Disadvantages of Hydropower: Impact on Environment and Costs

Question 1

Hydropower projects can negatively impact the environment. Which of these is a major consequence?

Accepted Answer

Habitat fragmentation for aquatic species

Answer

Reduced air pollution

Answer

Increased agricultural productivity

Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Question 2

Which of the following is an advantage of hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Reliability and flexibility

Answer

High cost of dam construction and maintenance

Answer

Negative impacts on the environment

Answer

Social and cultural disruption

Question 3

Identify the main disadvantages of hydropower, considering both its environmental and economic impacts.

Accepted Answer

High construction costs and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Answer

Long-term sustainability and negligible economic concerns.

Answer

Minimal environmental impact and positive economic benefits for local communities.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a potential environmental impact of hydropower development?

Accepted Answer

Mitigation of climate change

Answer

Disruption of fish migration patterns

Answer

Increased downstream water temperatures

Answer

Loss of riparian habitat

Question 5

What is a major factor contributing to the high costs associated with hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Large-scale civil engineering works

Answer

Unpredictable water flow rates

Answer

Inefficient turbines

Answer

Low power density

Question 6

Which of the following ecosystems is particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of hydropower dams?

Accepted Answer

Riverine ecosystems

Answer

Forest ecosystems

Answer

Marine ecosystems

Answer

Grassland ecosystems

Question 7

What is a potential social disadvantage associated with hydropower projects?

Accepted Answer

Displacement of local communities

Answer

Enhanced air quality

Answer

Improved flood protection

Answer

Increased energy independence

Question 8

Which of the following is a potential health hazard associated with hydropower reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

Elevated risk of waterborne diseases

Answer

Reduced noise pollution

Answer

Improved air quality

Question 9

What is a key consideration when evaluating the trade-offs involved in hydropower development?

Accepted Answer

Balancing environmental concerns with energy generation needs

Answer

Ignoring the potential of alternative energy technologies

Answer

Prioritizing economic benefits over environmental impacts

Answer

Exclusively relying on renewable energy sources

Question 10

Which of the following is a limitation of hydropower as a renewable energy source?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent power generation due to seasonal variations in water availability

Answer

High conversion efficiency

Answer

Low operational costs

Question 11

What is a potential ecological consequence of constructing a dam for hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Sedimentation of the reservoir

Answer

Increased downstream flow rate

Answer

Increased water temperature

Answer

Improved water quality

Question 12

Which of the following is a potential advantage of hydropower compared to other renewable energy sources?

Accepted Answer

Higher capacity factor

Answer

Faster construction times

Answer

Lower capital costs

Answer

Zero greenhouse gas emissions

Question 13

What is a potential long-term sustainability concern associated with hydropower development?

Accepted Answer

Potential depletion of water resources

Answer

Increased energy production

Answer

Enhanced flood control

Answer

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a commonly cited disadvantage of hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Low operating costs

Answer

Environmental impacts

Answer

High construction costs

Answer

Displacement of communities

Question 15

One of the major environmental concerns associated with hydropower is:

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction

Answer

Increased greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

Deforestation

Answer

Air pollution

Question 16

Which of the following is a potential social impact of dam construction?

Accepted Answer

Displacement of local communities

Answer

Improved water quality

Answer

Increased tourism

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the efficiency of a hydropower plant?

Accepted Answer

Size of the power plant

Answer

Turbine design

Answer

Water flow rate

Question 18

Which of the following is a unique advantage of pumped-storage hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage

Answer

Improved environmental performance

Answer

Increased efficiency

Answer

Reduced construction costs

Question 19

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered in the assessment of hydropower potential?

Accepted Answer

Population density

Answer

Terrain

Answer

Water availability

Answer

Environmental impacts

Question 20

Which of the following is a potential long-term impact of hydropower development?

Accepted Answer

Contribution to climate change through methane emissions

Answer

Economic growth

Answer

Increased tourism

Answer

Improved infrastructure

Question 21

Which of the following is a primary environmental concern associated with the construction of hydropower dams?

Accepted Answer

Disruption of fish migration and loss of aquatic habitats

Answer

Enhancement of local water quality

Answer

Increased vegetation growth in dammed areas

Question 22

Hydropower projects can involve the relocation of communities residing in areas to be flooded by dams. Which of the following is a potential social impact associated with this process?

Accepted Answer

Loss of cultural heritage and displacement of communities

Answer

Increased economic opportunities in new resettlement areas

Answer

Improved access to education and healthcare for relocated communities

Question 23

The construction of hydropower dams can be costly due to various factors. Which of the following contributes to these high costs?

Accepted Answer

Environmental mitigation measures and infrastructure development

Answer

Low labor costs associated with dam construction

Answer

Government subsidies that cover most of the construction expenses

Question 24

Hydropower dams have the potential to modify the natural flow of rivers. Which of the following is a potential ecological impact of such alterations?

Accepted Answer

Changes in sediment transport dynamics and water temperature

Answer

Increased biodiversity in the dammed area

Answer

Improved water quality downstream of the dam

Question 25

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between the height of a hydropower dam and its electricity generation capacity?

Accepted Answer

Higher dam heights generally result in greater power output

Answer

Lower dam heights are preferred for increased power generation

Answer

Dam height has minimal impact on power output

Question 26

The intermittent nature of hydropower generation presents challenges for grid stability. Which of the following is a viable solution to address this issue?

Accepted Answer

Integrating hydropower with other renewable energy sources or energy storage systems

Answer

Reducing the overall power output of hydropower dams

Answer

Limiting hydropower use to off-peak demand periods only

Question 27

Which of the following is a potential long-term disadvantage of hydropower development?

Accepted Answer

Sediment buildup behind dams, reducing their effectiveness over time

Answer

Enhanced recreational opportunities

Answer

Increased water availability downstream

Question 28

Which of the following is a major concern related to greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydropower?

Accepted Answer

Methane emissions from reservoirs created by dams

Answer

Carbon dioxide emissions during construction

Answer

Negligible greenhouse gas emissions overall

Answer

Increased oxygen production due to algae growth

Question 29

Which of the following is a disadvantage of small-scale hydropower systems?

Accepted Answer

Lower power generation capacity compared to large-scale systems

Answer

Increased flexibility and resilience

Answer

Lower environmental impacts compared to large-scale systems

Answer

Reduced construction costs

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of hydropower development?

Accepted Answer

Increased air pollution

Answer

Economic development opportunities

Answer

Reliable and renewable energy source

Answer

Flood control and water regulation