Unit 3.3 - Oceans - Resources & Sovereignity

Question 1

Name abiotic ocean resources and define their uses.

Answer 1

Abiotic:
Manganese Nodules (Manganese nodules, dense lumps of manganese, iron, silicates, and hydroxides, grow 2 millimetres every million years in the eastern Pacific Ocean, linked to hydrothermal activity at the East Pacific Rise.
Natural Gas ( Around one-third of oil and gas extraction comes from offshore sources, with reserves found globally. Energy MNCs may abandon offshore oil exploration during low oil prices due to low profits, but this reverses when global oil prices rise).
Sand and Gravel

Question 2

Describe a case study of geopollitical tension due to ocean resources.

Answer 2

Conflicts can arise where EEZs overlap and countries disagree over who owns what. The Arctic Ocean contains large reserves of oil and gas and minerals – an estimated 90 billion barrels. Canada, Norway, Russia, USA and Denmark have competing territorial interests in the Arctic. As the extent of the sea ice cover reduces due to climate change, the potential for conflict is heightened (because access to resources is becoming easier).

Question 3

Define the term ‘Land-locked country’ and describe the injustices they face.

Answer 3

Landlocked countries, which are surrounded by land, lack access to ocean resources and may struggle in global ocean trade due to the need for neighbouring countries’ consent. This lack of access can hinder economic development. Eight of the 15 lowest-ranking countries in the Human Development Index have no coastline. The UN aims to ensure fair sea access for landlocked countries.