Natural Resources

 Ever since the earth was inhabited, humans and

other life forms have depended on things that
exist freely in nature to survive.
 These things include water (seas and fresh
water), land, soils, rocks, forests (vegetation),
animals (including fish), fossil fuels and minerals.
 They are called Natural Resources and are the
basis of life on earth.
 Natural resources are sources of life, materials, or
energy that we are able to get naturally from the earth
such as fossil fuels, wind energy, rocks, trees, or a
source of power like solar energy.
 There are two main types of natural resources:
renewable and non-renewable.
 Renewable resources can be used endlessly and do not
have a reserve of supply, such as air, wind, or sunlight.
 Non-renewable energy resources will eventually run out
of supply, such as gasoline or even batteries used to
power cars.
 Natural resources are useful raw materials that
we get from the Earth.
 They occur naturally, which means that humans
cannot make natural resources. Instead, we use
and modify natural resources in ways that are
beneficial to us.
 The materials used in human-made objects are
natural resources. Some examples of natural
resources and the ways we can use them are:
Natural Resource Products or Services
Air Wind energy, tires
Foods (milk, cheese, steak, bacon) and
Animals clothing (wool sweaters, silk shirts,
leather belts)
Coal Electricity
Minerals Coins, wire, steel, aluminum cans,
jewelry
Natural gas Electricity, heating
Electricity, fuel for cars and airplanes,
Oil plastic

Plants Wood, paper, cotton clothing, fruits,

vegetables
Sunlight Solar power, photosynthesis
Water Hydroelectric energy, drinking, cleaning
Definition

 Asset or material that constitutes the natural

capital of a nation. Natural resources require
application of capital and human resources
(mental and physical labor) to be exploited
(extracted, processed, refined) for the
realization of their economic value
Why are Natural Resources so
important?
 Natural resources are available to sustain the
very complex interaction between living
things and non-living things. Humans also
benefit immensely from this interaction. All
over the world, people consume resources
directly or indirectly. Developed countries
consume resources more than under-
developed countries.
 Food and drink:
This includes agricultural products as well as naturally
occurring foods such as game, fish from fresh water and
seas, seeds and nuts, medicines, herbs and plants. They also
include drinking water, as well as water for sanitation and
household use. Think of ceramic plates, silverware (spoons,
forks and knives), cans, milk packages, paper and plastic
cups — they are all made from raw materials which come
from our natural.
 Mobility:
This includes automobiles, trains, water vessels, airplanes,
together with all the fuel that powers them.
 Housing and infrastructure:
Think about all the houses, public places, roads and constructed
objects you have in your city or town. Think about all the energy
for heating and cooling that we consume in our homes — can you
imagine where all the wood, metals, plastic, stone and other
materials came from?

Beyond these three major areas of resource consumption, we

consume much more resources from our environment on a daily
basis. The role of natural resources in sustaining life on earth is
extremely important and we must ensure that we protect the
environment and also make it easy for it to replenish itself
naturally.
Classification of Resources
Basis of stages of Development
 Actual Resources : These are resources which are
being used in present times ex : coal and minerals.
The development of an actual resources depends
upon the technology available and the cost
involved.
 Potential Resources : These resources are known to
exists and may be used in the future ex : petroleum
or natural gases may exist in many parts of the
world that have sedimentary rocks, but until and
unless it is actually drilled out and put into use, it
remains a potential resource.
Basis of Frequency of Occurence

 Ubiquitous Resources : These are resources

which are found everywhere. Ex : air, sunlight
etc. these resources are free from nature.
 Localised Resources : These resources are
found only in certain parts of the world ex:
copper, iron ore, natural oil etc. These
resources help in economic development of
the country.
Basis of Ownership
 Individual Resources : the personal resources which
are utilised and exploited for the benefit of an
individual or family are known as Individual resources
ex: land, house, skill etc.
 Natural Resources : the resources which are owned
collectively by the people of a particular country are
known as national resources ex : mineral, forests,
rivers, dams
 International Resources : these are material and non
material things of the world leading to human welfare
ex : oceans, atmosphere etc.
Basis of Origin

 Organic or Biotic Resources : these consists

of living things. They are obtained from the
biosphere ex : forest, land and marine
animals, birds etc.
 Inorganic or Abiotic Resources : these
resources consists of non living things. These
resources do not have life, growth and
reproduction ex : air, water, rocks etc.
Basis of Durability

 Natural Resources : The resources which are

made available by nature ex : sunlight, water,
minerals, air etc. It can be further divided into
Renewable and non renewable.
 Human Resources : human resources are
epitome in the overall resources
development. They act both as producer and
consumer.
Water Resources
 Water is so important for life that we can not
imagine life without it. The evolution of life itself
took place in the water. In the evolution of all
kinds of life, water has played an important role.
The amount of water found in the living beings is
65 per cent and 65 to 99 percent in plants. This
clearly shows the need and utility of water. Water
which is a precious gift of the nature has several
uses. Water is very essential for the development.
 Water is the most valuable resources of nature.
This is renewable and inexhaustible resource
but is in trouble these days. Demand of water
has been increasing continuously its supply
decreasing. If we look at the water resources of
India in the global contact, India has 4 percent
water whereas she is housing 16 percent of the
world’s population. It means the per capita
availability of water is quite low in our country.
Water Cycle
 The water cycle, thru evaporation and precipitation,
maintains hydrological systems which form rivers and
lakes and support in a variety of aquatic ecosystems.
The water or hydrologic cycle explains interactions
b/w the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
 Water is in constant motion, evaporating into the
atmosphere from oceans, lakes, rivers and streams.
When atmosphere can no longer support the
moisture within the clouds, we experience rain, snow,
hail etc. some water is locked in the form of ice at the
polar caps and in glaciers.
Importance of Water

