Resource security aqa a level geography paper 2

Outline the concept of a resource

A resource is a naturally occurring material or feature that can be used to meet human needs. Can be biotic or abiotic. Examples include water, fossil fuels and minerals. Becomes only a resource only when technologically and economically accessible.

Outline the difference between stock and flow resources

Stock resources are finite and non-renewable e.g. oil and coal. Overtime, stock resources deplete and cannot be replenished. Flow resources are renewable, constantly replenished e.g. solar or wind. These resouces can be maintained through natural cycles unlike stock resources.

Explain stock evaluation

Involves estimating the amount of stock resouce available for use. Based on geological surveys, past produciton and exploration data. Helps determine economic viability and lifespan of a resouce. Includes categories like reserves and resources. Important for long-term planning and sustainablility.

Outline the difference between measured resources, indicated resources, inferred resources and possible resources

Measured resources are precisely known through exploration. Indicated resources estimated with some geological evidence. Inferred resources are based on limited evidence or assumptions. Possible resources are speculated with very little data.

Explain natural resource development over time

Begins with exploration to find deposits. Followed by evaluation and feasibility studies. Then extraction and exploitaiton beings. This increases with demand. Technology improvements allow for deeper / more remote extraction. After peak production, resource depletion or decline may occur.

Outline the concept of exploration in natural resources

The inital phase of identifying resouce locations. Uses methods like remote sensing, field surveys and drilling. Often carried out by governments or private firms. Determines potential for further development.

Explain the concept of exploitation in natural resources

Involves extracting resouces for economic use. Can lead to economic and job creation. Often causes environmental damage like deforestation or pollution. Exploitation is influenced by demand, prices and political factors.

Outline the concept of development in natural resources

Process of making resouces usabel for human benefit. Includes infrastructure building, refining and transport. Development depends on technology and investment. Aims to maximise economic and social returns.

Explain the concept of a resource frontier

A resource fronteir is an area with untapped natural resources. Usually in remote or previously inaccessible regions e.g. alaska. Attracts new investment and geopolitcla interst. Often causes conflict between exploitation and evironmental protection. Involves TNCs, governments and indigenous groups

Outline the concept of resource peak

The point at which maximum rate of extraction is reached. After the peak, production declines due to depletion. E.g. peak oil concept. Helps predict future scarcity and prices.

Outline the sources of water

The main source of water is rivers lakes and reservoirs. Water is also sourced from groundwater (aquifers), desalinated water from oceans and rainwater harvesting through collected precipitation for local use.

Outline the components of water demand

Agricultural use for irrigation and livestock. Domestic use for drinking, cleaning and sanitisation. Industrial use for manufacturing and energy generation. Environmental needs for sustaining ecosystems and habitats.

Explain the concept of water stress

Occurs when demand exceeds available water supply. Measured as less than 1700m3 per person per year. Leads to increased competition for water. This can cause conflicts, poor sanitation and reduced food production. More common in arid regions and overpopulated areas.

Explain the relationship of water supply to physical geography

Climate affects rainfall. This means that arid areas have low supply. Geology influences storage of water - permeable rocks can store groundwater. Relief determines surface runoff and drainage patterns.

Outline the key aspects of physical geography

3 aspects of physical geography- CGR
Climate- temperature and precipitation patterns
Geology- rock type affecting aquifers and filtration
Relief- elevation and slope influence runoff and rive flow

Outline global patterns of water availability and demand.

High availability in tropical and temperate zones
Low availability in deserts and semi arid regions. High demand in densely populated / industrialised areas. Mismatch between supply and demand causes water insecurity

Explain geopolitics of water distribution

Trans boundary rivers lead to international tensions e.g. Nile and river Jordan. Upstream countries control the flow this means that down stream nations are affected by their choices. Water can be used as a political tool or weapon such as Palestine and Isreal?

Outline geopolitics of water trade

Virtual water trade- embedded in products e.g. crops and meat. Water rich countries export high water demanded goods. Desalinated water may be sold or piped across borders. Can create dependency or imbalance.

