Carbon - EQ2 - Flashcards
1
Q
Define consumption
A
- when something is used in normally high amounts
2
Q
Define demand
A
- how much is required/wanted/needed
3
Q
Define primary energy source
A
- one that occurs naturally
4
Q
Define secondary energy source
A
- one that is made using a primary source
5
Q
Give an example of a primary energy source
A
- wind turbines convert the energy from wind into electrical energy
6
Q
Give an example of a secondary energy source
A
- electricity, which can be generated by a number of different primary sources
7
Q
Define renewable
A
a flow of resources which is infinite
8
Q
Define non-renewable
A
a finite stock of resources which will run out
9
Q
Give 2 examples of recyclable energy sources
A
- biomass
- nuclear - with reprocessing of fuel
10
Q
Define resources
A
- any fossil fuels which can be recovered at any price (if money was not an object)
11
Q
Define reserves
A
- any fossil fuels that technically can be recovered at a finanically feasible price
- therefore it varies according to fuel prices
12
Q
Define energy mix
A
- the combination of different energy sources used to meet a country’s total energy consumption
13
Q
Define energy security
A
- Energy security is achieved when there is an uninterrupted availability of energy at a national level and at an affordable price
- All countries seek to achieve this; the most secure energy situation is where the national demand for energy can be completely satisfied by domestic sources
- The more a country demands on imported energy, the more it is exposed to risks of an economic and geopolitical kind
14
Q
What are the 4 key aspects of energy security
A
- availability
- accessibility
- affordability - competitively priced energy supply
- reliability - uninterrupted
15
Q
List some of the key demand drives of an energy mix
A
- industrialisation
- mass motorised mobility
- rural electrification
- affluence
- population (increase)
16
Q
Name some of the key energy players
A
- government
- environmentalists
- industrialists
- consumers
- TNCs
- NGOs
- infrastructure/ engineering companies
- technology innovators
17
Q
What is the role of key energy players
Consumers
A
- an all embracing term, but probably the most influential consumers are transporrt, industry & domestic uses
- consumers are largely passive players when it comes to fixing energy prices
- direct positive correlation between oil price & oil consumption
18
Q
What is the role of key energy players
National Governments - what is their role
A
- governments have the option of allowing oil companies to further exploit their own environment in order to increase oil production
19
Q
What is the role of key energy players
National Governments - how can they be sustainable
A
- conversely, governments may opt to incentivise conservation of energy through fuel duties or green taxes & emission tracking because it leads to industries investing in cleaner technology
- investment in cheaper fuels can secure energy provisions in the future, as it can be sustainable & everlasting
20
Q
Name 6 factors which would influence an energy mix
A
- physical availability
- cost
- economic development
- technology
- politics
- environmental priorities
21
Q
Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Physical availability - UK
A
- Until the 1970s the UK depended heavily on domestic coal from Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, South Wales and Norther-East England.
- It was also among global leaders in nuclear technology from the 1950s -70s,
- but lost momentum after the discovery of large reserves of North Sea oil and gas, whose increased use after the 1970s greatly altered he UKs energy mix.
22
Q
Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Physical availability - Norway
A
- Because Norway is mountainous, with steep valleys and plentiful rainfall, HEP (Hydro-Electric Power) is the natural energy choice.
- Norway exports much of its oil and natural gas from territorial waters, as well as coal from Svalbard
23
Q
Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Cost - UK
A
- The North Sea reserves became a ‘secure’ alternative to dependency on Middle Eastern oil after prices there rose in the early 1970s.
- However North Sea oil is expensive to extract, so if global prices fall (as they did in in 1997-98) &, it becomes less viable.
- Stocks of North Sea oil and gas are also declining, which is forcing the UK to import more.
24
Q
Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Cost - Norway
A
- Norsk Hydro operates over 600 hydroelectric power (HEP) plants, which generate 97.5% of Norway’s renewable electricity.
