A-Level Geography - Tectonic processes and hazards

A process or activity that results in no net release of carbon into the atmosphere, perhaps through using renewable energy or planting trees.

The range of energy sources used by a country or region, from non-renewable ones such as fossil fuels to renewables such as wind energy. Depends on availability of resources, costs or production, development, climate and environmental priorities.

A fuel derived immediately from living matter, such as agricultural crops, forestry or fishery products, and various forms of waste (municipal, food shops, catering, etc.). A distinction is made between primary and secondary biofuels:

The main original source of energy before conversion in alternative forms, such as coal and crude oil.

The intensification of the natural greenhouse effect by human activities, primarily through fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, causing global warming.

A convenient and more usable energy source, such as electricity, that has been created from a primary energy source.

Extracting shale oil and gas by drilling into rock and forcing liquid down at high pressure to crack rocks apart. Made viable by increasing gas prices and improved technology.

A situation where there is a secure and affordable supply of energy to meet the needs of consumers (people and businesses).

Organic matter used as a fuel, especially in power stations for the generation of electricity.

The capture and transferring of carbon through non-living things such as weathering, outgassing and sediment settling.

Continuous resources which will not run out such as solar, wind, wood and wave/tidal energy.

Extracting oil from bitumen sands, uses a lot of energy to create oil and can cause massive environmental issues.

Movements of carbon; the rate of flow between stores.

Permanently frozen ground, often in the Arctic Circle. Frozen land contains a lot of carbon and methane, as it melts this is released into the atmosphere leading to positive feedback.

The process of burning matter which releases trapped carbon into the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels transfers carbon from geological stores in to atmosphere.

Where plants and dead animals fall to the ocean floor to be compressed which stores carbon within the rocks.

The route by which an energy type is transferred from the production area to the consumption area, such as by pipeline or shipping route.

Often found in cooler, wet areas. Areas of very thick, carbon rich soil where plants decompose with little oxygen. Under great threat due to erosion and climate change - leading to a positive feedback.

Capturing CO2 directly from the air or removing carbon from exhausts and chimneys. Carbon can be either buried and manufactured into other resources.

Processes by which carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored for a long period of time, for example by plants and soil in nature, or through carbon capture and storage (CCS) from power stations.

Clearing forest for farming or other resources. This is a key factor in influencing the increase of atmospheric carbon.

Can be positive where one change leads to another which increases the impact - ice melts, land is darker, absorbs more heat, more ice melts OR negative which reaches back to an equilibrium

The goods that can be obtained from ecosystems - food, medicine, building supplies, fuel

The amount of organic matter that is produced by vegetation - this varies around the world due to climate and is vital in regulating atmospheric carbon. Link to photosynthesis.