P1 Hydro-electricity, Waves and Tides (page 175) Flashcards
What is Hydro-electric power?
It uses falling water. It usually requires the flooding of a valley by building a big Dam. Water is allowed out through turbines. (there is no pollution).
Whe is there a big impact on the environment, due to flooding of the valley?
Due to the flooding of the valley, rotting vegetation releases methane and CO2/ Possible loss of habitat for some species (sometimes the loss of whole villages).
What happens when reseviors dry up?
(RESERVIOR IS ARTIFICIAL LAKE CREATED BY THE FLOODING OF A DAM)
They can look very unsightly when they dry up, putting Hydroelectric power stations in remote valleys tend to reduce their impact of humans (have a negative affect on humans).
What is a BIG advantage of Hydroelectricity?
It can provide an immediate response to an increased demand for electricity.
Can Hydro-electricity be reliable?
Yes, except for times of drought - but his is Great Britian)!
Is Hydro-electricity an expensive source of electricity?
The initial costa are high, but there are no fuel cost and minimal running costs.
Where can Hydro-electric power be useful?
To generate electricity on a small scale in remote areas.
What is Wave Power?
Lots of Little-Wave powered turbines.
How are Wave Power turbines used, to produce electricity?
Lots of small wave turbines are located around the coast, (like with wind power (see page 174), the moving turbines are connected to a generator.
Do Wave Turbines produce pollution?
No.
What are the main problems using wind turbines?
They disturb the sea bed (bottom of the sea), and the habitats of marine animals, spoiling the view, and being a hazzard to boats.
Are Wave Power Turbines a reliable source of electricity? Explain your answer?
They are fairly unreliable, as waves tend to die out when the wind drops.
Is it expensive to produce electricity through wind power?
The initial costs are high, but there are no fuel costs and minimal running costs.
Is Wave Power likely to produce energy on a large scale, and where would this be useful?
No not on a large scale, but would be useful on small islands.
What is ‘Tidal Barrages’ for producing electricity?
Using the sun and moons gravity