- Although HEP is cheap to run after the initial capital investment, transmitting electricity from remote regions to urban centres and isolated settlements can be expensive.
25
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Technology - UK
* There are 150 years' worth of coal reserves left in the UK, but current technology and environmental policy make its extraction and use unrealistic and expensive.
* The UK's last deep coal mine closed in 2015, although 80% of the UK's primary energy still came form fossil fuels.
* The technology exists for 'clean coal' (that is absorbing CO2 emissions), but coal has lost its political support.
26
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Technology - Norway
* Deepwater drilling for technology enabled both Norway & the UK to develop North sea oil & gas extraction
27
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Political - UK
* increasing reliance on imported energy sources affects the UK's energy security --> political issue
* public concern growing over new & proposed fracking and nuclear sites.
* 1980s privatization of the UK's energy supply industry means overseas companies (eg. France's EDF and Germany's E-on) decide which energy sources are used to meet UK demand.
28
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Political - Norway
* HEP has been used since 1907 and the Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate manages the nation's power supply.
* The Norwegian government has an interventionalist approach, which prevents foreign companies from owning any primary energy source sites - waterfalls, mines and forests.
29
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Economic Development - UK
Average annual household energy costs: £1,300
(2015)
30
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Economic Development - Norway
Average annual household energy costs: £2,400
(2015)
31
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Environmental Priorities - UK
* In 2015 the UK committed to a 40% reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels
* It intends to broaden its energy mix with renewable sources (especially wind) and more nuclear power
* However, the UK also abandoned its Green Deal conservation and insulation schemes in 2015
32
# Explain the reasons behind specific energy mixes
Environmental Priorities - Norway
* In 2015, Norway committed to a 40% reduction in domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
* Norway is the largest exporter of hydrocarbon and is expanding its output. They also have a 'Policy for Change' which was launched in 2016 with a domestic target of being carbon neutral by 2050.
33
In some location they may have the supplies but...
* lack the resources to extract them
34
Give examples of countires whose resources have peaked
* UK
* USA
* Japan
* China
35
Define peak oil
* when the maximum rate of crude oil extraction is reached, after which the rate of extraction will decline forever
36
When did the world discovery of oil peak
In the 1960s, & has declined since then
37
What can we understand from the 40 year cycle seen in the US for world oil production
* it means global peak oil production is right about now, after which oil becomes less available & more expensive
38
What 3 processes allow fossil fuels to form
* compression from the weight of the land
* microogranisms decomposing the contents
* heat from undergound turns the dead plants & animals into fuel
39
What is the differences between the orgins of coal, oil & gas
* Coal if from ancient plants
* Oil & natural gas is from marine creature
40
What is a proven reserve
* we know the location of & we have a good chance of getting to them
41
What is an unproven reserve
* we know the locations but are less certain we can recover them
42
What are 2 new technqiues to extract oil
* extracting oil from where its mixed iwth fine-grained sediments
* high pressure fracking
43
Why is fracking controversial
linked to earthquakes & toxic tap water
44
What is the current trajectory of fossil fuel demand
* as more countries develop, the global demand for diffferent sources of energy is increasing
45
The primary energy sources used by different countires........., but it is still mainly......
* change overtime
* fossil fuels
46
Today we consume around _ times as much oil as we discover
4
47
# Fossil Fuel Demand
There is a mismatch between....... & .......
* locations of conventional fossil fuel supply & regions where demand is highest
48
Define 'energy pathways'
* the flows of energy from producer (source areas) to consumer (areas of demand)
49
What are examples of energy pathways
* pipelines over land - oil & gas
* bulk carrier ship - coal & uranium
* tankership by sea- oil & LNG (liquified natural gas)
* underground electricity cables
50
Which 2 factors summarise why energy pathways are complex
* They move through different natural & human environments
51
Why may energy pathways be complex
- human factors
* Embargoes and sanctions e.g. from Iran and Russia.
