Chapter 2 - Energy and the environment Flashcards
1
Q
How is coal formed?
A
Huge forests grew millions of years ago that covered most of the earth. The vegetation died and formed peat. The peat was compressed between layers of sediments to form lignite which is a low-grade coal. This lignite is further compressed to form coal.
2
Q
How is crude oil and natural gas formed?
A
Small animals and plants die and fall to the bottom of the ocean. Sediment covers their remains. As the sediment starts forming layers, they start to change into sandstone as the temperature and pressure increase. The heat and pressure turn the remains into crude oil and natural gas. They separate and rise through sandstone, filling the pores. The rock above the oil and gas layer is impermeable so they get trapped underneath it.
3
Q
What are the three reasons that the demand for energy is increasing worldwide?
A
The demand for energy is increasing worldwide due to increasing population, increasing industrialization and urbanization and improvements in standards of living and expectations.
4
Q
What are two characteristics of non renewable energy sources?
A
limited and takes millions of years to be replenished
5
Q
What are two characteristics of renewable energy sources?
A
can be used over and over again and can be replenished in a short period of time
6
Q
What are two examples of non renewable energy sources?
A
fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) and nuclear power using uranium
7
Q
What are seven examples of renewable energy sources?
A
geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, wave, wind, solar and biofuels (bioethanol, biogas and wood)
8
Q
What is a turbine?
A
A turbine is a machine, often containing fins, which is made to revolve by gas, steam or air and is connected to a generator.
9
Q
What is a generator?
A
A generator is a machine that coverts mechanical energy into electric energy.
10
Q
What are fossil fuels?
A
Fossil fuels produce massive amounts of energy during combustion that is used to heat water and convert it into steam, which therefore drives the turbine includes coal oil and natural gas
11
Q
What is nuclear power?
A
Nuclear power generates energy by using nuclear fission of uranium. This energy is used to heat the water, produce steam, and rotate the turbines.
12
Q
What is geothermal power?
A
Geothermal power generates electricity as cold water is pumped under pressure into a layer of hot rocks, the rocks heat the water, the hot water returns to the surface under pressure and heats the second supply of water using a heat exchanger and then the steam produced in the second supply of water moves the turbine therefore generating electricity.
13
Q
What is hydroelectric power?
A
Hydroelectric power uses a dam or a river to store water in a reservoir. Water is then released from the reservoir that flows through a turbine causing it to rotate which is attached to a generator that generates electricity.
14
Q
What is tidal power?
A
Tidal power uses the natural rise and fall in the level of water in an area. When the water levels drop, water is help back by a tidal barrage which is a small dam that releases water back through a turbine.
15
Q
What is wave power?
A
Wave power uses the smaller differences in water levels that are caused by the wind to push water through a turbine which is connected to a generator.
16
Q
What is solar power?
A
Solar power uses photovoltaic cells that produced a small electric charge when exposed to light. A bank of cells organised into solar panels produces a significant amount of electricity.
17
Q
What are biofuels?
A
Biofuels produce a massive amount of energy during combustion that is used to heat water and convert it into steam, where thereby drives the turbine. biowood, biogas and bioethanol
18
Q
What are three advantages of fossil fuels as an energy source?
A
Plentiful supply in some locations. Extraction provides jobs. Existing technology as the fuel is available for most countries to use.
19
Q
What are three disadvantages of fossil fuels as an energy source?
A
Carbon dioxide and toxic gases are produced during combustion which impacts climate change. Extraction causes damage to local area. Limited supply meaning prices will rise as the supply gets smaller.
20
Q
What are three advantages of nuclear power as an energy source?
A
Does not produce carbon dioxide (impact on climate change). Small amount of fuel produces large amounts of energy. Power plants employ lots of people.
21
Q
What are three disadvantages of nuclear power as an energy source?
A
Risk of radiation leakage which impacts human health and the environment.
Waste products cannot be recycled as radiation is active for centuries.
There is a limited supply.
22
Q
What are three advantages of biofuels as an energy source?
A
A renewable source: bioethanol and wood are both obtained from growing plants, and biogas is obtained from the recycling of waste products.
