Carbon Flashcards

1
Q

Assess the role of oceans in regulating the carbon cycle?

A

Thermohaline circulation
More carbon absorbed due to conc. gradient
Ocean largest sink with 36,000 Pg C
Biological pump - photsynthesis sequestration
Physical Pump - up/down welling
Carbonate Pump - sedimentation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What limits the role of oceans in regulating the carbon cycle?

A

Ocean acidification
- Sea is a carbon sink
- Creates a weak carbonic acid
- Ocean less alkaline
- Shrinking phytoplankton
Thus reducing sequestration
Negative feedback cycle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Assess the role of terrestrial lands in regulating the carbon cycle?

A

Peatlands help store lots of carbon
- around 25-30% of all carbon emissions
Peat fires lead to large releases of carbon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Assess how successful Canada and the US have been in acheiving energy security?

A
  • Diversified to reduce dependence on Middle East
  • $300bn barrels of ol located in oil sands, shales and the Gulf of Mexico
  • Only 5% of American oil imports came from Saudi
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Assess how Canada and the US have failed in achieving energy security?

A
  • Unconventional oil resources require almost twice the minimum oil price in comparison the Middle Eastern oil
  • bp oil spill highlights that reinvestment in fossil fuels is not environemntally sustainable so only viable in short term
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Assess how Ukraine has failed in achieving energy security?

A
  • 7th largest coal reserves in the world
  • Gas reserves amounting to 1.1 trillion cubic metres
  • Europe’s worst energy security
  • Election corruption has allowed Russian-backed leaders to win
  • Crimean 2014 annexation depleted Ukraine of many reserves
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Assess how Georgia has succeeded in achieving energy security despite Russia?

A
  • Invaded by Russia in 2008
  • Very energy secure
    – 81% of energy is renewables
    – Imports only $8 million of fossil fuels
  • Could be because it lies on new silk road
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Assess how Brazil has struggled in achieving energy security?

A
  • Began to diversify in the 70s
  • Biofuels require large land clearance via deforestation
  • Not as profitable as oil
  • Govt reduced fossil fuels taxes to control inflation meaning less stability for biofuel farmers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Assess how Brazil has been successful in achieving energy security?

A
  • 98% of the country’s oil production is offshore
  • Brazil’s energy sector is one of the least carbon intensive in the world
  • 45% of energy demand is made up by renewable methods
  • In 2017 Brazil turned into a net oil exporter
    Brazil has successfully diversified and achieved holistic energy mix to achieve energy security
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Assess why Mozambique may be successful in achieving energy security?

A
  • 125 bn m^3of gas found in Temane Gas Field
    – 4th largest oil reserve
  • $350 bn of potential energy sources
  • Portugal, India and Brazil all want to invest in oil and gas
    – $10bn/year
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Assess why Mozambique may not be successful in achieving energy security?

A
  • Land grabs and forced relocation by mining companies that dont commit to contracts
  • Most foreign companies want to export oil… what is left for the young developing population?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Assess how Norway could use radical technologies to limit their impact on the carbon cycle?

A
  • Carbon Capture and Storage helps traps carbon from the atmosphere reducing the impact of the greenhouse effect
    – 17 million tonnes have been injected since inception
  • Thorium can be used to recyle nuclear waste from nuclear plants; removes the downside of radioactive waste
  • 4 times more plentiful than Uranium so it is sustainable
  • Liability -> Asset
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Assess the drawbacks of using radical technologies to achieve energy security?

A
  • Novel technology so not as effective; requires time for development
  • CCS absorption nowhere in comparison to billions of tonnes every single year
  • Currently very high start-up costs for Thorium reactors
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Evaluate how Denmark has decoupled it energy economy?

A
  • Aim to be fully independent of fossil fuels; Energy Strategy 2050
  • Highest energy security in EU
  • Connected to NordPool countries
  • Have agreement to share energy generation
  • Also passing expertise, reducing energy dependence leading to diversification
  • 40% of energy is wind
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Assess the impact of climate change on the hydrological processes in the Arctic? GENERAL

A

Warmer oceans mean…
- Lower atmospheric pressure
- Smaller temp gradient between poles and equator leading to less precipitation and weaker winds
Higher temperatures have led to…
- Arctic ponds drying up
- Humidity increasing
- Increased melting of snow, ice and permafrost
- Increased surface run off
- More local river-ice floods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Assess the impact of climate change on the hydrological processes in the Arctic? SPECIFIC

A

In Kuparuk River, Alaska…
- Mean annual flow increased by 35% since 70s
- Snowmelt floods arrive earlier
- Floodwater is warmer transferring heat to premafrost

17
Q

Assess the impacts of climate change on the carbon cycle in the Arctic?

A

General
- Melting of permafrost has led to increased increased CH4 emissions
- CO2 from forest fires

In Kuparuk River, old carbon is released from the Arctic floodplains into atmosphere
Potential release of 50% of methane stored in the Batakgiata Crater due to increased melting