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The curve along the top of the dam is easier to see than the curve along the
front of the dam. This is because the dam is curving back into the
reservoir so it is covered by the water. If you look at an arch dam from
the front, you see a curved wall of concrete -- like the curve of a
watermelon. Can you trace a the curve of a watermelon
on front of the dam using your mouse?
The arch dam's special shape comes from the arch, part of a circle. When
the water pushes on the arch, the arch sends the force to the rock wall.
Can you trace the circle that the arch is part
of?
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