Distribution of Natural Energy Resources (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Study Guide
Global distribution of natural energy resources
There is an unequal distribution of natural energy resources globally, with some regions rich in certain resources and others relatively poor
This disparity is down to physical (geographic and geological), political, social, and economic factors
Geological factors
Some countries are naturally rich in natural resources such as ores, coal, crude oil and natural gas
The USA has the largest proven coal reserves, but China is the largest producer of coal
Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Russia are rich in crude oil
Brazil and Australia are leading producers of metals like iron ore
Canada and the US both benefit from substantial uranium deposits
Nearly 20% of the world's proven gas reserves are in Russia. Russia is estimated to hold $75 trillion in natural resources, including coal, natural gas, oil, and rare earth metals
Case Study
Saudi Arabia's geological history of oil reserves
Over millions of years, sedimentation, metamorphism, and tectonic uplift have formed and deposited minerals and fossil fuels, producing the now natural resource distribution of the region.
During the Mesozoic age, the area was covered by a large body of water called the 'Tethys Ocean.' Rivers that fed into this ocean were loaded with nutrients, which led to a variety of life in the water. Eventually, thick layers of organic matter built up on the ocean floor, compressing the layers below. The decay and compression of organic matter transformed into oil, captured between the layers of sedimentary rock.
Tectonic activity pushed the land upward and the Tethys Ocean receded, leaving behind the dry, modern Middle East region with its oil reserves beneath the sand.
This trend has led to Saudi Arabia's dominant position in global oil production and export.
Geographical factors
Ease of access to natural energy resources
Landlocked countries cannot export energy or import the machinery necessary to extract natural resources. This limits their potential for growth and development
Reserves of oil and gas are found beneath the deep ocean floor, presenting challenges in extraction
Australia is rich in a variety of energy resources and is an example of a country with negative reliance on imported energy supplies
The climate and relief of a region affect the extraction of energy resources
Extracting and transporting energy resources in mountainous and extreme climates such as Alaska and Siberia is difficult and expensive
However, upland regions are suited for wind and hydrogeneration
Areas with reliable sunshine hours can be used to generate solar energy
Geothermal power plants are generally built where geothermal reservoirs are located, within a mile or two of the earth's surface
In the US, geothermal energy power is exclusively produced within the Western United States
Tidal power is only available in countries with a coastline and sufficient tidal range
Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Station in South Korea is the largest, with La Rance, France, the oldest and second-largest plant
Canada, China, and Russia have smaller tidal power plants
Resource-poor regions (e.g., the European Union, China, and India) rely heavily on imported resources
The United States, although having resources, also relies on imports to meet demand
Political, economic, and social factors also influences natural resource distribution
Access to technology and infrastructure affects resource use
Improvements in technology has allowed previously inaccessible oil reserves to be tapped
Poor infrastructure in many developing countries hamper exploitation of their natural resources
Economic systems and trade laws affect resource exploitation
Many resource-rich developing countries face issues when their government fails to agree on the use of their resources
Foreign companies also exploit resources, with little local benefit
Economic growth often generates inequality and pollution in the region
Resource-rich nations often control global energy markets (e.g. Saudi Arabia's oil reserves)
The lack of energy resources affects world trade and energy policies in countries that depend on them
You've read 0 of your 5 free study guides this week
Unlock more, it's free!
Did this page help you?