Explain geopolitics of water management

Involves cooperation or conflict over shared water resources. Agreements like Indus waters treaty aim to share fairy. Management can be affected by power dynamics and national interests.

Outline strategies to increase water supply

Dams/ reservoirs -stores water for dry seasons
Desalination- removes salt from seawater- drinkable
Water transfer schemes- moves water from surplus to deficit regions e.g. china south north water transfer. Rainwater harvesting- collects local precipitation

Outline strategies to increase water supply at a river catchment

Afforestation- increased infiltration and reduced runoff
River channel restoration- natural flow and recharge
Constructing reservoirs within the catchment
Catchment sensitive farming to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Outline strategies to increase water supply at diversion

Diverting rivers or streams to reservoirs
Using canals or tunnels to redirect flow
Used in hydroelectric and irrigation schemes
Often part of large scale water transfer project

Outline strategies to increase water supply storage

Building dams and reservoirs for long term storage
Underground aquifer recharge through infiltration basins. Rainwater tanks at household or village level
Artificial lakes for agriculture and drinking water

Outline strategies to increase water supply at a water transfer

Pipelines to transfer water across long distances
Canal networks move surface water from rivers/reservoirs
Pumping stations regulate flow direction and volume
Helps balance regional water surpluses and deficits

Outline strategies to increase water supply desalination

Reverse osmosis to remove salt from seawater
Thermal desalination using heat to evaporate and condense water to remove the salt
Common in arid costal regions
Expensive and energy intensive

Explain environmental impacts of a major water supply scheme through a dam

Dams flood large areas- destroy habitats
Disrupts natural river flow, affecting fish migration
Tap sediment, impacting down stream fertility

Explain strategies to manage water consumption

Education and awareness campaigns, reducing household use
Water metering - encourages conservation
Leakage repair- improves efficiency

Outline sustainability issues associated with water management

Over-abstraction of rivers and aquifers e.g. iztapala, Mexico
Pollution from agriculture and industry
High costs of technology and infrastructure
Inequitable access in poorer communities

Explain sustainability issues associated with virtual water trade

Water used to produce exported goods is lost to other countries
Countries may overuse water to grow crops to export
Can create dependency and internal shortages

Outline sustainability issues associated with conservation of water

May require behaviour change, which takes time
Cost of efficient appliances may be high
Not enough on its own in regions with severe shortages
Needs public engagement and enforcement

Explain sustainability issues associated with recycling water

Requires investment in treatment infrastructure
Health concerns over reusing wastewater
Cultural attitudes may limit acceptance

Outline sustainability issues associated with 'greywater'

Greywater is lightly used water
Can be reused for toilets or irrigation
Need filtration to avoid health risks
May not be suitable for all households-wasted

Explain sustainability issues associated with groundwater management

Over-abstraction leads to aquifer depletion e.g. iztapalala, Mexico
Can cause subsidence and water table drop
Difficult to monitor and regulate

Outline water conflicts at a local scale

Overuse of wells in rural communities
Pollution from agriculture affecting water quality
Conflict between users e.g. farmers vs residents
Private vs public water access

Outline water conflicts at a national scale

Disputes over river use between states or regions e.g. the Nile in Africa
Water scarcity vs population growth
Uneven distribution of resources within a country

Outline water conflicts at an international scale

Shared river basins across countries e.g. Nile
Upstream controls downstream
Leads to tension and or war
Lack of international agreements or enforcement as shared and hard to agree

Outline alternative water futures

Technology based- reliance on desalination and recycling
Sustainablility based- conservation and efficient use
Market based- water tradable commodity
Crisis future- shortages and conflict dominate

Outline water futures and their relationship with technological developments

Smart irrigation to improve efficiency
Water recycling and desalination expand supply
Digital monitoring of consumption and leakage
Can reduce waste BUT can be expensive

Explain alternative water futures and their relationship with economic developments