Growing more plants uses carbon dioxide.
Potentially a plentiful supply.
23
Q
What are three disadvantages of biofuels as an energy source?
A
Carbon dioxide and other toxic gases are produced during combustion. A lot of land is needed to grow crops for fuel. Potential removal of natural ecosystems to grow fuel crops.
24
Q
What are two advantages of geothermal power as an energy source?
A
Does not produce carbon dioxide. Unlimited supply as uses the heat from the earth as a power source.
25
What are two disadvantages of geothermal power as an energy source?
Can be expensive to install. Only certain areas have suitable conditions.
26
What are two advantages of hydroelectric power as an energy source?
Does not produce carbon dioxide. Water can be reused for other purposes.
27
What are two disadvantages of hydroelectric power as an energy source?
Building of dams impacts the natural flow of water. Villages and ecosystems may be destroyed when dams and reservoirs are built.
28
What are two advantages of tidal power as an energy source?
Does not produce carbon dioxide. Tidal movements are not dependent on weather conditions.
29
What are two disadvantages of tidal power as an energy source?
Limited to specific coastal areas. Impacts on the tourism industry and local fisheries.
30
What are two advantages of wave power as an energy source?
Does not produce carbon dioxide. A renewable source of power.
31
What are two disadvantages of wave power as an energy source?
Limited to specific areas. Currently not efficient, so large amounts of resources are needed.
32
What are two advantages of solar power as an energy source?
Does not produce carbon dioxide. Sunlight is an unlimited resource.
33
What are four disadvantages of solar power as an energy source?
Only efficient under certain weather conditions. Generation only occurs is daylight hours. Visual impact and potential damage to local ecosystems.
34
What are two advantages of wind power as an energy source?
Does not produce carbon dioxide. Uses a renewable resource.
35
What are four disadvantages of wind power as an energy source?
Not all locations are suitable. Generation only occurs in certain conditions and at certain wind speeds. Visual impact. Uses a large area.
36
What is domestic demand for energy?
Domestic demand is created by affordability, availability, and social status. Most of the purchases that are considered as necessities now increase the demand for energy supplies, especially electricity.
37
What is industrial demand for energy?
Industrial demand means that manufacturing of goods requires the use of large amounts of energy throughout the production. Advanced manufacturing techniques made the products that were once luxury items significantly cheaper. Therefore, more people want to buy them, the demand for the product increase and the demand for energy needed for production also increases.
38
What is transport demand for energy?
Transport as manufacturers need to supply to customers across the globe. This decreases production costs in countries that import but increase the transport costs as they require large amounts of fossil fuels to operate.
39
How does the personal and national wealth affect the demand for energy?
Personal and national wealth means that if economic conditions are good there will be higher employment, more money to spend on luxury items, increase in demand for the product and increase in the demand for energy for production. However, if economic conditions are poor, families will have less money to spend on luxury items and they need to make savings which reduces the use of fuel, reducing the purchasing and use of electrical items and decreases the demand for energy. A decline in the economy of one country can have a global impact.
40
How does the climate affect the demand for energy?
Climate means that the demand for energy will depend on a country’s climate. People living in a temperate climate are likely to experience colder winders so the demand for heating would be far higher. They also experience fewer hours of daylight which increase the usage of electrical lighting. Climate change increased the energy consumption due to the need for additional heating of the installation and operating of air conditioning units.
41
What are the five ways to conserve and manage energy resources?
reducing consumption, energy from waste, exploiting existing energy sources, education, and transport policies
42
How does reducing consumption conserve and manage energy resources?
Reducing consumption e.g. using inflation, double glazing/triple glazing to reduce the energy used to heat a building, turning off electric devices that aren’t in use, using more energy efficient devices, developing alternatives for fuel and further development in engine technology.
43
How does using energy from waste conserve and manage energy resources?
Energy from waste means reusing existing materials to extract energy from them before they are disposed. E.g. anaerobic digestion which is the breaking down of organic matter using bacteria produces methane which is a flammable gas that can be used for heating purposes. Composted waste can be used as organic matter to improve soil structure. Household rubbish can be burnt to produce heat which can be used to generate electricity. Vegetable oils can be collected and recycled into biofuels suitable for vehicles.
