Distribution of Natural Energy Resources (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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True or False?
Natural energy resources are distributed fairly evenly around the world.
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Cards in this collection (14)
True or False?
Natural energy resources are distributed fairly evenly around the world.
False.
Natural energy resources have an unequal distribution, with some regions rich in certain resources and others relatively poor.
Which types of factors cause the unequal distribution of natural energy resources?
The unequal distribution is caused by physical (geographic and geological), political, social, and economic factors.
Why can a country with its own energy resources still rely on imports?
Demand can exceed domestic supply; for example, the United States has energy resources but still relies on imports to meet demand.
Areas with reliable hours can be used to generate solar energy.
Areas with reliable sunshine hours can be used to generate solar energy.
How did Saudi Arabia's oil reserves form?
Thick layers of organic matter built up on the floor of the Tethys Ocean during the Mesozoic, then decayed and compressed into oil trapped between layers of sedimentary rock. Tectonic uplift later made the ocean recede, leaving the oil beneath the land.
Why does being landlocked limit a country's use of its energy resources?
Landlocked countries cannot export energy or import the machinery needed to extract natural resources, which limits their growth and development.
True or False?
Mountainous regions with extreme climates, such as Alaska and Siberia, are cheap places to extract energy resources.
False.
Extracting and transporting energy resources in these regions is difficult and expensive, although upland regions suit wind and hydroelectric generation.
Where are geothermal power plants generally built?
Geothermal power plants are generally built where geothermal reservoirs lie within a mile or two of the earth's surface; in the U.S., this is the Western United States.
Tidal power is only available in countries with a coastline and a sufficient tidal .
Tidal power is only available in countries with a coastline and a sufficient tidal range.
Which resource-poor regions rely heavily on imported energy resources?
Resource-poor regions such as the European Union, China, and India rely heavily on imported resources.
How have improvements in technology affected access to oil reserves?
Improvements in technology have allowed previously inaccessible oil reserves to be tapped.
True or False?
When foreign companies exploit a developing country's resources, local people always gain most of the benefit.
False.
Foreign companies often exploit resources with little local benefit, and the resulting growth can generate inequality and pollution in the region.
How does poor infrastructure affect many developing countries' natural resources?
Poor infrastructure hampers the exploitation of natural resources in many developing countries.
How do resource-rich nations influence the global energy market?
Resource-rich nations often control global energy markets, as Saudi Arabia does through its oil reserves.
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