* Many resources are in unstable locations such as the Middle East and Russia, for example the war in Iraq (1990s) or Somalian pirates.
* Pipeline leaks.
* Political tensions and disagreements may block pathways (choke points) e.g. Russia/Ukraine.
* Supplies might be diverted for greater profit, e.g. China.
* Supply runs out e.g. North Sea gas.
52
Why may energy pathways be complex
- natural factors
* Difficult terrain e.g. the tundra in Alaska (Trans-Alaskan pipeline) and Siberia (Trans-Siberian pipeline)
* Extracting oil from the Gulf of Mexico during a hurricane
* Vast distances
53
What are the consequence of pathway disruption
* energy shortages affecting lifestyles
* armed conflicts
* recession
* job issues
54
What would be a case sudy for the possible reason for a complex energy pathway
-resources in unstable locations
* Somalian & West African pirates
55
Explain how Somalian & West African Pirates disrupted eenrgy pathways
* The first quarter of 2020 saw a spike in piracy around the world, with 47 attacks compared to 38 for the same time last year
* The Gulf of Guinea, a key production hub surrounded by eight oil exporting countries in West Africa, has emerged as a global hot spot,
* accounting for 90% of all kidnappings at sea in 2019
* armed criminal gangs frequently seized ships for hostage payments
56
What would be a case sudy for the possible reason for a complex energy pathway
-political tensions & disgreements
Russia & Ukraine
57
# Reasons for disruptions to complex energy pathways - Political tensions
Describe the EU's dependency on Russia's energy supplies
* Currently one of the world's biggest suppliers of both oil & gas
* EU is dependent for:
* 41% of its gas
* 27% of its oil
* 46% of coal
58
# Reasons for disruptions to complex energy pathways - Political tensions
How has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacted the energy pathways of oil & gas
* The global energy landscape has changed dramatically.
* Soaring prices for consumers, all against a geopolitical backdrop with energy security at its heart.
* Russia cut gas flows to the EU by around 80% in 2022, leaving the bloc with a significant shortfall in its energy mix, and a pressing need to find energy alternatives from other places.
59
# Reasons for disruptions to complex energy pathways - Political tensions
What could be seen as a positive to cutting Russias' energy supplies off
* This could be the force that many countries in Europe needed to start diversifying energy mixes
* to have more renewable energy and have more of a domestic supply
* so we’re not reliant on other countries.
60
What would be a case sudy for the possible reason for a complex energy pathway
-extracting oil during a tropical storm
The Gulf of Mexico
61
# Reasons for disruptions to complex energy pathways - Tropical Storms
What is the impact of oil extraction during a hurricane
* 19km toxic oil leak occurs, damaging oil & gas infrastructure
* this exacerbates the devestations of coastal communities, who already must recover from tropical storms
62
# Reasons for disruptions to complex energy pathways - Tropical Storms
How did this occur in the Gulf of Mexico
* 2004 - a mudslide triggered by Hurrican Ivan sank an oil platfor, buring various wells underground
* the storm damaged wells leaked oil & gas into the Gulf of Mexico for almost 15 years,
* & containment efforts continue to this day
63
Name 4 unconventional fossil fuels
* shale gas
* oil shale
* deep water oil
* tar sands
64
Define 'unconventional fossil fuels'
* produced using different methods to those used for conventional fossil fuels (oil,coal & gas)
* our global oil consumption will eventually peak, so we need to begin to look for, develop & use alternatives to help build a sustainable future
65
What percentage of the US' energy mix did shale gas take up in 2015
* 25%
66
........ is a relatively new process if extracting shale gas
* fracking
67
How is shale gas extracted
* Water, chemicals & sand are pumped into the ground to break up the shale, access the hydrocarbons & force them to the surface
* Horizontal drilling then releases the gas reserves
68
What are the advantages of shale gas
* less polluting tha coal & oil
* could boost economy
* concepts of it being safe
* job creation
69
What are the disadvantages of shale gas
-water
* requires large amounts of water
* wastewater needs treating due to chemical contents
70
What are the disadvantages of shale gas
-environmental concerns
* may pollute groundwater aquifers - in USA, groundwater has become flammable due to pollution by fracking
