Global resources Flashcards
What is fracking
High pressure water
Break shale rocks
Release natural gas
Issues with fracking
Small scale tremors
Groundwater contamination
Air pollution
Limitations/challenges with clean energy
Nuclear is difficult to dispose of
Wind turbines are unsightly
On average less efficient than coal
Reasons for a demand of water
Higher population (migration)
Agribusiness and industry reliant on machines
Modern houses with more appliances
Drought from climate change
Resource moved from area of surplus to deficit
Transfer scheme
Areas of water deficit/surplus in the UK
West in surplus (moist wind from Atlantic, mountains causing condensation)
East in deficit (Landmass of Europe, “Rain shadow”, half the rainfall of west)
Key global resources
Energy
Water
Food
Impacts of water insecurity
Poor hygiene (cholera)
Conflict
Less industry/HEP -agriculture
Poorer Q.O.L.
Water for industry
Industry needs water (production)
China will use 33% of water available for production
Less water for industry = less industrial output
Conflict due to water tension
Tension will arise due to scarce water
G. Renaissance dam in Ethiopia
Less supply in Egypt/Sudan
Factors affecting water availability
Climate
Pollution
Infrastructure/poverty
Geology
Elan valley
Mid wales (Cambrian mnt)
6 dams (3 in 1904)
Pumped under gravity to Frankley (s. B’ham)
Increasing water supply
Dams and reservoirs
Increasing storage
Water transfers
Desalination
Advantages (elan valley)
Provides water for 1m ppl
Gravity needs less energy
Job creation in maintenance
River flooding control
Aquatic activities
Disadvantages (elan valley)
River is no longer natural
High cost + maintenance
Historical sites flooded
Wildlife threat
Increased traffic and noise