44
How does exploiting existing energy sources conserve and manage energy resources?
Exploiting existing energy sources as the type of energy source used depends on the social, environmental, and economic factors. The current solution is to use a renewable resource as a primary energy source when possible and have a fossil fuel or biofuel powered station available as a backup when weather conditions are not suitable. This is a reliable source for industry and households and reduces the amount of fossil fuels used.
45
How does education conserve and manage energy resources?
Education can be used to communicate the benefits of technology, promotes new ways of thinking, providing energy efficiency ratings, stricter regulations, laws passed by the government, incentives to encourage the purchasing of more efficient technologies, insulating homes, replacing old and inefficient electronics, and scrapping older inefficient technologies.
46
How do transport policies conserve and manage energy resources?
Transport policies such as regulations regarding the quality of exhaust gases from vehicles, checks on fuel efficiency, restricting where vehicles can go, taxation on fuels, surcharges for travelling at peak times, improving public transport, improving routes for cyclists and pedestrians, encouraging carpooling, restricting when cars can be used, providing incentives to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles and vehicles using cleaner technology.
47
What is fracking?
Fracking is obtaining oil or gas from shale rock by splitting them open using water, sand, and chemicals. A vertical hole (2-3km deep) is drilled to reach the fuel-rich rocks (shale rocks). Water, sand, and chemicals are pumped down into the shale rock layer which causes the rock to fracture, releasing oil and natural gas which are forced back to the surface and collected. Water is used as it is easy to handle in high pressure. Chemicals are used to stop the blockage of pipes. Sand is used as it keeps the cracks in the rocks open.
48
What are three advantages of fracking?
Access to more oil and gas
Less pollution than burning coal
The need to import reduces
49
What are six disadvantages of fracking?
Risk of toxins entering the water table
Chemicals are toxic and may affect local residents
Uses a lot of water which may cause water scarcity
Noise pollution
Damage to natural areas
May cause earth tremors
50
What are the three main causes of marine oil spills?
The main causes of marine oil spills are offshore oil extraction which leaks from the rigs, oil pipelines that leak and shipping as there is a risk of collision or damage to oil tankers.
51
What are phytoplankton?
Microscopic organisms living in the seawater with the ability to photosynthesise. They provide food for many larger organisms.
52
How does oil impact phytoplankton?
Oil floats on the surface of the water and blocks the sunlight from entering. The phytoplankton can’t photosynthesise, so they die.
53
What are fish?
Different species are present throughout the oceans, some feed on phytoplankton and some prey on other fish. They are food for mammals and birds.
54
How does oil impact fish?
Shortage of food; reduction in phytoplankton. Oil floating on water surface prevents gas exchange. Fish become short of oxygen and die. Fish are also affected by the oil through direct contact, which affects their gills.
55
What are birds?
Mobile over large distances, feeding on fish, often diving into the water to catch them. Others wade at the coastal edge feeding on fish and shellfish.
56
How does oil impact birds?
Shortage of food as fish and other creatures die. May consumer oil hen eating fish (which can be toxic), when hunting for food, feathers become coated in oil, affecting their ability to fly and buoyancy.
57
What are mammals?
Marine based mammals, for example dolphins and whales, will often travel great distances chasing prey.
58
How does oil impact mammals?
Food sources are depleted by the impact if the oil. The mammals may also swallow oil while feeding, which will be toxic to them. A coating of oil will affect their skin.
59
What are reefs?
A complex ecosystem, the habitat for a wide community of organisms.
60
How does oil impact reefs?
An oil slick will prevent sunlight from reaching plants and phytoplankton, preventing photosynthesis occurring. Lack and oxygen will cause other species to die. The impact on the balance of the whole reef might cause complete devastation. Areas of reef may become covered in oil.
61
What are beaches?
A distinct ecosystem supporting a range of land based and aquatic organisms.
62
How does oil impact beaches?
Oil is often washed in by tides, coating rocks. Organisms living in shallow water and rock pools may be killed by the toxic effects of the oil. Animal food sources will be affected.
