Main distribution pattern for Ocean Minerals and Fossil Fuels: 2.2.8
see picture from 28/3/2022 for diagram of continental shelf
How is oil & gas formed?
large amounts of dead plankton (tiny plants & animals) fall to bottom of ocean, get trapped under layers of sediment and more plankton - heat and pressure causes oil
more heat and pressure causes oil to turn to natural gas
Which parts of the ocean are rich in oil & nat gas?
North Sea
Gulf of Mexico
Arabian Gulf
Deep basins in Indian/Pacific oceans
US - Canada border dispute in the Beaufort Sea:
Beaufort Sea is claimed by both countries - its rich in minerals
2010 - Arctic survey aimed at determining extent of countries continental crusts (coastal nations can exploit EEZ 200 miles beyond base line)
Study is part of race between countries to gather evidence and submit claims under UNCLOS
If Arctic nations can prove continental crust and submerged territory extends into the Beaufort Sea - could gain access to untapped resources
Turkey & Cyprus dispute in the Med:
Over the extent of EEZ sparked by oil/gas exploitation
Turkey's definition of EEZ differs from Cyprus - other countries side with Cyprus as it follows UNCLOS definition
Alleged Turkey is illegally drilling in Cyprus' EEZ
Israel - Lebanon - Cyprus:
EEZ overlaps
Forced to calculate equidistant point - this is difficult as country want the most so will consistently dispute