EARTH RESOURCES

Definition of natural resources

• Natural resources

  Natural resources (economically referred to as land or raw materials) are naturally forming substances that are considered valuable in their relatively unmodified (natural) form. (Taken from; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_resource)

• Renewable resources

  A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans. (Taken from;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_resource)

• Non-renewable resources

  Non-renewable resources cannot be replaced or can only be replaced over thousands or millions of years. (Taken from; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_resource)

Renewable resources

Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced.Below are the renewable natural resources;

* forest

The forest functions as a habitat for many species of flora and fauna. They are also harvested for wood production. It also protects the Earth’s surface from direct erosion from rainwater thus preventing landslide from happening.

* water

Water is essential for the survival of all forms of life. It covers up 71% of the Earth’s surface. Basically, water is used for household purposes which include drinking, cooking, and so on. Besides that, it is also used in agricultural and industrial activities. It is also a source of power and a habitat for many aquatic animals. In certain rural areas, water acts as a mode of transportation like the Rajang River in Sarawak, Malaysia.

* living things

Living things are also considered as resources. Even us, human beings are considered resources as we are capable to change raw materials into valuable resources. Plants and animals are main supplies of food. Animals’ fur and wools can be made into clothes. Through photosynthesis, plants produce oxygen which is essential for respiration.

* air

Air is a layer of gases surrounding the Earth. Air is vital for living as oxygen in the air is compulsory for respiration, combustion and respiration. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide in the air is one of the important elements for photosynthesis whereby plants make their own food.

* soil

The Earth’s surface is covered with soil. It is a mixture of minerals and organic matters. Soil is used in mining, agriculture and construction industries. It also provides minerals and water to plants. Not only that, it is a habitat for various organisms such as earthworms.

Non-renewable resources

Some non-renewable resources can actually be renewed. However, the process for it to replenish will take an extremely long period of time. The following are the non-renewable resources;

~ minerals

Minerals are actually elements or compounds which are formed naturally in the Earth’s crust. Things we use in everyday life from pencils to laptops are made from minerals and other materials which had been extracted from the Earth. Bauxite, bromine, clays, copper, gold and tin are common mineral resources. Tin and bauxite, which is the main source for aluminum, is used widely in making cans and containers. Meanwhile, clay such as kaolin is used in making porcelains. Other than that, copper are used in electrical cables and building constructions.

~ fossil fuels

Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, oil and natural gas take millions of years to form naturally and cannot be replaced as fast as they are being consumed. Malaysia relies on fossil fuels as main sources of energy, causing it to decrease time by time. Eventually, fossil fuels will become too costly to harvest and human kind will need to find other alternatives of energy.