P1B 20 Abiotic Ocean Resources

What geopolitical conflicts have arisen from the pursuit of ocean resources?

• Conflicts over oil reserves in the South China Sea and disputed claims in the Arctic by Russia, Canada, and Denmark.

• Disputes over fishing rights in the Mediterranean Sea between European countries.

• Territorial claims in the Atlantic Ocean between the United States and European nations.

• Conflicts over shipping routes in the Indian Ocean involving China and India.

What are abiotic resources found outside any nation's EEZ considered?

• They are considered private property of the nation closest to them.

• They are seen as global commons, not owned by any single nation but can be used by any nation.

• They are classified as international waters and cannot be used by any nation.

• They are regarded as national resources of the nearest coastal state.

What are methane hydrates?

• A type of gas used in cooking.

• A frozen form of methane found on the seafloor, considered a potential future energy source.

• A liquid form of methane used in refrigeration.

• A solid mineral found in the Arctic regions.

Where are large reserves of oil and natural gas found?

• On continental shelves in areas like the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic Ocean.

• In deep ocean trenches far from land.

• In the middle of deserts like the Sahara.

• Underneath major cities worldwide.

Who owns abiotic resources within a nation's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)?

• The international community owns these resources.

• Private companies own these resources.

• The nation itself owns these resources, and other nations require permission to use them.

• No one owns these resources; they are free for all.

What are hydrothermal vents and what do they release?

• Seafloor cracks that release mineral-rich solutions containing valuable metals like copper, zinc, silver, gold, and Rare Earth (RE) minerals.

• Underwater volcanoes that emit hot lava and gases.

• Surface lakes that contain high concentrations of salt and minerals.

• Deep-sea trenches that trap organic matter and release methane.

What are the environmental risks of deep-sea mining?

• Habitat destruction, sediment plumes, and negative impacts on marine biodiversity.

• Increased fish populations and improved water quality.

• Enhanced coral growth and marine life diversity.

• Reduction of ocean acidification and climate change effects.

What are abiotic ocean resources?

• Living ocean resources such as fish and marine plants.

• Non-living ocean resources such as oil, gas, and minerals.

• Ocean resources that are renewable and sustainable.

• Ocean resources that are only found in deep-sea environments.

Why is there an increased search for new reserves in the oceans?

• Due to the depletion of land-based mineral resources and technological advancements making offshore exploration more feasible.

• Because ocean resources are more abundant than land resources.

• To reduce the cost of mining operations on land.

• As a result of government regulations limiting land-based mining.

What is a risk associated with drilling and extracting oil?

• Potential accidents causing serious oil pollution, such as the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill.

• Increased job opportunities in the oil industry.

• Lower fuel prices for consumers.

• Improved infrastructure in drilling areas.