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Embankment dam
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<p>An embankment dam is a large <a href="/facts/Dam/9GuSN9HB">artificial dam</a>. It is typically created by the placement and <a href="/facts/Soil_compaction/lATG2HJv">compaction</a> of a complex semi-<a href="/facts/Plasticity_(physics)/2VKo6keA">plastic</a> mound of various compositions of soil or rock. It has a semi-pervious waterproof natural covering for its surface and a dense, impervious core. This makes the dam impervious to surface or <a href="/facts/Seepage/WfVDFMAW">seepage</a> <a href="/facts/Erosion/gaGJXy0W">erosion</a>. Such a dam is composed of fragmented independent material particles. The friction and interaction of particles binds the particles together into a stable mass rather than by the use of a cementing substance. </p>