Hydropower dams are primarily designed to generate electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water.

Arch dams are often used in narrow river valleys due to their curved shape, which helps to transfer the water's force to the surrounding rock.

Spillways are designed to safely release excess water from the reservoir, preventing overtopping and potential damage to the dam.

Embankment dams are constructed by compacting earth and rock materials, making them suitable for wide river valleys and where rock foundations are not available.

Head refers to the difference in elevation between the upstream and downstream water levels, which determines the potential energy available for electricity generation.

Arch dams are characterized by their curved shape, which helps to distribute the water's force over a larger area, making them suitable for narrow river valleys.

Pumped-storage hydropower systems can store energy by pumping water uphill during off-peak periods and releasing it downhill through a turbine to generate electricity during peak demand periods.

Embankment dams are often used in wide river valleys due to their ability to be constructed using locally available materials and their adaptability to different foundation conditions.

Discharge refers to the volume of water flowing through a hydropower dam per unit time, which is a key factor in determining the power output of the dam.

Buttress dams are characterized by their triangular cross-section, which provides stability against the water's force and allows for a thinner dam structure.

Hydropower dams can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by altering water flow patterns, blocking fish migration, and affecting sediment transport.

Gravity dams are constructed using concrete or masonry and rely on their own weight to resist the water's force.

Efficiency refers to the ratio of the electrical power output of a hydropower dam to the mechanical power input from the flowing water.

Gravity dams are characterized by their curved, single-curvature design, which helps to distribute the water's force over a larger area.

Run-of-the-river hydropower systems do not require a dam, as they utilize the natural flow of a river to generate electricity.