Natural Resources :

Renewable and Non-

renewable Resources
UNIT 2
 Natural resources
• The resources derived from the environment are called natural resources.
• Natural resources are materials from the Earth that are used to support life
and meet people’s needs.
• Any natural substance that humans use can be considered a natural
resource. Oil, coal, natural gas, metals, stone and sand are natural resources.
Other natural resources are air, sunlight, soil and water. Animals, birds, fish
and plants are natural resources as well.
• Natural resources are the fundamental building blocks of our planet's
environment, providing the necessary elements for life and contributing to
the well-being of both ecosystems and human societies.
 Natural Resource Uses
Sunlight The primary source
of energy for all
producers
Air Wind energy
Water Hydroelectric
energy, drinking,
and cleaning
Plants Food, paper
production, and
clothing
Animals Food (meat, milk,
and cheese) and
clothing (sweaters,
leather products,
and silk-made
products)
Natural gas Electricity and
producing heat
Coal Electricity
Petroleum Energy in
Transportation
• Natural resources are used to make food, fuel and raw materials for the
production of goods. All of the food that people eat comes from plants
or animals. Natural resources such as coal, natural gas and oil provide
heat, light and power. Natural resources also are the raw materials for
making products that we use everyday from our toothbrush and lunch
box to our clothes, cars, televisions, computers and refrigerators.
Significance of Natural
Resources
• Natural resources play a critical role in sustaining life and fostering human development.
They contribute to a wide array of sectors, including agriculture, energy, industry,
medicine, and transportation. Here’s a closer look at their significance:
• Economic Growth: Many economies heavily depend on the extraction and utilization of
natural resources to drive industries and generate income. For instance, minerals are
vital for manufacturing electronics and construction materials, while fossil fuels power
transportation and energy production.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Natural resources are integral to maintaining
biodiversity and ecosystem health. Forests provide habitats for numerous species, water
bodies support aquatic life, and wetlands offer essential water purification services.
• Energy Production: Renewable resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal
energy, offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. These sources reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and help mitigate climate change.
• Agriculture and Food Security: Fertile soils and freshwater resources enable agricultural
activities, ensuring food production and supporting livelihoods around the world.
Types of Natural Resources
Renewable Resources
• Renewable resources are resources that are renewed during our
lifetime. They are available to us in abundance.
• However, the rate at which they are renewed may differ.
• Sunlight, air, water, plants, and animals are some examples of
renewable resources on Earth.
• These resources can naturally replenish themselves over time through
natural processes. Renewable resources play a crucial role in
maintaining ecological balance and supporting sustainable practices.
• Renewable resources are inexhaustible.
• These resources are present in unlimited quantity.
Non renewable resources
• Non-renewable resources are those natural resources that cannot be
readily renewed by natural means quickly enough.
• They are available in limited quantities and thus can get exhausted
with time.
• Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, oils, and natural gas, are non-
renewable resources.
• Their extraction and use have far-reaching environmental and socio-
economic implications.
Sustainable Management
• The responsible management of natural resources is paramount to ensure their
availability for future generations. Sustainable practices involve minimizing
overexploitation, reducing waste, and promoting conservation. Some strategies
include:
• Conservation: Protecting natural habitats and ecosystems helps preserve
biodiversity and maintain the delicate balance of nature.
• Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources reduces
dependence on non-renewable resources and mitigates environmental impacts.
• Recycling and Reuse: Recycling materials and reusing products reduce the
demand for new resources and minimize waste.
• Legal and Ethical Frameworks: Implementing and enforcing regulations that
govern resource extraction and use ensure that natural resources are utilized
responsibly and equitably.
Natural resources form the foundation of our planet’s intricate web of
life and are indispensable to human well-being and progress.
Understanding the different types of natural resources and adopting
sustainable management practices is essential to safeguard the
environment, promote economic development, and create a
harmonious future where both nature and humanity can thrive.
