hydroelectric power
The mechanical energy of rapidly flowing water can turn a turbine and generate electricity. Electricity produced in this way is called hydroelectric power. The water may flow over a waterfall or through a dam. You can see a picture of a dam in the Figure below . A drawback of dams is that they flood land upstream from the dam and reduce water flow downstream from the dam, and this can destroy ecosystems. At the following URL, you can learn more about hydroelectric power and see an animation of a hydroelectric power plant.