Quiz

Brand Publisher

Advertiser

Knowledge is power (or in this case hydropower)!

Split frame of dam reservoir and water flowing.

Only An Alternative Energy Expert Could Ace This True Or False Quiz About Hydroelectricity

Text overlay: People living in the Northwest benefit from hydropower dams every day.

Hydropower [leads to lower clean energy costs](https://nwriverpartners.org/hydropower/), which is really important to disadvantaged communities across the Pacific Northwest. Because of the hydropower system, the Northwest has among the lowest energy burdens in the nation. Additionally, the reservoirs created around the dams provide clean drinking as well as recreational opportunities, such as boating and swimming for locals.

True!

People living in the  
Northwest benefit from hydropower dams every day.

Text overlay: Dams are a primary reason salmon populations are threatened and endangered.

Unfortunately, by the late 19th century, Pacific Northwest salmon populations were [already nearing extinction due to overfishing by European settlers](https://nwriverpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_NorthestRiverPartners_FastFacts_0428.pdf). While salmon populations have seen ups and downs since then, studies have shown that Pacific Coast salmon have seen additional declines since the 1970s, whether or not dams are present. This is likely due to warming, acidifying oceans.

False!

Dams are a primary reason salmon populations are threatened and endangered.

Text overlay: Hydroelectricity is a form of solar power.

In a way, hydroelectricity is the result of solar processes. With the sun evaporating water in the ocean resulting in the weather systems that provide rain and snow, those water sources become [runoff that flow into rivers and through hydroelectric dams](https://nwriverpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_NorthestRiverPartners_FastFacts_0428.pdf) and provide carbon-free energy.

Hydroelectricity is a  
form of solar power.

Text overlay: Hydropower provides almost half of the Northwest’s electricity.

Hydropower is the MVP of Northwest renewable energy. Hydropower provides [46% of the region’s electricity, wind power provides 9%, and solar provides about 1%](https://nwriverpartners.org/supporting-wind-and-solar/).

True

Hydropower provides  
almost half of the  
Northwest’s electricity.

Text overlay: Hydropower acts like a battery.

Hydropower works a lot like a battery. [When dams control the flow of water, they’re able to store or release water, generating power on demand as needed](https://nwriverpartners.org/hydro-101/). It's a reliable source of green energy working in tandem with other renewable resources (like wind and solar) to balance the electric grid.

Text overlay: There’s not much the average person can do to reach a carbon-free future.

Even a drop in the proverbial dam makes a difference! You can [join conservation groups in your area to learn more about climate change and urge your local representatives](https://nwriverpartners.org/join-us) to support hydropower as a clean energy solution.

There’s not much the  
average person can do to  
reach a carbon-free future.  
  


Text overlay: Dams are the primary reason Northwest rivers are getting warmer.

Large storage dams can provide valuable cold water releases to help cool rivers downstream when temperatures get too hot for salmon. Even smaller dams reservoirs can keep river temperatures cooler during the spring and summer months, because they hold more water than a free-flowing river, so they take longer to heat up. [The biggest driver of warming rivers is warming air caused by climate change](https://nwriverpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_NorthestRiverPartners_FastFacts_0428.pdf).

Dams are the primary  
reason Northwest rivers  
are getting warmer.

Text overlay: Spill is when water leaks through a dam.

Spill is when water is sent through spillways at the top of the dam instead of past hydropower turbines. Whether it’s to regulate water level or flow rate, [spill happens when excess water bypasses the turbines](https://nwriverpartners.org/hydro-101/). Sometimes a spill happens when there is too much water to store behind a dam.

Spill is when water leaks  
through a crack in a dam.

Text overlay: Hydroelectric dams work because of kinetic energy.

Thanks to kinetic energy, [gravity tries to pull runoff water back to the oceans](https://nwriverpartners.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021_NorthestRiverPartners_FastFacts_0428.pdf). When it flows through the hydroelectric turbines, it generates massive amounts of renewable, carbon-free energy.

Hydroelectric dams work because of kinetic energy.

You’re practically an expert in alternative energy. Now that you’ve achieved this highly coveted status, spread the word, tell your friends, and get one step closer to a carbon-free future with [Northwest RiverPartners](https://nwriverpartners.org/).

A Dam Pro

You know some stuff, but there’s always room for more information to flow right into that beautiful brain of yours! Learn more about hydroelectric power and how you can work toward a carbon-free future with [Northwest RiverPartners](https://nwriverpartners.org/).

Alternative Energy Novice

You’re a little green when it comes to knowing all the facts, but you love any and every chance to let that information flow through you. Learn more about hydropower and the steps you can take toward a carbon-free future with [Northwest RiverPartners](https://nwriverpartners.org/).

Green Energy Greenie

Placeholder- no product

Images from Getty.

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is no longer supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Browse links

Only An Alternative Energy Expert Could Ace This True Or False Quiz About Hydroelectricity

Whether you’re an alternative energy expert or still a little green to understanding hydropower, you can always learn more about working toward a carbon-free future with Northwest RiverPartners.

Only An Alternative Energy Expert Could Ace This True Or False Quiz About Hydroelectricity

Whether you’re an alternative energy expert or still a little green to understanding hydropower, you can always learn more about working toward a carbon-free future with Northwest RiverPartners.

Share This Article