63
What are the five ways to manage marine pollution from oil?
marpol, double hulled oil tankers, floating booms, detergent sprays and skimmers
64
What is MARPOL?
MARPOL (marine pollution) is an international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships. The supervise the transport of oil at sea, ensure that all tankers must be certificated to show they have appropriate systems in use or else it can result in a heavy fine of the ship may not be permitted to leave port.
65
What are double hulled oil tankers?
Double hulled oil tankers ensures that if the outer layer is damaged, the contents are still secured by the inner plate. Though double hulled tankers cost more than single hulled tankers, the risks of an oil spill are far less.
66
What are floating booms?
Floating booms are floating barriers that is used to surround an oil slick, preventing it from spreading. It works well when the spill covers a relatively small area and the sea in calm.
67
What are detergent sprays?
Detergent sprays help break down the oil slick into smaller droplets, that eventually degrade and disperse it. detergents are most effective on smaller spills but cause damage to coral reefs themselves.
68
What are skimmers?
Skimmers clean the water without changing the chemical of physical properties of the oil. It uses a material that oil easily attaches to, the skimmer drags oil off the seawater surface, which is then mechanically scraped into a container. It is used when the oil slick is contained within a boom, or the sea is calm.
69
State three impact of oil pollution on marine ecosystems (3)
kills fish / kills (sea) birds / marine mammals
prevents light reaching producers / phytoplankton
damages / kills coral reefs
damage to beaches / mangroves
disrupts food chain
70
State the fuel used in a nuclear reactor in a power station (1)
Uranium
71
Suggest why nuclear power is a non-renewable energy resource (1)
obtained from rocks / will run out / finite
72
State two non-renewable energy resources (2)
nuclear power using uranium ;
coal ;
oil ;
(natural) gas ;
73
Suggest two reasons why many countries do not have nuclear power stations (2)
lack of funds/too expensive to build ;
lack of expertise to build ;
other cheaper non-renewables available ;
plenty of other energy available ;
lack of access to nuclear materials / uranium ;
public opinion / produces toxic waste ;
lack of suitable location ;
74
Describe how this power station generates electricity (3)
Uranium / fuel decays (giving off heat) ;
water warmed / boils / heated ;
turns to steam ;
steam turns / rotates / spins turbine ;
turbine turns / powers generator ;
75
State two reasons why the reserves of fossil fuels might be used up before the
predicted year (2)
demand might increase / change;
increase in industrialisation;
urbanisation;
increase in population;
shortage of other sources;
increase in living standards / activity;
some sources are too environmentally damaging to extract;
76
Describe the formation of coal (3)
dead plants are buried;
(intense) heat and pressure;
over millions of years;
77
State two renewable energy resources (2)
tidal;
wave;
water / hydro-electric;
wind;
sun / solar;
geothermal;
biofuels / bioethanol / biogas / wood;
78
Suggest reasons why countries build nuclear power stations to generate electricity (3)
shortage of fossil fuels;
not all countries have suitable renewable sites / not weather dependent;
nuclear power stations do not emit carbon dioxide;
energy dense source;
takes less space to generate electricity compared to renewable sites;
Increase in price of other sources;
Increase in demand for electricity;
79
Suggest three reasons why Uzbekistan has been slower to invest in renewable energy
sources than some other countries (3)
large amount of, non-renewable resources / coal / oil / (natural) gas/ fossil fuels, in the country;
infrastructure for existing resources already in place;
cost (of investing in renewables);
lack of expertise or knowledge (of workers) / lack of technology or machinery;
idea of lack of natural resources to support renewables e.g. not enough sunshine hours / low wind speed;
country has other priorities e.g. drought / famine / disease / education;
stated environmental concern from use of renewables e.g. habitat loss with wind farms;
concern that renewables will not meet energy needs;
exporting existing energy resources increases GDP / oil extraction is main economic activity / idea of fossil fuels employ a lot of people;
80
Explain why reducing emissions of carbon dioxide gas is important (3)
greenhouse gas;
