Dams
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AP Environmental Science › Dams
All of the following are potential benefits to dams EXCEPT __________.
Sedimentation buildup
Clean electricity generation
Flood control
Water level management
Recreation opportunities from the resulting lake
Explanation
Dams can be huge boons to local economies, and are a landmark of human engineering and achievement; however, they do carry serious consequences to the natural environment. They lead to sediment buildup, which hurts the flow of nutrients downstream, ruins the natural riverscape, and can cause the area behind the dam to become more shallow.
All of the following are drawbacks to dams EXCEPT __________.
Increased air pollution
Habitat alteration
Interruption of migration patterns among fish
Local inhabitants may be forced to move
Destruction of surrounding farmland
Explanation
Dams carry numerous drawbacks, but one benefit of dams that they do not increase air pollution. Hydroelectric power is considered to be one of the cleanest forms of energy.