Dams and Reservoirs: Design, Construction, and Environmental Impact

Question 1

Which type of dam is characterized by its curved shape and ability to withstand high water pressure?

Accepted Answer

Concrete arch dam

Answer

Gravity dam

Answer

Embankment dam

Answer

Buttress dam

Question 2

What is the function of a penstock in a hydropower plant?

Accepted Answer

To convey water from the reservoir to the turbine, generating kinetic energy.

Answer

To store water behind the dam, creating a reservoir.

Answer

To generate electricity through electromagnetic induction.

Answer

To regulate the flow of water entering the turbine.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a surge tank in a hydropower plant?

Accepted Answer

To prevent water hammer, a pressure surge that can damage equipment.

Answer

To store excess water during periods of low demand.

Answer

To regulate the flow of water into the turbine, optimizing its efficiency.

Answer

To generate electricity by utilizing the potential energy of the stored water.

Question 4

Which dam type features a curved design that effectively withstands water pressure?

Accepted Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Question 5

Which type of dam is most commonly used for hydropower generation due to its structural stability and cost-effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Gravity dam: A massive concrete structure that relies on its weight to resist water pressure

Answer

Arch dam: A curved concrete structure that transfers water pressure to the surrounding rock

Answer

Buttress dam: A series of concrete or masonry walls supported by buttresses on the downstream side

Answer

Embankment dam: A dam constructed from compacted earth or rockfill materials

Question 6

Which of the following environmental impacts is most closely associated with the construction of dams and reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss and fragmentation for aquatic and terrestrial species

Answer

Waterlogging and soil salinization in surrounding areas

Answer

Climate change due to methane emissions from decomposing organic matter

Answer

Air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels during construction

Question 7

What is the primary advantage of using pumped-storage hydropower systems?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy storage capacity by pumping water back to a higher reservoir during periods of low demand

Answer

Improved grid stability by providing a flexible source of power that can quickly respond to fluctuations in demand

Answer

Reduced environmental impact compared to conventional hydropower systems

Answer

Higher efficiency than other forms of renewable energy generation

Question 8

What is the purpose of a spillway in a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

To release excess water during floods and prevent overtopping

Answer

To generate electricity by harnessing the energy of overflowing water

Answer

To provide a navigation route for boats and ships

Answer

To store water for irrigation and agricultural purposes

Question 9

Which type of dam is most suitable for creating large, deep reservoirs for hydropower generation?

Accepted Answer

Gravity dam

Answer

Arch dam

Answer

Buttress dam

Answer

Embankment dam

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of a penstock in a hydropower system?

Accepted Answer

To convey water from the reservoir to the turbine

Answer

To control the flow of water to the turbine

Answer

To generate electricity

Answer

To store excess water

Question 11

Which type of rock is preferred for dam foundations due to its stability and strength?

Accepted Answer

Granite

Answer

Limestone

Answer

Sandstone

Answer

Shale

Question 12

What is the primary objective of reservoir management in hydropower systems?

Accepted Answer

Storing water for power generation

Answer

Flood control

Answer

Irrigation

Answer

Recreation

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary purpose of a dam used in hydropower generation?

Accepted Answer

Provide irrigation

Answer

Store water for electricity generation

Answer

Control water flow

Answer

Prevent flooding

Question 14

What is the primary function of a spillway in a dam?

Accepted Answer

Control the flow of water and prevent overtopping

Answer

Generate electricity

Answer

Provide access for maintenance

Answer

Control sediment flow

Question 15

Which type of dam is characterized by a curved, double-curvature shape?

Accepted Answer

Arch dam

Answer

Gravity dam

Answer

Buttress dam

Answer

Earthfill dam

Question 16

What is the primary environmental concern associated with the construction of large dams?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss and disruption of ecosystems

Answer

Disruption of water flow patterns

Answer

Water pollution

Answer

Air pollution

Question 17

What is the difference between a diversion dam and a storage dam?

Accepted Answer

A diversion dam diverts water without storage, while a storage dam stores water for later use

Answer

A storage dam diverts water without storage, while a diversion dam stores water for later use

Answer

Both types of dams store water, but diversion dams have larger storage capacities

Answer

Both types of dams divert water, but storage dams have larger capacities

Question 18

What is the primary advantage of using concrete as the construction material for dams?

Accepted Answer

Durability and longevity

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Environmental friendliness

Answer

Flexibility

Question 19

Which component of a hydropower dam directs water from the reservoir to the turbines?

Accepted Answer

Penstock

Answer

Spillway

Answer

Intake

Answer

Tailrace

Question 20

Which type of dam is characterized by its curved shape and ability to withstand high water pressure?

