geography resources Flashcards
(47 cards)
Define ‘fossil fuels’ and state three types of fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are non-renewable, finite resources.
- Coal
- Oil
- Natural Gas
Fossil fuels are formed from decaying plants and organisms over millions of years under heat and pressure.
Explain how fossil fuels are formed
Decaying plants and organisms over millions of years under heat & pressure.
This process takes a significant amount of geological time.
What might oil be used to make?
Plastics, cosmetics, nylon, polyester, and medicines etc.
Oil is a versatile raw material used in various industries.
What has happened to the use of coal since 1970?
Decreased from 48% in 1970 to 19% in 2013.
This trend is due to a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Which fuel had a big increase in consumption since 1970?
Gas
The discovery of North Sea gas contributed significantly to this increase.
What is the overall trend in oil consumption around the world?
It is rising.
- Developed world (Europe and USA) has stabilised.
- Emerging countries – still increasing.
- Developing countries – slow increase.
Challenge: Using the Clarke Fisher Model, describe how employment sectors change as a country gets richer.
In the preindustrial age, most work in the primary sector. As a country develops, fewer work in primary, secondary sector becomes most important, and in post-industrial age, tertiary sector dominates.
Describe the advantages of fossil fuels for energy supply.
Cheaper, easy to store, very stable.
These factors contribute to their widespread use despite environmental concerns.
Explain the disadvantages of fossil fuels.
Finite resources, air pollution, releases CO2, damage to land.
These disadvantages lead to significant environmental and health impacts.
Explain the ‘peak oil’ theory.
When oil production is at its maximum, after which total supply will decline, leading to increased prices due to higher demand than supply.
Name three countries that are major producers of fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia, Russia, Australia, USA, Canada, UAE.
These countries have significant reserves and production capacities.
Which regions of the world show an increase in the amount of oil they are consuming?
Emerging countries, especially in Asia (e.g., China).
Explain the link between oil consumption in Asia and world trade.
Asia has emerging countries that rely on manufacturing, which increases oil consumption. A rising middle class also contributes to higher demand for oil.
What region is Saudi Arabia in? State 3 surrounding countries.
Middle East.
- UAE
- Yemen
- Oman
Describe the human geography of Saudi Arabia (include at least 3 facts).
Population: 35,900,000; Life expectancy: 70-80 years; Urban population: 80%; Wealth: 100-200% of world average.
Describe the physical geography of Saudi Arabia.
Hot desert climate, semi-desert scrub, oil reserves.
Describe how the human geography affects the physical geography of Saudi Arabia.
Burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming and air pollution, while oil leaks contaminate soil and water systems.
Describe and explain Saudi Arabia’s population pyramid.
Wide middle represents a growing working-class population, influenced by a large expat community and construction workers.
What does OPEC stand for?
Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
State 4 member countries of OPEC.
Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Angola, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, UAE, Venezuela.
There are 13 member countries in total.
What is the purpose of OPEC?
Control oil prices and production, ensure fair payment for oil.
Explain why Saudi Arabia has a natural advantage over other countries.
Second largest reserves, largest exporter, cheaper extraction costs.
What does diversification mean?
Moving away from reliance on one industry, such as diversifying into tourism.
State 3 advantages of The Line.
Diversifying from oil, job opportunities, focus on renewables/sustainability.
