Energy

Energy

1. Definitions

   • Biotic
     • Living components of an ecosystem that are capable of reproduction and can be obtained from the biosphere
   • Abiotic
     • Non living components of the ecosystem and is obtained from the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere
   • Renewable energy
     • Its a source of natural power that will never run out because it can naturally by replenished and is potentially inexhaustible
   • Non renewable
     • A source of energy such as coal, oil or natural gas or uranium and cannot be remand because it would take millions of years for them to form again
   • Natural resources
     • Resources made fro the earth and are materials that exist without the action of humans such as water and timber
   • Water surplus
     • A situation in which the usable water supply exceeds the demand
   • Water deficit
     • A situation where a place loses more water through evaporation and transpiration than it receives from rainfall
   • Energy mix
     • The proportion of different energy sources used in a country
   • National grid
     • Generates electricity used in the UK. The sources vary day to day due to variations in demand and the availability of certain types such as wind and solar power
   • Carbon footprint
     • A measure of all the greenhouse gases an individual produces 

2. How do we exploit the environment

   • Oil extraction
     • Ecuador/Cameroon
       • Why is it extracted
         • Government thinks that extraction of oil will get them out of poverty. Also palm oil is the main ingredient in chocolate, ice cream, lipstick and soap
         • Environmental impact
           • Destroys the Amazon rainforest which will damage the climate and can affect how it works and affects global warming. IT also decreases biodiversity and leads to the extinctino of species as well as affecting local weather patterns
   • Deforestation
     • Madagascar/ amazon
       • Why is it extracted
         • Increase in demand for housing, furniture, heating and infrastructure to make airports
         • Environmental impact
           • Results in soil erosion and decreases biodiversity. IT reduces trees meaning less co2 is absorbed and so increases global warming
   • Overfishing
     • North sea/Meditteranean sea
       • Why is it extracted
         • Provides a limitless supply of food and is a good source of protein to feed a growing population as well as adding to the economy and creating jobs
         • Environmental impact
           • Unsustainable fishing practices has resulted in critical fish population levels. More are being caught than being reproduced leading to the decline of fish so the population of cod is depleting

3. Wind turbines

   • Converts air movement into electricity. 
   • Advantages
     • no CO2 emmisions Cost of wind turbines decreasing New technology means more efficient wind turbines and less noise One of the lowest paid energy source
     • Disadvantages
       • Visual and sound pollution Unrealiable  Kills brds leading to a decline in biodiversity

4. Coal

   • Coal is a dark brown/black rock made primarily from carbon and is formed millions of years ago due to decomposition. Coal is versatile and can be used for many things. 
   • Advantages
     • Highly abundant Cheap and easy to extract Provides 40% of world's energy  Carbon capture and storage Generates lot of energy
     • Disadvantages
       • Safety issues for miners so can cause injuries or death Releases sulfur and nitrogen which causes acid rain and smog Bad mining practices Open cast mining damages environment