contributes to global warming / (enhanced) greenhouse effect;
causes climate change;
stated effect of climate change e.g. sea level rise;
81
Describe strategies to reduce electricity consumption in the domestic sector (3)
stated example of how to reduce use e.g. switch off lights / turn off equipment when not in use / turn water or heating
thermostat down / avoid very hot water / do not use ‘standby’;
insulation / double glazing / loft insulation / filling cavity walls;
increase number of windows to replace lighting / decrease number of windows to reduce heat loss;
open windows to replace air conditioning;
use of more efficient appliances or stated example e.g. use LED lightbulbs / heat pumps;
education / raise awareness;
stated government strategy e.g. making electricity more expensive / increased tax on electricity / limits on energy use / rationing / load shedding;
82
Suggest reasons why the amount of electricity consumed by the transport sector differs
between a less economically developed country (LEDC) and a more economically
developed country (MEDC) (2)
MEDC population can afford or more people own, electric cars or EVs / MEDCs have invested more in EV infrastructure;
MEDC has a larger electric public transport system;
MEDCs, employment may not be local / people travel to work;
MEDCs have, consistent supply / more supply;
MEDCs, use more technology / technology is more advanced;
83
Describe how ocean tides are used to generate electricity (3)
as tide comes in, the tidal basin fills with water ;
turns (blades of) turbine ;
turbine turns a generator ;
electricity generated as water flows both ways ;
84
Suggest the function of the sluice gates (1)
allows the basin to be filled with water / controls tidal flow / prevent strong tides damaging the turbine
85
Describe one benefit and one limitation of using ocean tides to generate electricity (2)
benefit:
uses an available resource / relatively inexpensive to run / long-lasting equipment / predictable electricity generation / no
pollutants released / renewable;
limitation:
need large area / need deep water / suitable locations are scarce / not all countries have oceans / disrupts
shipping / expensive to build / cables might break / unknown environmental impacts long-term /visual pollution/ named
environmental impact e.g. silting / disrupt marine ecosystem ;
86
Suggest benefits of this solar power station for the people in Mogadishu (3)
more access to electricity / more electricity available;
reduces the costs of electricity ;
reduces the dependence on fossil fuels / non-renewable resources ;
reduces air pollution or stated example: smog / carbon emissions / climate change / global warming / no greenhouse
gases ;
idea that it helps raise people out of poverty ;
employment opportunities, at power station / in local industries ;
improved economy or stated example e.g. improved infrastructure ;
87
Suggest reasons why some people do not want wind turbines to be built (2)
noise pollution / noisy;
visual pollution;
covers a large area / habitat loss;
threaten wildlife / kill birds (flying into the blades);
too dependent on weather / cannot guarantee output / may not always be windy;
don’t think they can generate enough electricity (for a community’s needs);
short lifetime / efficiency decreases over time;
doesn’t create long-term employment;
88
Describe the impact of oil pollution on coastal ecosystems (3)
oil is toxic;
marine animals / birds / mammals / corals, killed;
beaches / animals / corals, covered in oil;
fishing disrupted;
coats, feathers / fur affected;
impacts food chain;
(prevents light from reaching )plants / phytoplankton photosynthesis;
oil prevents oxygen reaching water;
bioaccumulation;
89
Discuss the effectiveness of using a boom as a strategy for reducing the impact of oil spills at sea (4)
small-scale;
cannot collect all the oil;
only suitable for calm seas / weather-dependent;
cannot use, near coast / in shallow water;
only works on, oils that float / low-density oils;
cheap;
simple technology;
does not pollute water further;
quick to use;
stops the oil from spreading;
90
Describe the process of fracking as a means of extracting oil (3)
drill down to shale layer / rock;
(pump down) liquid / chemical / sand /water (under pressure);
cracks in rock formed;
oil / gas, released from rock;
oil / gas rises (due to pressure);
91
Suggest why some people are concerned about fracking (3)
pollution of (local) water sources;
risk of earthquakes / tremors;
contribution to, global warming / climate change;
uses large quantities of water;
