Wave, biofuels, geothermal & tidal energy | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Wave power

Derived from the movement of water caused by wind

Solar derived

Energy originating from the sun

Kinetic energy

Energy from the movement of water

Non-depletable

Not exhaustible, waves won't run out

High intermittency

Waves are not constant, can be flat for hours

Low predictability

Difficult to forecast wave patterns accurately

Locational constraints

Specific requirements for wave power plant placement

Point absorber

Floating structure harnessing wave energy

Overtopping device

Container using wave force to generate electricity

Oscillating wave surge converter

Device converting wave movement into electricity

Surface attenuator

Linear structure converting wave energy into electricity

Oscillating water column wave power

Chamber using wave force to produce electricity

Corrosion resistance

Ability to withstand contact with seawater

Environmental impacts

Effects on nature from wave power extraction and use

Biofuels

Energy derived from plants through photosynthesis

Photosynthesis equation

Process where plants convert light into chemical energy

Chemical energy

Energy stored in bonds within crops

Depletable

Supplies can be exhausted if not used sustainably

Energy density

Amount of energy stored in a given volume of fuel

Combustible crops

Plants burned to release heat energy

Ethanol

Biofuel made from sugar cane, used in vehicle engines

Biodiesel

Biofuel made from crops, used in vehicle engines

Combustion

Process of burning a substance to release heat.

Biogas

Gas produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, releasing methane which can be used as a natural gas alternative.

Carbon neutral

Biofuels release the same amount of CO2 as they absorbed in photosynthesis, making them carbon neutral.

Hydrogen fuel from algae

Technology where hydrogen fuel is obtained from algae, which can be grown in test tubes and produce hydrogen as part of photosynthesis.

Geothermal energy

Heat energy released from the radioactive decay of isotopes in the Earth's mantle, extracted for various uses.

Geothermal heat pumps

Systems that can be installed to heat or cool homes by utilizing the stable temperature of the ground.

Habitat fragmentation

Process where large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated fragments.

Carbon Dioxide

An atmospheric pollutant extracted with hot water from the ground.

Hydrogen Sulphide

Another atmospheric pollutant extracted with hot water from the ground.

Salts in Wastewater

Dissolved substances from rocks in wastewater after geothermal use.

Heavy Metals in Wastewater

Toxic substances dissolved from rocks in wastewater after geothermal use.

Tidal Power

Kinetic energy harnessed from the movement of tides, not tidal waves.

Tidal Barrage

A dam across an estuary with turbines to harness tidal energy.

Tidal Lagoon

A dam around a small section of an estuary for tidal energy.

In-Stream Tidal Turbines

Turbines attached to the seabed to harness tidal energy.

Tidal Reef

A structure spanning an estuary but shorter than a barrage to reduce environmental impact.

Spring Tides

Extremely high tides caused by combined gravitational pull of moon and sun.

Neap Tides

Very low tides caused by counteracting gravitational pull of moon and sun.

Tidal Energy Density

Barrage/lagoons have high energy density for tidal power.

Tidal Power Conversion

Conversion from kinetic energy of moving water to electricity.

Locational Constraints

Geothermal power needs over 150°C, tidal power needs suitable seabed topography.

Tidal Power Predictability

High predictability due to easily predictable high and low tides.

Tidal Power Intermittency

Electricity generated only during high/low tides, high intermittency.

Tidal Power Abundance

Few suitable sites available, low abundance for harnessing tidal power.

Tidal Power Environmental Impacts

Includes noise pollution, habitat destruction, and altered tidal range.

Tidal Power Non-Depletable

Tides should not stop, making tidal power a non-depletable resource.

Tidal Power Construction

Involves building dams, turbines, and other structures for energy generation.

Tidal Power Extraction

Extraction of materials for construction and operation, impacting environment.

Tidal Power Repair

May be expensive, requires extraction of more raw materials.