WATER RESOURCES
• Water is characterized by certain unique features which make it a marvellous resource:
• (i) It exists as a liquid over a wide range of temperature i.e. from 0° to100°C.
• (ii) It has the highest specific heat, due to which it warms up and cools down very slowly without
causing shocks of temperature jerks to the aquatic life.
• (iii) It has a high latent heat of vaporization Hence, it takes a huge amount of energy for getting
vaporized. That’s why it produces a cooling effect as it evaporates.
• (iv) It is an excellent solvent for several nutrients. Thus, it can serve as a very good carrier of
nutrients, including oxygen, which are essential for life. But, it can also easily dissolve various
pollutants and become a carrier of pathogenic microorganisms.
• (v) Due to high surface tension and cohesion it can easily rise through great heights through the trunk
even in the tallest of the trees like Sequoia.
• (vi) It has an anamolous expansion behaviour i.e. as it freezes, it expands instead of contracting and
thus becomes lighter. It is because of this property that even in extreme cold, the lakes freeze only on
the surface. Being lighter the ice keeps floating, whereas the bottom waters remain at a higher
temperature and therefore, can sustain aquatic organisms even in extreme cold
• The water we use keeps on cycling endlessly through the environment,
which we call as Hydrological Cycle. We have enormous resources of water
on the earth amounting to about 97%.
• The water from various moist surfaces evaporates and falls again on the
earth in the form of rain or snow and passes through living organisms and
ultimately returns to the oceans.
• Every year about 1.4 inch thick layer of water evaporates from the oceans,
more than 90% of which returns to the oceans through the hydrological
cycle. Solar energy drives the water cycle by evaporating it from various
water bodies, which subsequently return through rainfall or snow.
• Plants too play a very important role by absorbing the groundwater from
the soil and releasing it into the atmosphere by the process of
transpiration.
• On a global average 70 percent of the water
withdrawn is used for agriculture. In India,
we use 93% of water in agricultural sector
while in a country like Kuwait, which is
water-poor, only 4% is used for watering the
crops.
• About 25% of water on global average is
used in industry, which again varies from a
high of 70% in European countries to as low
as 5% in less developed countries.
• Per capita use of water shows wide
variations. In USA, an average family of 4
consumes more than 1000 M3 of water per
year, which is many times more than that in
most developing countries
BIOTIC RESOURCES
• Biotic resources, often referred to as living resources, encompass
all the living organisms that make up our environment. These
resources are an integral part of Earth's biosphere and include
plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Biotic resources are
not only essential for the sustenance of life but also contribute
significantly to various industries such as agriculture,
pharmaceuticals, and forestry. Their diversity and abundance
have a profound impact on our daily lives.
• Biotic resources encompass a vast array of flora, fauna, and
microorganisms, each contributing to the resilience and balance
of ecosystems while fulfilling essential roles in various industries
and our daily lives.
• Characteristics of Biotic Resources
• Understanding these traits is crucial for appreciating the
profound impact these resources have on our planet and the
importance of their sustainable management. Here are the
detailed characteristics of biotic resources:
• Renewability
• Biotic resources have the remarkable ability to renew
themselves through natural processes. For example, trees can
regenerate through seed dispersal, ensuring a continuous
supply of wood.
• Interdependence
• Living organisms in an ecosystem rely on one another for
survival. This intricate web of dependencies ensures the
balance of nature, where each species has a specific role to
play.
• Variability
• Biotic resources exhibit incredible diversity, from the
microscopic life in a drop of water to the majestic
forests that cover vast expanses of land. This diversity
is a testament to the adaptability of life.
• Susceptibility to Environmental Changes
• Biotic resources are sensitive to changes in their
environment. Factors like climate change, pollution, and
habitat destruction can have dire consequences on
these resources.
• Energy Source:
• Many biotic resources serve as sources of energy, such as biomass
(wood, crop residues) which can be used for fuel.