risk of fire (from methane) / explosion;
92
Use the diagrams to describe how wave power is used to generate electricity (3)
incoming wave pushes water into wave chamber;
water pushes air through turbine;
turbine, spins / turns / rotates;
which, spins / turns / rotates, generator;
outgoing wave pulls air through turbine;
93
Describe one benefit and one limitation of using wave power to generate electricity (2)
any one benefit:
renewable / sustainable;
no / minimal, running costs once built;
no carbon dioxide emitted;
AVP;
plus any one limitation:
dependent on, wave / weather, conditions;
corrosion from salt;
rising sea levels;
not available in all locations;
94
Suggest two reasons why a country is a net importer of energy (2)
increasing demand / demand exceeds supply;
increasing population;
availability of, own natural reserves / named resource;
accessibility of, natural reserves / named reserve;
cost too high to extract own natural reserves / cheaper to buy it (than produce);
95
Suggest one limitation for a country being a net importer of energy (1)
reliant on other countries;
cannot set own energy policies;
cost of imports;
possible power shortages / disruption to supply;
96
Suggest why fracking might go ahead even if local people are against the idea (1)
shortage of, gas / oil;
high demand / current oil and gas supplies don’t meet demand;
97
Suggest one reason why the UK government decided to stop fracking in November 2019 (1)
too many earthquakes;
probability / magnitude, of earthquakes cannot be predicted;
public opposition / public feel fracking is not safe;
98
Suggest one reason why pressure builds up in the bioreactor (1)
carbon dioxide / gas (is produced);
99
Explain how a double-hulled ship can reduce the risk of an oil spill (2)
outer / first, hull damaged;
inner / second, hull prevents the oil entering the ocean;
100
Describe the impacts of an oil spill on marine mammals (3)
oil coats fur / skin;
destroys insulating ability of fur;
leads to hypothermia;
oil ingested / taken in during feeding or when cleaning;
toxic;
bioaccumulation;
oil inhaled / suffocation;
oil gets in eyes;
reduction in food;
101
Suggest three problems of using hydroelectric power (3)
flood large areas / loss of land;
forced relocation of people;
restrict (downstream), water flow / irrigation;
silting;
risk of dam bursting;
require, maintenance / expertise / skilled workers;
affects migration;
requires rainfall or water source / effected by drought;
requires specific terrain e.g. mountainous / valley;
102
Describe two ways that the extraction of coal pollutes the environment (2)
the extraction of coal for power stations causes air pollution;
noise pollution AND from, machinery / transportation / vehicles;
noise pollution AND changing animal behaviour;
visual / water, pollution AND from, overburden / spoil;
visual / water pollution AND from, waste / chemicals;
103
Economic challenges are one reason why Zimbabwe has not developed these renewable
resources of energy. Suggest other reasons (3)
abundance of other resources e.g. coal;
lack of expertise / workforce;
lack of, technology / machinery / materials to build equipment or structures;
lack of space / no places to install;
lack of political will / public opposition;
104
Suggest which local industry will be affected first by the oil spill (2)
tourism;
ocean current will take oil to sandy beaches;
105
Describe how booms, detergent sprays and skimmers reduce the impact of an oil spill (3)
booms: stop oil from spreading;
detergent sprays: break down oil / disperse oil;
skimmers: remove oil from water surface;
106
Explain two differences between wood chips and coal as an energy resource (2)
coal: carbon dioxide emitted AND wood: carbon neutral or less carbon dioxide emitted;
coal: more energy dense (than wood);
coal: releases sulfur dioxide or NOx / leads to acid rain AND wood: does not;
107
Suggest the environmental advantages of using hydroelectric power rather than coal to
generate electricity (3)
does not produce, carbon dioxide / greenhouse gases;
does not contribute to global warming / (enhanced) greenhouse effect / climate change;
does not produce sulfur dioxide / oxides of nitrogen;
does not contribute to acid rain / smog;
renewable resource;
less visual pollution (due to less mining);
idea of sustainability / reserves of coal left (for future generations)
108
Suggest strategies that Norway has used to reduce its use of oil (5)
developing renewable energy sources;
taxation / increase price of oil / fuel;
reduce extraction / imports;
