Three Gorges primarily famous for its scenery, the Three Gorges region is also historically and culturally important in China. Many settlements and archaeological sites are in danger of being submerged by the rising reservoir of the Three Gorges Dam. Due to the lithological conditions of its different regions, the valleys of the Three Gorges are narrow in some areas and broad in others. Most narrow valleys occur in regions where there is limestone, which is relatively hard and resists erosion. However, water can flow along deep vertical fractures, eroding underneath. As the limestone bed is gradually undercut, parts of it fall into
Three Gorges Dam 177 voted against, 664 abstained, and 25 members did not vote. Construction started on December 14, 1994. The dam was expected to be fully operational in 2009, but additional projects, such as the underground power plant with six additional generators, delayed full operation until May 2012. The ship lift was completed in 2015. The dam had raised the water level in the reservoir to above sea level by the end of 2008 and the designed maximum level of by October 2010. Made of concrete and steel, the dam is long and the top of the dam is above sea level.