* earthquakes of low magnitufe may occur -> could damage fracking infrastructure -> leading to further leakages
71
What does an NGO suggest about shale gas
* The IPCC suggest it would be irresponsible to use shale gas
72
How is deep water oil extracted
* more difficult to extract than shallower reserves, as it is usually below 150m
* heating & compression is used
73
Which 3 countries has the largest proven reserves of deep water oil
* Venezuala, Saudi Arabia & Iran
74
What 3 countries currently uses deep water oil the most
* USA, China & India
75
Deep water oil accounts for ...% of Brazil's GDP
20%
76
What evidence is there of deep water oil's importance to Brazil
* In 2006, 10,000 barrels were discovered off the coast in a world heritage siit, which was the converted to a petrochemical centre
77
What are the advantages of deep water oil
* infrasttcure designed to operate on oil already in place
78
What are tar sands
* a mixture of sand, water, clay & bitumen
79
How are tar sands extracted
* the extraction of petroleum involves high energies & boiling water which can leave ponds of concentrated chemicals
80
What is the economic consenus of tar sands
* huge environmental cost, but can be lucrative in profit
81
What are the advantages of tar sands
* production creates economic growth & a large influx of jobs for rural regions
* fastest growing industry, producing high value bitumen for international exportation
82
What are the disadvantages of tar sands
-energy
* the process of extracting bitumen is water & energy intensive, producing a large volume of waste
83
What are the disadvantages of tar sands
-toxins
* liquid waste is left in tailing ponds, so water can be recycled after it is sparated from the clay & soils,
* however these may also contain sulfate, chloride & ammonia which may inflitrate the groundwater stores & other water sources
84
What are the disadvantages of tar sands
-habitats
* open mining involves removing the top layer of vegetation & soils to access the bitumen sands, destroying habitats
85
Who are the largest consumers of tar sands
* Canada & Venezuala, & it is primarily utillized by the oil & gas industry
86
What is oil shale
* an organic rich sedimentary rock containg kerogen (hydrocarbon)
87
Explain the relation of oil shale & shale oil
* Oil shale can be processed to extract shale oil, a type of unconventional oil
88
How is oil shale extracted
* Oil shale is first extracted from the earth by surface or undergound mining
* The rock is crushed & then heated to rlease the shale oil
* It is then refined of impurities such as sulfur
89
Describe the quanitities of oil shale in the USA
* Specifically in Colorado & Utah, oil reserves are signficant (estimated 6 trillion barrels of oil)
90
Describe the global quantities of shale oil
* Vast quantities of global oil shale, in 27 countries e.g Russia, Brazil, Estonia & China
91
Who has the largest consumption of oil shale
* China & Argentina make up 25% of their global usage
92
Describe the future usage of oil shale
* Russia plans zero extraction tax for a far greater range of shale oil reserves
* Australian energy company announces discovery of $233 billion barrels of shale oil reserves
93
What are the implications of oil shale for the carbon cycle
* when oil shale is heated to extract shale oil,
* the kerogen within it is converted into synthetic crude oil,
* releasing CO^2 in the process,
* contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect
94
What are the implications of oil shale for fragile environments
* oil shale mining reduces the orginal ecoysystem diversity: after mining, the land has to be reclaimed, this process takes time & cannot necessarily re-establish the original bio-diveristy
95
# Impact of US Colorado Shale reserves
socio-economic
* additional stress on local infratsructure
96
# Impact of US Colorado Shale reserves
environmental
* quality & quantity of surface & groundwater resources impacted
* temporary degredation of air quality in areas of extraction
* likely, large surface areas of top soil & vegetation will be cleared wrecking habitats
97
# Advantages of Oil shale
more flexible
* shale oil extraction methods are more flexible than traditional methods in that once a well is dug & extracted, the oil can be stored until oil prices are high enough to return a profit
98
# Advantages of Oil shale
Energy Security
* using domestic oil shale resources can reduce dependency on foreign oil imports enhanicng US oil security
99
# Advantages of Oil shale
Job security
* employment opportunities in extracting & processing industries
100
# Disadvantages of Oil shale
Severe environmental consequences
