Physical factors determining the supply of energy — Eduqas A-Level Geography

The supply of energy is fundamentally shaped by physical factors, including geology, climate, and geography. Geology determines the availability of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as uranium for nuclear power. For example, the UK's North Sea oil and gas reserves are trapped in porous sedimentary rocks, while coal seams are found in Carboniferous strata. Climate influences renewable energy potential: solar power requires high insolation, wind power needs consistent strong winds, and hydropower depends on reliable precipitation and relief. Geography affects accessibility and transport costs; remote or mountainous regions may have high potential but low exploitation due to infrastructure challenges.

Understanding these physical factors is crucial because they dictate a country's energy mix and its vulnerability to price volatility or supply disruptions. For instance, Iceland's volcanic geology provides abundant geothermal energy, while Saudi Arabia's vast oil fields shape its economy. In the UK, the shift from coal to renewables is partly driven by physical constraints—coal reserves are depleting, while wind and tidal resources are abundant. This topic also links to energy security, climate change policy, and sustainable development, making it central to A-Level Geography.

Physical factors interact with human factors (technology, economics, politics) to determine energy supply. For example, fracking has unlocked shale gas in the US, but its viability depends on geological conditions and water availability. Students should appreciate that physical factors are not deterministic; they create opportunities and constraints that societies respond to. This topic is assessed through case studies, such as the UK's energy transition or the development of solar power in the Sahara, requiring application of concepts to real-world contexts.

• →Geology: The type and structure of rocks determine the presence of fossil fuels (e.g., coal in sedimentary basins, oil in porous reservoirs) and geothermal energy (e.g., hot rocks near tectonic plate boundaries).
• →Climate: Solar radiation, wind patterns, and precipitation affect renewable energy potential. For example, the UK's prevailing westerlies make wind power viable, while high-latitude countries have limited solar potential in winter.
• →Relief and Hydrology: Steep gradients and high rainfall enable hydropower (e.g., Norway's fjords), while flat terrain may limit it. Tidal energy requires coastal geography with high tidal ranges (e.g., Severn Estuary).
• →Accessibility and Location: Remote energy sources (e.g., Arctic oil, deep-sea gas) are costly to exploit, while proximity to markets reduces transport costs. Physical barriers like mountains or ice can hinder development.
• →Resource Depletion: Physical factors include the finite nature of fossil fuels; reserves are concentrated in specific geological formations, leading to peak oil and eventual exhaustion.

• Geological factors including physical reserves of fossil fuels and active areas for geothermal energy
• Climatic factors including insolation rates and wind strength and reliability
• Relief factors including suitable locations for dam construction and hydropower
• Locations with favourable conditions for sustainable energy generation from waves, tides and biofuels

• 💡Use specific case studies to illustrate physical factors. For example, compare the UK's wind energy potential (high due to Atlantic depressions) with Spain's solar potential (high insolation). Mention actual locations like the London Array or the Severn Barrage to show depth.
• 💡Link physical factors to energy security and sustainability. For instance, explain how reliance on imported fossil fuels (due to lack of domestic reserves) affects a country's vulnerability. Use terms like 'energy mix', 'diversification', and 'carbon footprint' to show wider understanding.
• 💡Avoid generalisations; be precise about how a factor works. For example, 'geology' is not just about rocks—explain that porous sandstone traps oil, while impermeable cap rocks prevent escape. Show you understand the mechanism.

• Misconception: Renewable energy is always available everywhere. Correction: Renewables depend on physical factors; solar power is intermittent and varies with latitude, cloud cover, and season. Wind power is not constant, and hydropower can be reduced by drought.
• Misconception: Physical factors alone determine energy supply. Correction: Human factors like technology (e.g., fracking, deep-sea drilling) and economics (e.g., subsidies, market prices) can overcome physical constraints or make them viable. For example, the UK's shale gas is technically recoverable but economically and politically controversial.
• Misconception: Fossil fuels are evenly distributed. Correction: They are concentrated in specific geological settings (e.g., Middle East oil in anticlines, Russian gas in sedimentary basins). This creates geopolitical dependencies and energy security issues.