Energy from the oceans: Practice Questions

Which of the following is described in the syllabus as a primary advantage of using renewable energy sources from the ocean, such as tidal or wave power?

An oil spill occurs in a coastal area inhabited by sea otters and marine birds. According to the syllabus, which impact is a primary concern for the survival of these specific groups of organisms?

Under the MARPOL standards, modern oil tankers must be built with a specific design feature to minimize the risk of massive oil spills. What is this construction requirement?

Where is oil naturally found before it is extracted for use as an energy resource from the ocean?

Fossil fuels derived from the seabed, such as oil, possess certain characteristics that have historically made them economically dominant compared to many early renewable ocean energy sources. Which characteristic contributes significantly to this economic advantage?

State one environmental advantage and one environmental disadvantage of using fossil fuels from the seabed compared to renewable energy.

Compare the potential environmental impacts of tidal turbines with offshore wind turbines on marine life.

Energy can be obtained from the ocean through both non-renewable fossil fuels and renewable sources.

(a) Identify two strategies that can be used to minimize the environmental impact of an oil spill after it has reached the sea surface. (2 marks)

(b) State one economic advantage of using fossil fuels, such as oil, as an energy resource compared to renewable energy applications. (1 mark)

(c) State one reason why renewable energy sources like tidal or wave power are considered more sustainable than fossil fuels in terms of their long-term availability. (1 mark)

Oil is a major energy resource extracted from the seabed, but its transport poses significant risks to the marine environment.

(a) Explain why oil is classified as a non-renewable fossil fuel. (2 marks)

(b) International standards, such as MARPOL, aim to minimize pollution from ships. State two requirements for oil tankers under MARPOL regulations to prevent accidental or operational oil leaks. (2 marks)