• Flora:
• Forests: These provide timber, fruits, and habitat for countless species.
• Agricultural Crops: Staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize are
essential for global food security.
• Medicinal Plants: Many life-saving drugs originate from plants, such
as the anti-malarial compound quinine from the cinchona tree.
• Fauna:
• Livestock: Cattle, poultry, and other domesticated animals are vital for
meat, dairy, and leather production.
• Wildlife: Biotic resources also include wild animals, like elephants for
ivory and bees for honey.
• Aquatic Life: Fish and other aquatic organisms are primary sources of
protein for many communities.
• Microorganisms:
• Microbes: Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are used in
biotechnology, fermentation processes, and the production of
antibiotics.
Soil and Mineral Resources
• Soil is the top layer of the Earth’s surface made up of
tiny pieces of rock, minerals, organic matter like dead
plants and animals, and water.
• It is where plants grow and where many animals live.
Soil comes in different types each with its own
characteristics that affect plant growth and the
environment.
Soil formation
• The breakdown of various types of rocks over a period of time
by natural elements leads to the formation of soil. Soil is formed
by the following processes: weathering and paedogenesis.
• A rock exposed to sun expands on its outer surface during the
day time.
• During the night the rock cools downs and shrink leading to
formation of cracks in it.
• Rainfall leaps water into the cracks, as well as air also enters
the cracks combines with other elements of rocks.
• Soon bacterial growth starts along with small plants. The rock
starts becoming soft and soil formation occur.
• Soil is as important as water
as a resource. It provides
nutrients and an anchor to
the roots of plants and is
therefore essential to their
healthy growth and yield of
food.
• It is a complex mixture of
organic and mineral content
which is constantly being
formed by the weathering of
rocks.
Importance of soil as a Natural
Resource
1. Foundation for Food Production
• Agriculture: Soil is essential for growing crops, which are the primary source of food for humans and animals. The fertility of the
soil determines the quantity and quality of agricultural production.
• Nutrient Supply: Soil provides essential nutrients to plants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements,
which are vital for plant growth and development.
2. Regulation of Water
• Water Filtration: Soil acts as a natural filter, purifying water by trapping pollutants and impurities as water percolates through it.
• Water Storage: Soil retains moisture and regulates the flow of water within ecosystems, preventing floods and droughts by
controlling the release of water.
3. Habitat for Organisms
• Biodiversity: Soil is home to a vast array of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and earthworms, all of which contribute to
nutrient cycling and soil health.
• Ecosystem Support: These organisms decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and improve soil structure, making it a crucial
component of ecosystems.
4. Climate Regulation
• Carbon Sequestration: Soil plays a significant role in the carbon cycle by storing carbon as organic matter, helping to mitigate the
effects of climate change.
• Temperature Regulation: Soil can moderate temperature extremes by storing and releasing heat, influencing local and global
climates.
5. Raw Materials
• Construction: Soil provides raw materials like clay, sand, and gravel used in construction and other
industries.
• Mineral Resources: Soils contain minerals that are vital for various industrial processes, including the
production of ceramics, glass, and fertilizers.
6. Cultural and Aesthetic Value
• Landscapes: Soil contributes to the formation of diverse landscapes, which have cultural, aesthetic,
and recreational value.
• Archaeology: Soil layers preserve archaeological artifacts and provide insights into past human
civilizations and environmental conditions.
7. Environmental Protection
• Erosion Control: Healthy soil prevents erosion by binding soil particles together, reducing the loss of
fertile topsoil and preventing sedimentation in water bodies.
• Pollution Buffering: Soil can absorb and break down pollutants, reducing the impact of environmental
contaminants on ecosystems.
8. Foundation for Infrastructure
• Support for Structures: Soil provides the foundation for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure,
making it essential for urban development and human settlement.
