Practice AP Environmental Science questions on hydroelectric benefits, dam construction, habitat change, costs, air pollution, and waste.
A homeowner in the Northern Hemisphere is considering installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the home to help provide electricity for the home. The homeowner has read conflicting reports on which compass direction the panels should face to maximize the amount of electricity (in kWh) that the panels can produce.
The diagram below shows another way of generating electricity using a renewable resource. The arrows indicate the flow of water.
HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
Explain how a hydroelectric power system, like the one depicted, may be negatively affected by climate change.
Over time, reservoirs that form behind dams can undergo changes.
Explain the effect of increased silt in the reservoir on the hydroelectric power system.