6.4 Distribution of Natural Energy Resources

Question 1

What is the largest FF Energy Reserve

Answer 1

Coal: 100-150 years 1. US 2. Russia

Question 2

What is the second FF Energy Reserve

Answer 2

Natural Gas: 50-60 years 1. Russia 2. Iran

Question 3

What is the lowest FF Energy Reserve

Answer 3

Oil: 50 years 1. Venezuela 2. Saudi Arabia

Question 4

Hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) and Shale Gas

Answer 4

method of natural gas extraction that has extended access to natural gas

Question 5

What is Shale Rock

Answer 5

Gas trapped in semi-permeable, sedimentary rock layers, such as shale, is released by cracking the rock with pressurized water

Question 6

Effect of Shale Rock on Fracking–>Natural Gas

Answer 6

Fracking natural gas from shale rock increases & extends supply of natural gas

Question 7

Shale Gas Reserves

Answer 7

FFs are non-renewable, and will eventually be depleted, but short-term economic profit still drives extraction & use
Discovered, but unharvested reserves represent economic benefit to countries

Question 8

What are Tar/Oil Sands

Answer 8

Tar or oil sands are bitumen deposits where crude oil can be recovered, but with higher water & energy inputs
Extra: Canada (Alberta region) = world’s largest oil sands reserve

Question 9

Similarities Tar/Oil Sands to Fracking

Answer 9

Just like fracking, tar/oil sands extraction extends the world’s supply of crude oil