Accepted Answer

Arch dam

Answer

Gravity dam

Answer

Embankment dam

Answer

Buttress dam

Question 21

Embankment dams are primarily constructed using which material?

Accepted Answer

Soil

Answer

Concrete

Answer

Steel

Answer

Masonry

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a potential environmental concern associated with dam construction?

Accepted Answer

Increased opportunities for water-based recreation

Answer

Loss of wildlife habitat

Answer

Alteration of water temperature

Answer

Fragmentation of aquatic ecosystems

Question 23

What is the primary function of a spillway in dam design?

Accepted Answer

To safely release excess water during floods

Answer

To regulate the water level in the reservoir

Answer

To provide a safe passage for fish

Answer

To generate additional electricity

Question 24

In hydropower terminology, what term describes the difference in elevation between water levels upstream and downstream of a dam?

Accepted Answer

Hydraulic head

Answer

Turbine efficiency

Answer

Water flow rate

Answer

Reservoir capacity

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of a spillway in a dam system?

Accepted Answer

Allowing excess water to be safely released downstream

Answer

Controlling the water level in the reservoir

Answer

Generating hydropower

Answer

Supporting the structural integrity of the dam

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a potential environmental impact associated with reservoir construction?

Accepted Answer

Increased recreational opportunities

Answer

Loss of aquatic habitats

Answer

Alteration of downstream river ecosystems

Answer

Water quality degradation due to sedimentation

Question 27

What is the principle behind generating hydropower in a dam system?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing the kinetic energy of water flowing through the turbines

Answer

Harnessing the potential energy of water stored in the reservoir

Answer

Converting the gravitational force of the water into electricity

Answer

Employing the buoyancy force to generate power

Question 28

What is the purpose of a penstock in a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

To convey water from the reservoir to the turbines

Answer

To regulate the flow of water through the turbines

Answer

To generate electricity

Answer

To store water for future use

Question 29

Which type of reservoir is primarily designed to store water for irrigation purposes?

Accepted Answer

Diversion reservoir

Answer

Impounding reservoir

Answer

Detention reservoir

Answer

Flood control reservoir

Question 30

What is a key advantage of using embankment dams in reservoir construction?

Accepted Answer

Lower construction costs compared to concrete dams

Answer

Greater flexibility and resistance to seismic activity

Answer

Higher efficiency in hydropower generation

Answer

Longer lifespan than gravity dams

Question 31

Which factor is critically considered during the design of arch dams?

Accepted Answer

The horizontal force exerted by the impounded water

Answer

The gravitational forces acting on the dam structure

Answer

The upward pressure acting beneath the dam's foundation

Answer

The wave forces acting on the upstream face of the dam

Question 32

Which type of dam is characterized by its curved shape and ability to withstand high water pressure?

Accepted Answer

Arch Dam

Answer

Embankment Dam

Answer

Gravity Dam

Answer

Buttress Dam

Question 33

What is the primary function of a reservoir in a hydropower system?

Accepted Answer

Storing water for release during periods of increased electricity demand

Answer

Controlling flooding

Answer

Providing irrigation water

Question 34

Which of the following is a potential negative environmental impact of dam construction?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of fish migration patterns

Answer

Increased water availability downstream

Answer

Improved flood control

Answer

Job creation in the local economy

Question 35

What is the primary factor in determining the height of a gravity dam?

Accepted Answer

The weight of the water it impounds

Answer

The geological conditions at the dam site

Answer

The width of the river it crosses

Answer

The materials used in its construction

Question 36

Which of the following is not a type of hydroelectric turbine?

Accepted Answer

Tidal turbine

Answer

Kaplan turbine

Answer

Pelton turbine

Answer

Francis turbine

Question 37

What is the primary advantage of using an embankment dam compared to a concrete dam?

Accepted Answer

Lower construction cost

Answer

Reduced environmental impact

Answer

Higher water storage capacity

Answer

Improved seismic resistance

Question 38

What is the term used to describe the area of land that is submerged when a reservoir is filled?

Accepted Answer

Reservoir inundation area

Answer

Tailrace

Answer

Forebay

Answer

Spillway

Question 39

Which of the following is a key benefit of using reservoirs for flood control?

Accepted Answer

Reduction of downstream flooding

Answer

Improved navigation

Answer

Enhanced recreational opportunities

Answer

Increased hydropower generation

Question 40

What is the primary purpose of a spillway in a dam?

Accepted Answer

To release excess water during floods

Answer

To control the water level in the reservoir

Answer

To generate hydropower

Answer

To provide a fish passage