Wealthier counties can invest in tech and infrastructure
Poorer nations may face water insecurity and dependency
Privatisation may improve access but limit affordability

Outline alternative water futures and their relationship with environmental developments

Climate change affects rainfall patterns and drought
Sustainable management prioritised in green futures
Ecosystem protection supports long-term supply
Future may involve reduced consumption and ecological design

Explain alternative water furture and their development with political developments

Govs may enforce regulation or privatise supply
International cooperation can improve shared resource use
Political instability can block investment and fair access

Outline the sources of energy

Non renewables: fossil fuels- oil, coal, natural gas
Nuclear power- uranium
Renewable source- solar, wind, hydroelectric/ geothermal
Bioenergy- organic material e.g. wood/crops

Outline primary sources of energy

Energy found in raw natural form e.g. coal, oil, natural gas
Sunlight and wind are also primary sources
Can be used directly or converted into secondary energy

Outline the components of energy demand

Population size- more people= more demand
Level of development- industrial countries need more energy
Economic activity- manufacturing vs service based economies
Technology use- increases or reduces demand

Outline secondary sources of energy

Derived from primary sources e.g. electricity, petrol, hydrogen fuel
Must be produced via conversion e.g. burning coal for electricity
More useful for transport, homes and industries

Explain the concept of energy mixes

An energy mix is the combination of energy sources a country uses
Developed countries may have a more diverse mix
Resource availability, climate and policy influence the mix

Outline the relationship of energy supply to physical geography

Geology affects the location of fossil fuels
Climate influences solar and wind potential
Topography is important for hydropower
Water availability affects thermal and hydropower regeneration

Explain relationship of energy supply and climate

Solar power depends on the hours of sunshine
Wind power needs reliable wind patterns
Bioenergy limited in very cold or dry climates

Outline the relationship between energy supply and geology

Sedimentary rocks may contain oil, gas, coal
Igneous regions can be used for geothermal energy
Some regions lack resource bearing rocks
Mining conditions vary based on rock structure

Explain the relationship between energy supply and drainage

Hydropower depends on river and precipitation
Thermal power stations need water for cooling
Droughts or seasonal flow can reduce energy output

Outline the global pattern of energy production

Major producers: USA, Russia, china and Saudi Arabia
Fossil fuels dominate Middle East and Russia
Renewable energy growing in Europe and South America
Production often doesn't match consumption

Outline the global pattern of energy consumption

Core and semi peripheral economies are high consumption e.g. USA, Europe and china
Sub Saharan Africa and Asia are low consumption
Linked to industrialisation and income levels
Emerging economies are rapidly increasing consumption

Explain the global pattern of energy trade/ movement

Oil and gas exported from Middle East to Europe Asia and USA
Electricity trade between neighbouring countries e.g. France and uk
LNG shipped globally using tankers - flexible but costly

Outline the geopolitics of energy distribution

Countries with energy have strategic power e.g. Russia
Energy transit route e.g. pipelines are politically sensitive
Control of resources can lead to alliances or tension
Energy security becomes a national interest

Outline the geopolitics of energy trade

OPEC influences global oil prices
Trade disputes can disrupt supply e.g. Russia Ukraine gas
Sanctions affect energy exports (Venezuela)
Countries aim to diversify partners for stability

Outline the geopolitics of energy management

Nations form energy alliances
Global climate agreements affect fossil fuels use
Countries invest in domestic renewables for independence
Energy transition policies create geopolitical shifts

Outline energy supplies in a globalising world

Energy demand is rising due to population growth and industrialisation
Supplies are unevenly distributed e.g. Middle East has oil and Russia has gas
Globalisation increases interdependence through international trade in energy
Growth of renewable sources in response to climate concerns

Outline competing national interests with energy supplies

Countries aim for energy security and control over supply
Conflicts may arise over shared resources e.g. oil reserves or pipelines
National policies can prioritise domestic use vs export
Disputes occur when counties are dependent on others