Types of soil
• There are various types of soils based on their contents,
texture, water holding capacity, aeration, etc. A few of these
are as follows:
• Sandy soil: It consists of loose particles with poor nutrient
content and very little water-holding capacity.
• Clayey soil: Its particles remain very close together with
little or no space. Aeration is poor but it has great water
holding capacity.
• Loamy soil: It has moderate aeration and water-holding
capacity. It is considered the best soil for agriculture due to
its rich nutrient content and the above properties.
• Peaty soil: This type of soil is characterized by high
organic content, making it dark and rich. It holds
moisture well and is acidic, often found in marshy or
wet areas.
• Chalky soil: Chalky soil is alkaline and contains a high
concentration of calcium carbonate. It tends to be light
and free-draining, with poor water retention.
• Silty soil: Silty soil has fine particles that are smaller
than sand but larger than clay. It is fertile, retains
moisture well, and has good drainage, making it
suitable for a variety of crops.
Mineral resources
• Mineral resources are naturally occurring, inorganic substances that
are found in the Earth's crust. They have a definite chemical
composition and physical properties, making them valuable for
various industrial, economic, and technological purposes.
Types of Mineral Resources

• Mineral resources can be broadly classified into several categories

based on their properties and uses:
• Metallic Minerals:
• These contain metal elements in their chemical composition and are usually
extracted for their metal content. Examples include:
• Ferrous Minerals: Iron ore, manganese, and chromite, which contain iron and are used
in steelmaking.
• Non-Ferrous Minerals: Copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, and aluminum, which do not
contain iron and are used in a wide range of applications from electronics to
construction.
• Non-Metallic Minerals:
• These do not contain metals but have important industrial uses.
Examples include:
• Industrial Minerals: Limestone, gypsum, and clay, which are used in
construction, ceramics, and cement production.
• Precious Stones: Diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, which are valued for
their rarity and beauty, often used in jewelry.
Formation of Mineral Resources
• Minerals are formed through various geological processes over millions of years. The key processes
include:
• Igneous Processes:
• Minerals form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. This process creates minerals like quartz,
feldspar, and mica.
• Magmatic Concentration: Some minerals crystallize from molten rock in concentrated layers, forming deposits
like chromite and magnetite.
• Sedimentary Processes:
• Minerals are formed from the deposition and lithification of sediment particles. Sedimentary rocks like limestone
and shale often contain mineral deposits such as gypsum, halite, and coal.
• Metamorphic Processes:
• Existing rocks are transformed into new types of rocks and minerals under extreme heat and pressure. This can
result in the formation of valuable minerals like graphite, marble, and slate.
• Weathering and Erosion:
• These processes break down rocks at the Earth’s surface, with minerals being transported and concentrated in
new locations, forming secondary deposits like placer gold and bauxite.
Uses of Mineral Resources

• Mineral resources are vital to various aspects of modern life, including:

• Construction: Minerals like limestone, gypsum, and clay are used in making cement, concrete,
bricks, and plaster.
• Manufacturing: Metals like iron, copper, and aluminum are fundamental to manufacturing
vehicles, machinery, electronics, and infrastructure.
• Energy Production: Coal, uranium, and oil are critical for electricity generation and fuel production.
• Jewelry and Art: Precious metals and gemstones like gold, silver, and diamonds are highly valued
for jewelry, ornamentation, and investment.
• Agriculture: Minerals like phosphates, potash, and sulfur are essential for making fertilizers that
enhance soil fertility and crop production.
• Technology: Rare earth elements like neodymium, lithium, and cobalt are crucial for producing
high-tech devices, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
• Global Distribution of Mineral Resources
• Uneven Distribution:
• Mineral resources are unevenly distributed around the world, depending on
the geological history of different regions. For example:
• Iron Ore: Major deposits are found in Australia, Brazil, Russia, and China.
• Oil and Gas: Significant reserves are located in the Middle East, Russia, and North
America.
• Gold: South Africa, Australia, and Russia are among the largest producers.