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An introduction to energy resources
An introduction to energy resources

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S278_2 Glossary

S278_2 Glossary.
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Friday, 12 June 2026, 12:44 PM
Site: Open Learning
Course: An introduction to energy resources (S278_2)
Glossary: S278_2 Glossary
R

Renewable energy

Supplies of energy on Earth from internal and external processes that are continually available, whether they are used or not. They include solar, tidal, wave, wind, hydro and geothermal energy.

Residence time

The average time that carbon stays in a reservoir before moving to another reservoir, estimated by the amount in the reservoir divided by the transfer rate.

Respiration

The process where the organisms uses oxygen from air to react with the carbohydrates to liberate energy. Carbon dioxide and water are returned to the atmosphere during the respiration process.