Question 1: What is 'renewable resource'?

Answer: A resource that can be replenished naturally over a short period of time, such as solar or wind energy.

Question 2: Define 'fossil fuels' and name two examples common in the US.

Answer: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organic matter; examples include coal and oil.

Question 3: What is 'sustainable development' in the context of natural resource use?

Answer: Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often involving balanced resource management.

Question 4: Name a renewable resource heavily utilized in California's energy sector.

Answer: Solar energy.

Question 5: Identify one major mineral resource extracted in Nevada.

Answer: Gold.

Question 1: Which US state is known as the leading producer of coal?

Answer: Wyoming

Question 2: Name two fossil fuels primarily used for electricity generation in the US.

Answer: Coal and natural gas.

Question 3: What type of resource is the Colorado River primarily classified as?

Answer: Water resource

Question 4: Briefly explain why the US has significant reserves of shale gas.

Answer: Due to extensive shale formations such as the Marcellus and Barnett shales, which contain large quantities of natural gas trapped in sedimentary rock layers.

Question 5: Identify the primary use of timber harvested from the Pacific Northwest.

Answer: Construction and furniture manufacturing.

Question 1: Based on the case study of the Bakken formation in North Dakota, explain how hydraulic fracturing has impacted local natural resource extraction.

Answer: Hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', has significantly increased oil and gas production in the Bakken formation by enabling access to previously unreachable reserves, boosting local economy but raising environmental concerns such as groundwater contamination and seismic activity.

Question 2: Assess the economic benefits and environmental risks associated with shale gas extraction in Texas.

Answer: Benefits include job creation, energy independence, and economic growth. Risks involve groundwater pollution, methane leaks, and increased seismic activity. Sustainable practices and regulation are essential to balance these factors.

Question 3: Describe how the depletion of coal reserves in Appalachia has affected local communities and economies.

Answer: Depletion of coal has led to job losses, economic decline, and social challenges in Appalachian communities, prompting shifts towards renewable energy and economic diversification efforts.

Question 4: Explain the role of government policies in managing US natural resources, citing specific examples.

Answer: Government policies such as the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and incentives for renewable energy have aimed to regulate resource extraction, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable development. For example, the shift to cleaner energy sources is partly driven by federal regulations.

Question 5: Analyze the importance of water resource management in the Colorado River basin.

Answer: Effective management is vital due to over-allocation, drought, and climate change, which threaten water supplies for agriculture, cities, and ecosystems. Cooperative agreements among states aim to ensure sustainable usage.

Question 1: Explain the causes of the decline in coal mining in the US over the past two decades.

Answer: Factors include environmental regulations, competition from cheaper natural gas, renewable energy alternatives, and the economic shift towards cleaner energy sources, leading to reduced demand for coal.

Question 2: Analyse the geographical distribution of US oil reserves and the factors influencing their location.

Answer: US oil reserves are concentrated in regions like Texas, Alaska, and the Gulf Coast. Factors influencing their location include geological formations such as sedimentary basins, technological advancements like fracking, and historical exploration patterns.

Question 3: Explain why renewable energy sources are increasingly important in the US energy mix.

Answer: Renewable sources are vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and addressing climate change, while also providing sustainable and domestically available energy options.

Question 1: To what extent have US policies on renewable energy successfully reduced reliance on fossil fuels? Support your answer with examples.

Answer: US policies such as tax credits, subsidies, and mandates for renewable energy targets have increased the share of renewables like wind and solar in the energy mix. While progress is evident, fossil fuel reliance remains significant due to economic, political, and infrastructural factors. Overall, policies have made substantial contributions but have not yet achieved complete transition, highlighting the need for continued support and innovation.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of current resource management strategies in balancing economic development and environmental conservation in the US.

Answer: Strategies such as environmental regulations, sustainable resource extraction practices, and renewable energy incentives aim to balance economic growth with conservation. Their effectiveness varies; while they have led to cleaner practices and innovation, challenges like resource depletion, environmental degradation, and political opposition suggest that ongoing adaptation and stronger enforcement are necessary for optimal outcomes.