reduce amount of oil used as a raw material / plastic / electricity generation;
exploiting other existing non-renewable energy sources / named example e.g. nuclear / coal;
increase efficiency in oil use;
transport policies / idea of public transport explained;
use of electric cars / ban oil powered vehicles;
government incentives to buy electric cars:
109
"The oil processing industry is important, and it should be encouraged in The Bahamas." Suggest reasons why the person thinks that oil processing should be encouraged in The Bahamas (3)
jobs;
personal economic reason;
national economic reason e.g. increase GDP;
can be export;
creates infrastructure;
processed product in more demand;
110
Describe the formation of oil (3)
millions of years ago;
(remains of small) animals / plants / organisms AND deposited on sea floor;
covered with, sand / mud / sediment (to form rock);
heat AND pressure (converted to crude oil);
111
Explain how oil is used to generate electricity (3)
(oil) combusted / burnt;
heat is used, to boil water / produces steam;
steam, turns / drives / moves / runs, a turbine;
turbine, turns / drives / moves / runs, a generator;
112
Identify two possible causes of marine oil pollution in The Bahamas (2)
pipelines;
shipping at sea;
cleaning tanks at sea;
oil processing plant;
(offshore) oil extraction / oil rigs;
113
Describe the impact of oil pollution on the coral reefs in The Bahamas (4)
oil covers coral / organisms;
oil is toxic;
oil stops, light from getting to coral / photosynthesis;
oil stops corals from filter feeding;
no food for consumers;
no nursery area for breeding organisms;
disrupts food web / food chains / biodiversity;
114
State three strategies used to minimise the impacts of oil spills (3)
MARPOL;
double hull tankers;
booms;
detergents;
skimmers;
burning;
115
Describe strategies for reducing the use of energy within the home (3)
turn off electrical devices (when not in use) / do not leave on stand-by / unplug devices;
use more energy-efficient devices / examples;
use of windows instead of air conditioning / electric lighting;
insulation / example;
adjust thermostat on air-con / heating;
116
Suggest reasons why reducing the use of energy within the home is an important environmental issue (2)
burning fossil fuels/ wood/ deforestation releases CO2 / named pollutant;
contributes to climate change / global warming / acid rain;
named consequence of global warming / acid rain;
extraction/ transport of energy resources contributes to pollution-qualified;
use of resources needed to enable supply of energy to homes;
117
Use the diagram to describe how geothermal power is used to generate electricity (4)
(cold) water pumped into ground / rocks:
(onto) hot rocks;
hot water returns to surface;
(turns to) steam;
(steam) drives / turns / spins / rotate turbine;
rotates / drives / generator (which generates electricity);
water is re-used / process repeated;
118
Suggest why geothermal power is not used to generate electricity in some countries (2)
cannot afford the development costs;
abundant / cheaper supply of other energy resources;
geology not suitable / hot rocks too deep;
119
Suggest reasons why average electricity use per person varies between countries (4)
different mean temperature / climate;
different light levels / light intensity;
availability of electricity supply / infrastructure;
affordability of electricity / electrical appliances;
level of industrial development;
number of electrical devices in countries;
availability of alternatives to electricity;
120
Describe ways to reduce domestic energy use (4)
use more energy-efficient devices;
reduce use of (energy-consuming) devices;
do not leave equipment on ‘standby’ / switch off when not used;
use double/triple glazing / use better insulation;
use windows to allow ventilation (rather than using air-conditioning);
add windows to increase light levels;
121
Suggest reasons why some people disagree with using fracking to extract oil and gas (3)
may cause earthquakes / seismic activity;
risk of pollution of water sources;
damage to local area / visual pollution;
animal habitats damaged;
uses large volumes of water (which might be in short supply);
122
Describe methods to reduce the amount of oil used to fuel motor vehicles (3)
use of electric / hybrid vehicles;
use of more efficient engines;
example e.g. limit size of engines / stop start technology;
limit vehicle use / example;
encourage walking / use of bicycles / public transport;
taxation;
123
Describe advantages and disadvantages of using wind turbines to generate electricity compared with using fossil fuels (4)
