By: Aarya Mehta, Alexandra Llaguno,& Melinda Prasad

Definition: Hydroelectricity is electricity powered by water.

- comes from hydropower. - Hydropower = renewable

resource - Hydropower is dependent on

precipitation and elevation levels.

* High precipitation and elevation levels are the most sufficient.

The movement of water as it flows downstream creates kinetic energy that can be converted into electricity. A hydroelectric power plant converts this energy into electricity by forcing water, often held at a dam, through a hydraulic turbine that is connected to a generator. The water exits the turbine and is returned to a stream or river bed below the dam.

Air EmissionsWater Resource UseWater DischargesSolid Waste GenerationLand Resource Use

Increases stability and reliability of electricity systemsContributes to the storage of drinking waterHelps fight climate changeGenerates electricity

Advantages of Hydroelectricity

1. Hydroelectricity is an infinite fuel source

2. Efficient source3. Hydroelectric power plants can

be use throughout the world

1. Hydroelectricity dams are costly to build

2. Requires certain weather to continue the operation

3. Hydroelectricity indirectly causes greenhouse emissions

1918-1958: 33 Major dam failures resulting in 1680 documented fatalities1959-1965: 9 major dams failed throughout the world1976: Teton Dam failure in Idaho

Obstruction of the river for aquatic life

Three Gorges Dam: China

Hydroelectricity drastically affects terrestrial and marine organisms by:

- the migratory barrier- creating changes in water temperature- diminishing and destroying habitat

Hydroelectricity increases greenhouse emissions.

Relocating terrestrial habitats to higher grounds will prevent it from getting flooded.

Use the dam to obtain maximum water for storage only during rainy season.

To prevent migratory problems, pick a season where marine life is not drastically affected (when there is no mating season for the majority of animals.)

Try filtering the water to prevent decaying remnants from emitting greenhouse gases.

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