* habitat destruction, water contamination, air pollution & greenhouse gas emissions
101
# Disadvantages of Oil shale
Water usage
* large amounts of water required for processing could strain aquifers, causing water insecurity particularly in arid regions
102
# Disadvantages of Oil shale
emissions
* Releases significant amounts of CO^2, unless mitigated through carbon capture & storage technologies
103
Name 3 stakeholders of oil shale
* climate activists
* local community
* local govt
104
What are biofuels
* general name for fuels produced from organic matter (biomass), inc plant maerial & animal waste
105
Why are biofuels in theory a good alternative to fossil fuels
* process is carbon neutral - as CO^2 taken in by a plant during photosynthesis will then be released in combustion
106
What is a negative multiplier effect of biofuel production
* Across the globe forests have been cleared, **deforestation**, to plant oil palms (e.g in Malaysia) to manufacture Biofuels,
* leading to a loss in biodiversity, habitats & carbon sink
* this will create food insecurity
* which would worsen in the buying up of land to grow biofuel crops which will inflate land prices
107
# Brazil biofuel
Past usage
* Brazil was the first country to produce biofuel from sugar cane in the 1970s
* the bioethanol produced was cheaper than petrol
108
# Brazil biofuel
Future usage
* Cars running on bio-ethanol emit 80% less CO^2 than petrol driven cars,
* so Brazil aims to double bio-ethanol production by 2024
109
# SWOT Analysis for biofuels in Brazil
Strengths
* renewable
* lower emissions than fossil fuels
* biodegradable
* uses existing infrastructure
* easily grown
110
# SWOT Analysis for biofuels in Brazil
Weaknesses
* takes land away from food production
* deforestation -> loss of carbon sink
* uses large amounts of water
* requires pesticides which use fossil fuels in production
111
# SWOT Analysis for biofuels in Brazil
Opportunities
* provide rural inward investment & local development projects
* positive multiplier effect in rural areas
* export income earned by fuel
* infrastructure improvements
112
# SWOT Analysis for biofuels in Brazil
Threats
* reduces food production -> food insecurity
* contaminate water sources with chemicals
* joint supply of biofuels, for fuel & food, with shortages, food prices can increase
113
What are radical technologies
* innovation involves creating new to the world technology that brings about revolutionary chnages
* it often creates new industry or involbes dramatic changes to the existing ones
* our energy demand is increasing, whilst the need to reduce carbon emissions is far greater, which can be achieved to a questionable extent by radical technologies
114
Describe the abundancy of hydrogen
* Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth, yet pure hydrogen is scarce
* it is most commonly found combined with oxygen in the form of water, & can be obtained from splitting molecules
115
How does hydrogen cells produce energy
* fuel cells convert chemical energy found in hydrogen into electriciity & this produces pure-water as a by-product
116
If produced sustainably, hydrogen can be a ..... fuel
green
117
Why did hydrogen never take off
* require vast amounts of nuclear energy, & was very expensive
118
What are the fears of hydrogen
* very flammable, & companies who built fossil fuel infrastructure wish to protect their assets
119
What is the advantage of hydrogen fuel over batteries
* more energy dense, high pressure energy system, far more efficient than petrol engines
120
What are the disadvantages of hydrogen
* inadequate refuelling stations, cost, infrastructure not built
121
What is the current main fuel used to create hydrogen
* natural gas, but can create a bridge to efficient, sustainable sources being used in the future
122
What sector could hydrogen be best used in
* long distance travel & heavy industries
123
There are .... large scale global hydrogen projects underway, from £............. invested
* 350
* £5 billion
124
Name 3 renewable energy types
* solar
* wind
* nuclear
125
How does solar energy work
* photovolactic panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity
126
What is the case study for solar pannels
* Huanghe Hydro-power Hainan solar park
127
Where is the Huanghe Hydro-power Hainan solar park located
* In the remote & sparsely populated province of Quinghai, China in the high altitude Tibetan plateau
128
# Huanghe Hydro-power Hainan solar park
What is its capacity
* 2nd biggest solar farm in the world & has an installed capacity of 2.2GW
129
# Huanghe Hydro-power Hainan solar park
How many solar pannels?
