AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Distribution of Natural Energy Resources
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Can we assume that natural energy resources are spread evenly within a single continent?
No, because the distribution is not uniform and depends on the specific geologic history of different regions, which can vary greatly even within one continent.
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Can we assume that natural energy resources are spread evenly within a single continent?
No, because the distribution is not uniform and depends on the specific geologic history of different regions, which can vary greatly even within one continent.
If a large deposit of coal is found, what does this imply about that region's distant past?
It implies the region had a specific geologic history, likely involving ancient swampy forests, that was suitable for the formation of coal.
What is the primary factor that determines where natural energy resources are found?
The location and concentration of natural energy resources depend on a region's specific geologic history.
Two countries are the same size, but one has vast natural gas reserves while the other has none. What is the most likely explanation?
The most likely explanation is that the two countries have different geologic histories, leading to a non-uniform distribution of natural gas between them.
What does it mean for the distribution of a resource to be 'not uniform'?
It means that the resource is concentrated in some places and is scarce or completely absent in others.
What is the relationship between a region's geology and its energy resources?
A region's geologic history directly determines which, if any, natural energy resources like coal or gas will be present.
Why doesn't every country have its own significant deposits of crude oil?
Because the formation of crude oil requires a specific geologic history that did not occur everywhere, and its distribution is not uniform.
How is the global distribution of natural energy resources characterized?
The global distribution of natural energy resources is not uniform, meaning it is spread unevenly across different regions.
Identify the core principle explaining where natural energy resources occur.
The occurrence of natural energy resources is not random; it is a direct result of the geological processes that have shaped a particular region over millions of years.
List the examples of natural energy resources provided in the text.
The examples provided are ores, coal, crude oil, and gas.