Outline the role of transnational corporations in energy production

TNCs explore and extract resources globally
They invest in infrastructure such as drilling rigs and refineries
TNCs often operate in peripheral economies influencing local economies and politics
They may bring tech and capital but also risks

Explain the role of transnational corporations in energy processing and distribution

TNCs refine raw fuels into usable energy
They control distribution networks including pipelines and tankers
Influence global prices and supply through scale and logistics

Outline environmental impacts of energy resource development

Oil spills harm ecosystems
Deforestation for biofuels affect biodiversity
Fracking may contaminate groundwater
Coal mining leads to air pollution and landscape damage

Explain strategies to increase energy supply

Renewables: solar, wind and hydroelectric reduce fossil fuel dependence
Unconventional sources: shale gas, tar sands - athabasca in Canada
Energy imports and trade

Outline strategies to manage energy consumption

Energy efficiency in homes and transport
Smart meters to monitor and reduce usage
Public campaigns to raise awareness
Promoting public transport over car use

Explain sustainability issues associated with energy production

Fossil fuels emit CO2 contributing to climate change
Renewables to lower emissions but need large land areas
Extraction causes habitat loss, pollution and water use

Explain sustainability issues associated with energy trade

Transporting energy risks spills and emissions
Long supply chains increase carbon footprint
Some peripheral economies become over dependent on exporting energy

Explain sustainability issues associated with energy consumption

High consumption leads to faster depletion of finite resources
Overuse contributes to pollution and GHG emissions
Energy inequality: some areas lack access, affecting development

Outline sustainability issues associated with acid rain

Caused by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels
Damages forests, lakes and soil
Affects human health through air quality
Cross-border issue

needs international cooperation

Outline sustainability issues associated with the enhanced greenhouse effect

Burning fossil fuels adds to CO2 and methane to the atmosphere
Leads to global warming, ice melts and sea levels rise
Threatens food and water security
Requires shift to low carbon energy systems

Outline the sustainability issues associated with nuclear waste

Radioactive waste remains dangerous for thousands of years
Safe storage and disposal are difficult and expensive
Risk of leaks or accidents e.g. Chernobyl
Public opposition and fear or nuclear technology

Outline the sustainability issues associated with energy conservation

Reduced need for new supply infrastructure
Requires investment in efficiency technologies
Behaviour change may be slow or unpopular
Helps meet climate goals by lowering demand

Explain alternative energy futures

Renewables dominate- low emissions, high sustainability
Fossil fuels with carbon capture- balances demand and cliamte concerns
Fossil fuels reliance continues- short term gain, long term risk

Outline energy futures with technological developments

Improved solar panel efficiency
Battery storage allows stable renewable supply
Hydrogen fuel as clean alternative
Smart grids to balance supply and demand

Explain energy futures with economic developments

Rising income increases energy demand
Investment in clean energy industries creates jobs
Fossil fuel dependent economies may struggle with transition

Explain energy futures with environmental developments

Climate change policy will shape future energy sources
Ecosystem concerns may restrict some projects
Future energy must balance supply with sustainability

Outline energy futures with political developments

Government targets for net zero will guide energy mix
International climate agreements e.g. Paris agreement pressure change
Conflicts or alliances may affect energy trade
Subsidies and taxes can support or limit energy transitions

Outline sources of copper

Copper is mined from porphyry deposits (large, low grade ores)
Found in volcanic and sedimentary rocks
Also recovered from recycling of electrical waste and alloys
Some copper comes from by-products of gold and silver mining

Outline the distribution of copper reserves or resources

Largest reserves in chile, Peru, Australia, Russia and the USA such as the Bingham canyon mine in Utah, USA
Many reserves are in the Andes mountain region
Africa has significant deposits
Reserves are unevenly distributed

Explain the end uses of copper

Electrical wiring due to high conductivity
Used in construction for roofing and pipes
Important in renewable energy systems - solar panels, wind turbines

