Unit-III

Chapter-5:MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES


 EXERCISES

1. Choose the right answers of the following from the given options.

(i) In which one of the following States are the major oil fields located?

(a) Assam (c) Rajasthan

(b) Bihar (d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: (a) Assam.

(ii) At which one of the following places was the first atomic power station started?

(a) Kalpakkam (c) Rana Pratap Sagar

(b) Narora (d) Tarapur

Answer: (d) Tarapur.

(iii) Which one of the following minerals is known as brown diamond?

(a) Iron (c) Manganese

(b) Lignite (d) Mica

Answer: (b) Lignite.

(iv) Which one of the following is non-renewable source of energy?

(a) Hydel (c) Thermal

(b) Solar (d) Wind power

Answer: (c) Thermal.

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Give an account of the distribution of mica in India.

Answer: India holds significant mica reserves concentrated in three states:

*Jharkhand: Koderma-Gaya-Hazaribagh belt is the leading producer.

*Andhra Pradesh: Accounts for roughly 41% of the country's total mica resources.

*Rajasthan: Ajmer region hosts major mica deposits.

    Other states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar also contribute to mica production, but in smaller quantities.

(ii) What is nuclear power? Mention the important nuclear power stations in India.

Answer: Nuclear Power in India: A Glimpse

Nuclear power utilizes nuclear fission reactions to generate heat, which creates steam to drive turbines and produce electricity. It offers a low-carbon energy source but raises concerns about safety and waste disposal.

Important Nuclear Power Stations in India:

*Tarapur: First operational (1969), located in Maharashtra.

*Kudankulam: Largest capacity (2000 MW), built with Russian collaboration in Tamil Nadu.

*Kaiga and Rajasthan: Major contributors, located in Karnataka and Rajasthan, respectively.

*Narora and Kakrapar: Additional key stations situated in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

    India aims to expand its nuclear capacity but faces challenges regarding public perception and environmental concerns.

(iii) Name non-ferrous metal. Discuss their spatial distribution.

Answer: Non-ferrous metals, unlike iron and steel, are corrosion-resistant, lighter, and often valuable. Common examples include:

*Copper: Concentrated in Chile, Peru, China, and the DRC.

*Aluminum: Abundant in Australia, Guinea, China, and Brazil.

*Nickel: Mined primarily in Indonesia, Philippines, Russia, and New Caledonia.

*Zinc: Major deposits found in China, Peru, Australia, and India.

*Lead: Extracted mainly in China, Australia, Peru, and Mexico.

Spatial distribution is influenced by geological factors like rock formations and mineral deposits, along with economic and technical aspects like mining feasibility and market demand.

(iv) What are non-conventional sources of energy?

Answer: Non-conventional energy sources, also known as renewables, are those replenished naturally at a human timescale. They include:

*Solar: Harnessing the sun's energy for electricity or heat.

*Wind: Utilizing the kinetic energy of moving air to generate electricity.

*Hydropower: Converting moving water's energy into electricity.

*Geothermal: Tapping Earth's internal heat for electricity or direct heating.

*Biomass: Using organic matter like wood or crops for energy generation.

    These sources, unlike fossil fuels, offer sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for energy needs.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) Write a detailed note on the Petroleum resources of India.

Answer: Petroleum Resources of India: A Snapshot

India, despite being the world's fourth-largest energy consumer, holds relatively moderate crude oil and natural gas reserves. Understanding their distribution, production, and challenges is crucial for the country's energy security and sustainability.

Distribution:

*Estimated reserves: As of April 2021, India had 587.335 Million Tonnes (MT) of crude oil and 1068 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of natural gas reserves.

*Concentration: Roughly 37% of oil reserves lie in the Western Offshore region, followed by Assam (27%), Rajasthan (19%), and Tamil Nadu (8%). Natural gas reserves are similarly concentrated in Western Offshore (28%) and Rajasthan (24%).

Production:

*Current status: In 2020-21, India produced 30.49 MT of crude oil and 28.67 BCM of natural gas, meeting only around 15% of its oil and 53% of its gas demand.

*Exploration and development: Public sector companies like ONGC and OIL continue exploration efforts, and private sector participation is increasing.

Challenges:

*Depletion: Reserves are gradually decreasing, necessitating continuous exploration and efficient resource management.

*Import dependence: India relies heavily on oil imports, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical issues.

*Environmental concerns: Exploration, extraction, and refining activities pose environmental risks like pollution and habitat destruction.

Future outlook:

*Renewable energy focus: Investing in solar, wind, and other renewable sources is crucial for long-term energy security and climate change mitigation.

*Technological advancements: Utilizing advanced exploration and extraction technologies can help tap into unconventional resources and improve efficiency.

*Sustainable practices: Implementing environmentally responsible policies and practices throughout the petroleum value chain is essential.

    The future of India's petroleum resources lies in a balanced approach towards managing existing reserves, diversifying energy sources, and embracing sustainable practices for long-term energy security and environmental well-being.

(ii) Write an essay on hydel power in India.

Answer: Harnessing the Flow: Hydel Power in India

Hydropower, harnessing the energy of flowing water, has been a cornerstone of India's energy landscape for over a century. Its clean, renewable nature offers immense potential, yet challenges lurk beneath the cascading torrents. Let's delve into the story of hydel power in India.

Boon and Promise:

India boasts the world's fifth-largest installed hydro capacity, with rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus cascading towards the sea, holding immense potential. This clean energy source generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India's climate change goals. Hydropower also provides peaking power capabilities, crucial for grid stability during peak demand.

Challenges and Concerns:

Despite its promise, hydel power faces hurdles. Large dam projects cause social and environmental disruptions, displacing communities and impacting ecosystems. Concerns regarding deforestation, soil erosion, and downstream water flow remain valid. Additionally, sedimentation in reservoirs reduces their lifespan and generation capacity.

Navigating the Rapids:

To ensure hydro is truly sustainable, a focus on smaller, run-of-the-river projects with minimal ecological impact is vital. Efficient reservoir management, sediment removal strategies, and community engagement are key. Embracing green energy technologies like pumped hydro storage can enhance grid stability and integrate with renewable sources like solar and wind.

The Future Flows:

As India strives towards energy security and sustainability, hydel power needs a recalibration. Prioritizing responsible project development, embracing technological advancements, and mitigating environmental and social impacts are crucial. By navigating the challenges and harnessing the flow wisely, hydel power can continue to be a vital force in India's energy journey, illuminating the path towards a brighter future.

    This essay provides a concise overview of hydel power in India. Remember, you can expand on specific aspects like technological advancements, case studies of successful projects, or delve deeper into environmental concerns for a more detailed analysis.




Answer By: Himashree Bora.

DABP006730