* 7 million
130
# Huanghe Hydro-power Hainan solar park
Cost?
* $2.3 billion
131
What are the advantages of solar
* clean energy
* govt schemes to help you buy them
* countries that weren't resource abundant now can be, specifically sunny climates, otherwise geographically switched off
* cost effective in the long term -> costs decreasing rapidly
* renewable
132
What are the disadvantages of solar
* ineffective in certain climates
* highly seasonal
* uses up possinly arable land
* cannot be stored
* visually polluting
* expensive
* elements used to make solar pannels
133
How does wind energy work
* wind drives large turbines, converting kinetic energy into electricity through connected generators
134
What is a case study for wind energy
* Hornsea Project 1
135
Where is Hornsea Project 1 located
* 120km off the Yorkshire coast in the North Sea
136
Hornsea Project 1 is the first...
* offshore windfarm to exceed 1GW in capacity & produce enough green energy to power over 1 million homes
137
# Hornsea Project 1
What is its workforce
370 workers in Grimsby
138
# Hornsea Project 1
Community investment
* more than £45 million invested into the local community
139
# Hornsea Project 1
Describe the windturbines
* 174 7MW wind turbines
140
What are the advantages of wind
* can be really efficient -> could increase with extreme weather & climate change
* cost effecttive
* remote working
* economically viable for the UK
* long term energy dependent
* not polluting
141
What are the disadvantages of wind
* visually polluting -> opposition from pressure groups NIMBY
* when they break beyond a repairable state, thet are too costly to be recycled -> wind turbine graveyards
* kills 4 birds per turbine
* noise pollution
* needs a lot to be effeicienr & sufficient
* weather dependent
142
Why is nuclear considered green energy
* since little uranium is needed to produce large amounts of energy through fission
143
What is a case study for Nuclear energy
* Hinkley Point C
144
Where is Hinkley Point C located
* The Somerset coast
145
# Hinkley Point C
What is its significance
* First nuclear reactors to be built in the UK for 20 years
146
# Hinkley Point C
How efficient is it
* Will provide low carbon electricity for 6 million homes over a 60 year period
147
# Hinkley Point C
How many people are working on this project
* 22,000
148
# Hinkley Point C
How much has been invested into the community
£24 million into education, skills & employment
149
# Hinkley Point C
How much carbon is avoided each year
* 9 million tonnes
150
# Risks of nuclear energy
Disasters
* nuclear disasters like Chernobyl & Fukishima could happen again
151
# Risks of nuclear energy
Risk
* there is risk nuclear powered stattions could be infiltrated during conflict or by terrorists
152
# Risks of nuclear energy
Waste
* radioactive waste has to be disposed of safely
153
# Risks of nuclear energy
Cost
* Operational costs are quite low, but construction & decommissioning costs are extremely high (cost £22-23 billion)
* So the technology involved may only be accesible for developed countries
154
# Risks of nuclear energy
Security
* Energy security may be compromised if countries own & fund nuclear plants abroad
* e.g UK power plants are owned by French & Chinese TNCs, and Hinkley Point C1 is being developed by a foreign company EDF energy
155
What are the disadvantages of nuclear
* very high cost
* large scale disasters do occur
* construction & maintenance releases emissions
* technically non-renewable, as uranium has to be mined
* lack of support from the public & media
* radiactive waste is difficult to dispose of
* devalues property value in usually remote coastal towns
156
What are the advantages of nuclear
* high efficiency
* safety always improving
* future prospects to power entire globe
* very low carbon footprint -> possibly carbon neutral
* may have fewer negative impacts than fossil fuels
* technology becoming more affordable & accesibles for NICs
* already a lot of infrastructure in place
157
Why can nuclear be classfied as recyclable
* nucelar reactors produce heat through fission