advantages:
renewable;
does not emit CO2 (at point of use);
so does not contribute to climate change;
does not emit SO2 / NOx;
so does not contribute to acid rain;
land around wind turbines can still be used;
disadvantages:
not suitable if no wind or not strong / powerful enough;
wind needs back up generation;
turbines in area of natural beauty / visual / noise pollution;
124
Suggest the problems with disposing of waste oil (4)
buried in landfill takes up takes space;
oil, leakage / spillage;
toxic (to humans/animals);
named toxin: benzene / lead / chromium / arsenic / dioxins / heavy metals;
burning produces atmospheric pollution;
named pollutant CO2 / NOx / VOCs, / SO2 / hydrocarbons / CO / smoke / particulates;
named effect on human health, e.g. cancer risk / damage liver / respiratory problems / skin irritation ;
(oil) contaminates / pollutes, land / soil / water
animals, suffocate / covered in oil or reduces development of animals;
disrupts, food supply / food chain / ecosystems;
125
Describe strategies for the efficient management of existing energy resources (4)
reduce consumption;
by turning off electrical devices;
insulation of homes / name example;
use energy efficient devices / vehicles;
educate people on energy consumption;
invest in / use more, renewables;
increase taxes on fossil fuels;
recycle to reduce energy use / stated example;
generating electricity from waste products;
126
Use the photograph to describe how the boom is used to deal with the oil spill (2)
boom (ends) connected to / towed by boats;
boom, surrounds / collects / traps, oil spill;
127
State one impact of oil spills on birds (1)
coats feathers so, unable to fly / may sink / cannot retain heat;
disruption to the food chain / web;
death / poisoning / kills if eaten;
128
Use the diagrams to describe how a tidal barrage is used to generate electricity (3)
difference in water level causes water to flow;
flow of water causes turbine to spin;
(turbine) drives a generator;
converts kinetic energy to electrical energy / electricity;
works in both directions / as tide comes in AND as tide goes out;
129
Describe one environmental impact of tidal power generation (2)
floods mudflats;
which causes erosion;
disrupts food chains;
results in habitat loss / change;
disrupts tidal flow / acts as a barrier;
which restricts fish spawning / migration;
causes collision risk ;
disrupts food chains;
increases siltation;
so less light for photosynthesis by aquatic plants;
results in habitat loss / change;
130
Suggest strategies that individuals can use to reduce their carbon footprints (2)
change to a more vegetarian diet;
reduce travel in cars / use public transport / cycling / walking / car pools;
insulate houses;
use energy-efficient appliances;
switch off devices when not in use;
use electric cars;
131
Suggest two advantages of using biofuel as an energy resource (2)
renewable;
reduces carbon footprint / carbon neutral;
lower level of air pollution / cleaner;
reduces dependency on, other energy sources / foreign oil;
helps to conserve fossil fuels;
132
Suggest one disadvantage of using biofuel as an energy resource (1)
production of biofuels replaces food crops;
deforestation due to clearing land for biofuel crops;
loss of biodiversity / monoculture;
may lead to soil degradation;
named pollution from processing/ production;
133
Suggest whether biofuels are a realistic replacement for gasoline in transport. Give
reasons for your answer (3)
no:
very large increase in production required;
fuel (oil) is cheap in US;
familiar with use of gasolene and unlikely to swap;
still produces CO2 ( when combusted);
agreement needed (from all suppliers ) for change to happen;
yes:
gasoline is finite resource and will, run out / become expensive;
can be done with government incentive;
Can be used in existing technology / vehicles;
134
Suggest why there has been a rapid increase in the worldwide use of electric vehicles (4)
people’s environmental concerns / no CO2 emissions;
consumer demand;
competitive purchase prices / low maintenance;
improvements in, range / battery technology / performance;
availability of charging infrastructure;
rising cost of traditional fuel sources / cheaper to run;
government incentives, e.g. emissions charges, reduced road tax, scrappage schemes, free parking/ subsidies;
135
Describe benefits of using wind power to generate electricity (2)
renewable;
no carbon emissions / GHG’s / does not contribute to global warming;
no acid rain gases;
reduces need to import, fossil fuels / oil;
readily available / lots of wind on islands;