Outline the components of demand for copper

Construction - infrastructure / housing
Electronics and technology industries
Green energy transition increases demand
Transport - EVs use copper

Outline the role of copper in global commerce and industry

Key raw material in manufacturing and electrical industries
Traded globally, with futures markets influencing prices
Essential to economic development and industrialisation
Price volatility affects economies of major producers

Explain the key aspects of physical geography associated with copper

Often found in mountainous regions due to volcanic activity
Requires stable tectonic settings for long term mining
Climate and water supply affect mining feasibility

Outline the geological conditions and location of copper

Igneous rocks especially porphyry deposits
Associated with hydrothermal veins
Located in tectonically active zones e.g. ring of fire
Deposits often found at depth and require open-pit mining

Explain the global patterns of copper production

Chile is the largest producer - 25% of global output
Other major producers: Peru, china, USA, DRC
Production tends to be concentrated in resource-rich (semi) peripheral economies

Outline the global patterns of copper consumption

China is the largest consumer - over 50%
High demand in Asia - pacific due to rapid urbanisation
Consumption driven by industrial and technological growth
Core economies also use copper for infrastructure maintenance

Explain the global patterns of copper trade

China and Peru are major exporters
China, japan and Germany are major importers
Trade is influenced by infrastructure, global demand and prices

Outline the geopolitics of copper distributions

Some countries have monopoly over large reserves
Control over copper affects economic and political power
Resource nationalism can restrict exports or raise prices
Conflicts can occur in resource-rich but unstable areas

Expalin the geopolitics of copper trade

Trade tensions affect copper prices e.g. USA-china tariffs)
Global supply chains are vulnerable to political instability
TNCs and trade blocs share copper flows and market access

Outline the geopolitics of copper management

Managed through international mining laws and agreements
Environmental regulations vary by country, affecting access
Mining in peripheral economies often involve foreign companies and local disputes
Strategic stockpiling of copper in some counties e.g. china

Outline environmental impacts of copper extraction schemes

Habitat destruction from open pit mining
Soil and water pollution from tailings and chemical leaching
Large carbon emissions from intensive extraction processes
Risk of groundwater contamination with heavy metals

Outline environmental impacts of copper extraction distribution networks

Emissions from global transportation
Risk of oil spills or leakages during export
Infrastructure development can harm ecosystems
Noise and air pollution near transport corridors

Outline sustainability associated with copper extraction

Renewable energy in extraction can reduce emissions
Rehabilitation of mine sites improves long term sustainability
Use of low impact techniques like in-situ leaching
Sustainability is limited by finite resources

Explain sustainability associated with copper trade

Recycling copper reduces need for energy-intensive processing
Water treatment systems can reduce pollution
Cleaner technologies are being adopted
Still issues with energy use and toxic waste

Outline sustainability associated with copper processing

Trading recycled copper is more sustainable than virgin ore
Local sourcing of copper reduces emissions from transport
Trade helps distribute copper efficiently but may externalise environmental costs to peripheral economies

Outline alternative copper ore futures

Increased focus on urban mining recovering copper from e-waste
Deep-sea mining and asteroid mining proposed as a future sources
Developing synthetic alternatives e.g. graphene based conductors
Greater reliance on recycled copper to meet demand

Explain copper ore relationships with technological developments

Improved extraction tech increases efficiency
Smarter recycling methods improve recovery rates
Technology enables deeper and lower grade deposits to be mined profitably

Outline copper ore relationships with economic developments

As economies grow, demand for copper increases especially in construction and tech
Price fluctuations impact investment in mining
Economic booms drive exploration of marginal or remote reserves
Peripheral economies with copper reserves often see FDI

Explain copper ore relationships with environmental developments

Climate change pressures drive shift to green mining technologies
Stricter regulations lead to improved waste and emissions control
Increased environmental awareness boosts recycling rates

Explain copper ore relationships with political developments

Resource nationalism affects export taxes and ownership rules
International trade policies e.g. tariffs shape copper markets
Political instability disrupts global supply chains