. Here's a breakdown in simpler terms:

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is an ancient (over 2,200 years old!) engineering marvel in China that's still used today. It's designed to manage a river in a way that prevents floods and provides water for farming.

Here's how it works, broken down into its main parts:

The Problem: The river would flood because mountain snow would melt quickly, causing too much water to rush down the river. Also, the water carried a lot of sediment (dirt, sand) that could clog up the system.

The Goal: To control the water flow to prevent floods, redirect water for irrigation, and get rid of excess sediment.

The Main Parts:

River Gate: This is the starting point where the water enters the irrigation system.

Fish Mouth: This is an artificial island that splits the river into two parts:

Inner River: Carries water to irrigate farmland.

Outer River: Used to discharge excess water and sediment. The way the "Fish Mouth" is shaped creates a swirling effect, directing cleaner water to the inner river and sediment-heavy water to the outer river.

Flying Sand Gate: This acts like a spillway. It releases floodwater and sediment from the inner river. During dry seasons, people can add stones to raise the water level, sending more water to the farmland.

Bottleneck: A narrow channel dug out of a mountain that directs water from the inner river to the farmland. It's positioned so that during floods, the force of the water pushes sediment out through the Flying Sand Gate.

How it All Works Together: The system uses the natural flow of the river to its advantage. The Fish Mouth separates the water, the Flying Sand Gate controls water levels and removes sediment, and the Bottleneck directs water to where it's needed.

Key Idea: The system is designed to work with nature, not against it. It uses the river's own energy to control the flow of water and sediment.

In essence, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a clever and sustainable way to manage a river for both flood control and irrigation, using the river's natural properties to its advantage.