Chinese scientists have expressed concerns about geological risks affecting China’s significant hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. A report highlighted that an active fault line beneath the site could pose a threat to the structural stability of the world’s largest hydropower dam. The warning, based on a study published in the Chinese-language journal Sedimentary Geology and Tethyan Geology, emphasized the need for stronger safety measures at the Medog Hydropower Station construction site.
The study revealed that the Paizhen Fault, an active fracture in the Earth’s crust in the eastern Himalayan region, runs directly below the area where the hydropower station is being developed. While the researchers did not advocate for halting the project, they recommended enhancing safety protocols. These measures include improving slope stability and implementing retaining structures to mitigate risks such as landslides and collapses. Geologists from various institutions conducted the study, including Chengdu University of Technology and the China Geological Survey.
Notably, the Paizhen Fault has exhibited high activity levels since the Ice Age, posing a significant threat to the structural integrity of nearby infrastructure. The fault’s impact extends to dams, roads, bridges, tunnels, and the reservoir area. The researchers highlighted that the fault has altered the mechanical properties of surrounding rocks, rendering engineering projects in the region more susceptible to damage. Moreover, the study emphasized that the area around the reservoir has a loose structure and weak cohesion, making slopes prone to instability, especially during seismic events or prolonged water exposure.
The Himalayan seismic belt, where the project is situated, experiences intense seismic activity, with the Yarlung Tsangpo region being a focal point. The researchers underscored the development of a major seismic activity zone along the Yarlung Tsangpo, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential geological hazards.
