Fossil fuel combustion and changes in the carbon cycle/Hydrological cycle

Question 1

Fossil fuel usage

Answer 1

Fossil fuels have been burnt at an increasing rate since the Industrial Revolution and remain the main energy source

Question 2

Implications for the climate

Answer 2

The IPCC report in 2014, explicitly linked gas concentrations to fossil fuel emissions, rising global temperatures and sea levels

Changing temperatures and salinity levels of the oceans, as a result of global warming, could affect the thermohaline current

The North Atlantic Drift (NAD), also known as the Gulf Stream could slow or reverse

The NAD keeps the UK temperatures 5°C higher than they would be otherwise during the winter

Question 3

Implications for ecosystems

Answer 3

Already, species with low population numbers, limited climatic ranges or restricted habitats are at risk

Marine ecosystems are threatened by lower oxygen levels, higher rates of ocean acidification and food chain changes (resulting from rising temperatures)

Coastal ecosystems are at risk from sea level rise

Although most species will be impacted negatively, there are some that may benefit
Cool, moist regions (e.g., UK) could provide habitats for more species

Question 4

Implications for the hydrological cycle

Answer 4

Reduction in sea ice caps

Increase surface permafrost temperatures

Changes in precipitation type

Increased evaporation

Changes in capacity of terrestrial ecosystems to sequester carbon and store water

Question 5

Most used fossil fuel

Answer 5

In the twentieth century, oil took over from coal as the most used fossil fuel

Today, oil is now being challenged by gas as the number one fossil fuel

Question 6

Mismatch between supply and demand

Answer 6

Coal
Whilst the consumption of coal is decreasing in comparison to oil and gas, production is increasing

China and the USA remain the two largest consumers of coal and are also the largest producers of coal
There is a small mismatch as the main producers of coal are usually the main consumers e.g., China and the USA

Coal doesn’t travel far as it is hard to transport due to high costs, inefficiency and the need for suitable infrastructure

Oil
There is a significant mismatch as the main suppliers of oil are members of OPEC and the consumers are in Europe

China are likely to increase by making agreements and import

NIC and HIC = highest appetite

Gas
Gas supply is dominated by the USA and Russia and the major importers are Western European countries and Japan

Areas cannot afford not to purchase from Russia