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EnglandGeographyQuick questions
Component 3: Geographical Debates
Quick questions on Exploring oceans: systems, resources, geopolitics and management - OCR A-Level Geography
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are oceans as physical systems?Show answer
Oceans cover most of the planet and do far more than hold water. Surface currents (driven by wind, such as the Gulf Stream) transport heat from the tropics towards the poles, moderating regional climates; deep currents (driven by density) return cold water at depth. The oceans store enormous amounts of heat, buffering atmospheric warming, and absorb roughly a quarter of human carbon dioxide emissions through the solubility and biological pumps, a key carbon sink. They also support marine ecosystems and the biological productivity on which fisheries depend.
What are oceans as contested resources?Show answer
The oceans are an increasingly contested resource base. Fisheries feed billions and employ millions, but many stocks are overfished beyond sustainable limits, a classic common-pool resource problem. Mineral resources (offshore oil and gas, and prospective deep-sea minerals such as polymetallic nodules) draw growing interest as land reserves deplete and technology advances. Energy from the sea (offshore wind, tidal and wave) is expanding as part of decarbonisation.
What is q1?Show answer
Define an Exclusive Economic Zone. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why the high seas are difficult to govern. [4 marks]
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