Resources under stress Flashcards
What is a resource?
A resource is any type of asset, commodity or item which has value to enhance the quality of human life
What are stock resources?
Stock resources are finite and will eventually run out eg fossil fuels
What are flow resources?
Flow resources are infinite and can be replenished and renewed eg biofuels
What are inferred resources?
Inferred resources = economic viability of resource is uncertain
What are possible resources?
Possible resources = expected and inferred resource could become indicated for further exploration
What are indicated resources?
Indicated resources = conditions and location of resource can be predicted to allow initial planning
What is measured resources?
Measured resources = detailed mine planning possible
What is meant by resource exploration and exploitation?
Resource exploration = process of searching for available resources and then upgrading the resource from inferred to measured if appropiate
Exploitation is the process of extracting the material from the ground and its use is depending on the economic viability of a resource
Why does economic viability vary?
Economic viability varies because:
-Grade of deposity (high grade = morevariable, quantity of high decreases due to exploits)
-Geological structure of the ground (resources close to the surface are easy and cheap to exploit, resistant more expensive)
-Proximity to markers (stock are bulky, travels longer - less important for expensive materials)
What is a resource frontier?
A resource frontier is the boundary between exploited areas and areas considered too difficult to exploit under current political and technological conditions
-Frontiers changing as tech advances and climate changes
What is a resource peak?
Resource peak = Hubbert’s curve - production increases exponentially until it peaks above halfway before decreasing (bell-shaped curve)
What is the resource peak dependant on?
Peak production is dependant on:
-Availability and discovery of reserves
-Development of new technologies
-Demand for the resource
-Grade of available resources
What is sustainable resource development:
Sustainable resource development:
-Production of stock resources
-Long-term planning that ensures exctraction doesn’t increase too quickly
-Includes a long-term environmental plan (EIA)
What is an environmental impact assessment? (EIA)
EIA:
-Assesses possible environmental impacts of a resource development project
-Suggests ways to mitigate impacts
-EIA leads to EIS (environmental impact statement)
What should an environmental impact assesment (EIA) include?
EIA should include:
-Project description
-Alternative considerations
-Description of the environment
-Mitigation of potential issues
What are minerals?
Minerals are naturally occuring compounds formed by chemical processes
-not organic
-found in igneous rock
Global trading networks
Global trading networks are where minerals are shipped globally, usually to places of manufacturing then places for consumption
What is meant by water stress?
Water stress = demand exceeds the available amount of clean water during a certain period
-Leads to over-exploitation of long-term water stores such as aquifers
Water scarcity
Water scarcity = when annual water supplies drops below needed amount so water cannot be fully satisfied across all sectors
-Economic scarcity = economic state rstricts exploitation of water reserves
-Physical scarcity = demand exceeds available water resources
-Absolute scarity = less than 500m^3 of water per person per year
Why has the demand for water increased?
Demand for water has increased because:
-Population growth
-Socio-economic factors
-Development (greater demand in industry and agriculture)
Why can water supply not always meet demand?
Supply cannot meet damand because:
-Aquifers over-exploited
-Water utilised in long-term stores, faster than it is being recharged
-Climate change
-Water tables decreasing
How does the physical environment impact water supply quality?
Physical environment:
-Climate (seasonal variations and climate change)
-Geology
-Srainage
How does climate impact water supply quality?
Impact of climate on water supply quality:
-Season variation -> soil water budget changes depending on the season + monsoon season important in replenishing supply
-Climate change
-El nino events may decrease water supply in some areas
Impact of geology on water supply quality
Impact of geology on water supply quality:
-Permeable rocks can be infiltated and water stored in aquifers as a long term storage
-Areas with water quality from surface water affect with pollution and eutrophication risks