* atoms are split & they release energy
* heat then boils water & steam then spins the turbine
* waste production is then produced which can be resued in the turbines (expensive)
158
What is the role of energy TNCs
-control most oil & gas extraction, refining & distribution
159
Describe energy TNCs in the public sector
* include public goods & governmental services such as military, law enforcement, healthcare, water supply & infrastructure
* they are self-financing
* many of the largest oil companies are state owned e.g 1. National Iranian Oil Company
160
Describe energy TNCs in the private sector
* usually a means of enterprise or profit
* the big oil super majors are the 6 to 8 companies which oil analysts say are the worlds biggest non-state centralised gas & oil corperations
161
Who is OPEC
* international cartel comprising 13 countries which contribute significantly to the world’s petroleum production
162
What are the aims of OPEC
* protect the interests of member countries
* stabilise global oil prices to eliminate price fluctuations
* ensure that the oil producing nations get a stable revenue
* provide an efficient & reliable supply
163
What are the stats about OPECs oil supplies
* has 73% of the worlds oil reserves
* produced 44% of the words crude oil
& 15% of natural gas
164
OPEC was founded in ….., and argues oil supply and price is better in the hands of …. than …..
1960
an intergovernmental organisation
private companies
165
How does the natural greenhouse effect determine the distribution of temperature
- the amount of solar energy (solar insolation) reaching the Earth’s surface varies at different locations, which in turn influences temperatures
- the angle of the sun’s rays makes solar insolation intense at the equator, but dispersed over a wider area at the poles
166
Give 2 other ways than the greenhouse effect that determine how heat is distributed globally
* different characteristics of earth's surface (how light or dark it is) affects how much heat is absorbed, known as the albedo - snow reflects heat & dark forests absorb it
* heat is redistributed around the globe by air movement (wind), caused by both pressure differences & ocean currents
167
How does the natural greenhouse effect determine the distribution of temperature & precipitation
- A balanced carbon cycle is vital in sustaining other systems on earth
- The carbon cycle plays an important role in regulating global temperatures and climate by controlling the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which in turn affects the hydrological cycle
168
How does the enhanced greenhouse effect determine the distribution of precipitation
* the heating of the earth's atmosphere & surafce controls the temperature pressure, movement & moisture content of the air
* warm air rises & cools, leading water vapour to condense & clouds to form
* e.g as insolation is most intense over the equator, convection currents & low pressure systems dominate here - rainfall is high all year
169
Explain the natural greenhouse effect
* The natural greenhouse effect is influenced by the concentration of atmospheric carbon (carbon dioxide and methane)
* The Earth’s climate is driven by incoming shortwave solar radiation
* Around 31% is reflected by clouds, aerosols and gases in the atmosphere and by the land surface
* The remaining 69% is absorbed at the earth's surface, especially by the oceans
* much of this radiation absorbed at the surface is re-radiated as long wave radiation
* However, much of this long-wave radiation is deflected back to the Earth’s surface by clouds and greenhouse gases
* This ‘trapping’ of long-wave radiation creates the natural greenhouse effect allowing life to be supported on Earth
170
Describe how regional & seasonal variations affect precipitation
* the effects of relief & the migration of global pressure patterns & wind systems as the sun moves north & south
171
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect
* If the amount of carbon dioxide and methane increases then more long-wave radiation will be trapped causing global temperatures to rise
