GCE Geography 1990 Theory question 115

Theory question 115

Geography of Africa

Write a geographical account of petroleum mining in North Africa under the following headings: (a) Major areas (b) Methods of mining (c) Transportation (d) Importance to the economy

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a) Libya (Sirte basin – Zelten, Dahra; terminals Es Sider, Marsa el Brega); Algeria (Hassi Messaoud, Edjeleh); Egypt (Gulf of Suez, Western Desert); Tunisia (El Borma)
(b) Survey (seismic) to locate oil-bearing structures; drilling with a derrick/rig; oil flows by natural pressure or is pumped; valves (Christmas tree) control flow; separation of gas and water
(c) Pipelines from desert fields to coastal terminals and refineries; tankers to Europe; some by road tankers
(d) Main source of foreign exchange and government revenue; employment; raw material for refineries and petrochemicals; fuel and power; funds for development projects (roads, schools, irrigation); growth of towns and ports

Explanation

Name real fields and terminals.