Topic 9: Consuming Energy Resources Flashcards
What is the definition of non-renewable energy?
Sources that are finite and will eventually run out
What is the definition of renewable energy?
Flow resources that do not run out and can be restored
What is the definition of recyclable energy?
Resources that can be reused
What are 3 examples of non-renewable energy sources?
- Gas
- Oil
- Coal
What are 3 examples of renewable enegy sources?
- Wind power
- Hydroelectric power
- Tidal power
What are 2 examples of recyclable energy sources?
- Nuclear energy
- Biofuels
What is the main difference between open cast mining and pit mining?
Open cast mining involves digging big pits down from the surface of the earth,
whereas pit mining involves digging strategic tunnels down from the surface of the earth.
What is the main environmental impact of open cast mining?
Large areas of wildlife involving many habitats can be destroyed
What is oil drilling?
Passing pipes down holes that have been created in the surface of the earth to extract oil that is stored under the surface of the earth
What is an example of a devastating impact of oil drilling?
In 2010 an oil rig exploded on the Gulf of Mexico,
- 11 people were killed
- Oil spilt into the ocean for 87 days
What is the environmental main impact of HEP development?
It can cause large flooding in areas further back up the river than the hydro-electric dam
What is the main complaint about wind turbines and solar panels?
They can take up lots of space in field and some local residents complain about this visual pollution ruining the natural view
How does geology make the coal in the UK easily accessible?
The coal in the UK is very close to the surface it makes it easy to mine the coal as you do not need to go through many (if any) hard or impermeable rocks
What is the 2 main reasons as to why the UK coal industry declined?
- Other energy sources replaced coal (such as oil, nuclear gas and renewables)
- Cheaper coal imports now come from Russia, Colombia and the USA (so they are not needed as much in the UK)
Why is the coal in antartica not easily accessible?
Perma-frost (permanently frozen ground) can be in the way of the underground coal, making it difficult to access
What is the main reason as to why energy use amounts varies across the world?
In wealthier countries the average person can afford to use more energy, however in less developed countries the people will be less dependant on energy as they cannot afford to use as much of it
What are oil reserves?
Stores of oil under the earths surface that can be extracted
Which area of the world has the largest amount of oil reserves left?
The middle east
Which area of the world’s oil reserves will last the longest at current production rates?
South and central America
What are the main 3 factors that affect oil production in a country?
- Accessibility of oil
- Demand for oil
- Economic issues
Why is oil consumption in North America and Europe beginning to decrease?
Because people are becoming more aware of their oil consumption and the affects it can have on the environment so they are trying become less dependent on oil by doing things such as using electric cars
What is an ecologically sensitive area?
An area with a small food web meaning if one organism dies, there are very few alternatives.
They also often have very cold temperatures, this causes low levels of decay so if oil spills it stays for a long time.
Why are many countries eager to claim the territory underneath the north pole?
As it has lots of undiscovered oil reserves which can be extracted and exploited
What is fracking?
Digging a deep hole in the earths surface and sending down a mix of water, sand and chemicals to release the natural gas stored in the rocks
