Energy and the Environment Flashcards
What are fossil fuels?
Carbon-based fuels, formed over millions of years ago from decay of living matter.
How is coal formed?
*huge forests died and formed peat millions of years ago.
*the peat was compressed between sediments.
*further compression formed coal.
How is oil and natural gas formed?
*small animals and plants die and fall to the bottom of the sea.
*their remains were covered by sediments which form layers.
*the layers turned into sandstone with heat and pressure.
*they turn into crude oil and natural gas.
*they then separated and rose through the sandstone.
Non-renewable means:
*it is limited.
*it takes millions of years to get replenished.
Renewable means:
*can be used over and over again.
*can be replenished in a short period of time.
Non-renewables:
*fossil fuels(coal, natural gas, and oil)
*nuclear power.
Renewables:
*geothermal power.
*hydro-electric power.
*tidal power.
*wave power.
*solar power.
*wind power.
*biofuels(bioethanol, biogas, and wood)
The demand for energy is increasing worldwide due to:
*increasing population.
*increasing industrialisation and urbanisation.
*improvements of standard of living and expectations.
How a turbine generates electricity:
A machine, often with fins, revolves by gas, steam or air.
How a generator generates electricity:
A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
How nuclear power generates electricity:
Uranium releases a massive amount of energy when a nuclear fission(splitting of atom) occurs.
How wind power generates electricity:
Wind turbines.
How solar power generates electricity:
Solar panels.
How geothermal power generates electricity:
Cold water is pumped onto a layer of hot rocks, which heat the water. The hot water then returns to the surface under pressure and heat, turns into steam and moves the turbine, generating electricity.
How hydro-electric power generates electricity:
Water is released from the reservoir that flows through a turbine, rotating it, activating a generator that generates electricity.
Disadvantages of fossil fuels:
*limited supply(non-renewable)
*damages local area.
*carbon dioxide and toxic gases are released into the atmosphere causing global warming.
Advantages of fossil fuels:
*plentiful supply.
*provides jobs opportunities.
*the technology used is well-known and well-practised.
Why would a decline in the economy of one country be an issue?
It would be an issue because it would have a global impact.
What are the strategies of managing energy resources?
*reducing consumption.
*education.
*energy from waste.
*exploiting existing energy resources.
*developing new resources.
Reducing consumption:
*double glazing.
*loft insulation.
*underfloor insulation.
*electrical devices turned off when not in use.
*more energy-efficient devices bought and used.
*using more sustainable way to travel(train, bicycle, walking etc)
What is anaerobic digestion?
Breaking down of organic matter using bacteria.
Improving education:
*promote new ways of thinking.
*improved school systems.
*make school more accessible.
*show benefits of technology.
*show benefits of reducing energy consumption.
Fracking:
Obtaining oil or gas from shale rock by splitting them open using water, sand, and chemicals.
Transport policies:
*taxation of vehicles.
*check on fuel efficiency.
*encouraging car-sharing.
*restricting car use.
*providing incentives to buy fuel-efficient vehicles.
*improving routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
*improving public transport.
*regulations regarding the quality of exhaust gases of vehicles.
Advantages of fracking:
*access to more oil and gas.
*less pollution than burning coal.
*the need to import reduces.
*more jobs/income.
Disadvantages of fracking:
*risk of toxins entering drinking water.
*the toxins may affect the locals.
*uses a lot of water.
*noise pollution.
*natural areas damaged.
*may cause mini tremors in the earth.
Main causes of oil spills:
*Offshore extraction/leakage.
*leaks in oil pipelines.
*damage/leakage when shipping.
Effects of oil spills:
*kills phytoplankton by blocking sunlight.
*animals die because of shortage of food.
*birds’ feathers get affected and prevent them from flying.
*animals die due to consuming oil from eating fish.
*food sources are affected.
*oil affects hunting of birds.
*oil affects animals’ skin.
*oil prevents gas exchange so fish die due to less oxygen.
*devastation of the reef due to lack of oxygen.
*areas of coral covered in oil.
*tourism affected.
Reducing marine oil spills:
Following MARPOL regulations and tanker designs.
Tanker designs to reduce oil spills:
Double hulls and many hull compartments.
Minimising the impact of oil spills:
Floating booms and skimmers.
What is scrapping?
The encouragement of removing inefficient machines.
Regulations of MARPOL:
*supervise oil transport at sea.
*all tankers must be certified.
*fines permitted if not in regulation.