1. Fundamental Importance
2. Transparent body
3. Absorption capacity
4. Human Civilization
5. A source of clean power
6. Industrial development
7. Domestic purpose
8. Water Disposal
9. Navigation
10. Mining
11. Salt production
Issues Related to Water

1. Over utilisation of water

2. Pollution of surface and groundwater
3. Water Crisis
Measures to Conserve Water
1. The water supply should be limited in those areas which enjoys the
unlimited water supplies.
2. Check the leakage of water in the toilets. Also get check the hidden
water leaks.
3. Educate the mind of the people in the rural areas to save the water.
4. Promote the conservation of water through media and wall posters.
5. Improvement in the water distribution system.
6. Water your lawn only when it is needed.
7. Capture the water that is leaking and repair it as soon as possible.
8. You can use washing machine to wash clothes that does not consume
much water.
9. Do not leave the tap running while washing the dishes in the kitchen.
10.Install small shower heads to reduce the flow of water
Rain Water harvesting

 Rain water harvesting is a technique of

recharge of ground water by capturing and
storing rain water. This is done by
constructing special water-harvesting
structures like dug wells, percolation, lagoon,
check dams etc. Rain water harvesting is not
only proving useful for poor and scantly
rainfall regions but also for the rich ones.
 Rain water harvesting has the following
objectives:
(i) To reduce run-off loss.
(ii) To avoid flooding of roads.
(iii) To meet the increasing demand of water.
(iv) To raise the water table by recharging ground
water.
(v) To reduce ground water contamination.
(vi) To supplement ground water supplies during
lean season.
Traditional rain water harvesting:

 In India it is an old practice in high rainfall areas to

collect rain water from roof tops into storage
tanks. Rajasthan is known for its underground
tanks and khadins (embankments) for harvesting
rain water.
 In our ancient times we had adequate Talaabs,
baawaris, Johars, Hauz etc. in every city, village
and capital cities of our kings and lords, which
were used to collect rain water and ensured
adequate water supply in dry periods.
Modern techniques of rain water
harvesting:
 Artificial ground water recharging ‘is done by constructing shallow
percolation tanks. Check- dams made of any suitable native
material (brush, poles, rocks, plants, loose rocks, wire nets, stones,
slabs, sacks, etc.) are constructed for harvesting run-off from large
catchments areas. Ground water flow can be intercepted by
building ground water dams for storing water underground.
 In roof top rain water harvesting, which is low cost and effective
technique for urban houses and buildings, the rain water from the
top of the roof is diverted to some surface tank or pit through a
delivery system which can be later used for several purposes. Also,
it can be used to recharge underground aquifers by diverting the
stored water to some abandoned dug-well or by using a hand
pump.
Forest Resources
 The word ‘forest’ is derived from the Latin word ‘foris’
means ‘outside’ (may be the reference was to a village
boundary or fence separating the village and the forest
land).
 A forest is a natural, self-sustaining community
characterized by vertical struc­ture created by presence
of trees. Trees are large, generally single-stemmed,
woody plants. Forest can exist in many different
regions under a wide range of conditions, but all true
forests share these physical characteristics.
 Because a forest is a natural community, no forest is static in
time. That is, because forest communities respond to outside
influences, most forests are in a state of constant flux.
Depending upon the systems within which forest commu­
nities exist, such factors might include rainfall, fire, wind,
glaciation, seismic activity, flooding, animal activity,
insulation, and so on.
 At any time, a forest is a collection of past responses to
outside influences and internal competitive interactions.
Therefore, the present status of any forest, indeed of any
natural community, reflects what has gone on before.
The direct benefits from forests are:

(a) Fuel Wood: Wood is used as a source of energy

for cooking purpose and for keeping warm.
(b) Timber: Wood is used for making furniture, tool-
handles, railway sleep­ers, matches, ploughs, bridges,
boats etc.
(c) Bamboos: These are used for matting, flooring,
baskets, ropes, rafts, cots etc.
(d) Food: Fruits, leaves, roots and tubers of plants
and meat of forest animals form the food of forest
tribes.
(e) Shelter: Mosses, ferns, insects, birds, reptiles,
mammals and micro-organ­isms are provided shelter by
forests.
(f) Paper: Wood and Bamboo pulp are used for
manufacturing paper (News­print, stationery, packing
paper, sanitary paper)
(g) Rayon: Bamboo and wood are used in the
manufacture of rayon (yarns, artificial silk-fibres)
(h) Forest Products: Tannins, gums, drugs, spices,
insecticides, waxes, honey, horns, musk, ivory, hides etc.
are all provided by the flora and fauna of for­ests.
The indirect benefits from forests are:

(a) Conservation of Soil: Forests prevent soil erosion by

binding the soil with the network of roots of the different
plants and reduce the velocity of wind and rain — which
are the chief agents causing erosion.
(b) Soil-improvement: The fertility of the soil increases
due to the humus which is formed by the decay of forest
litter.
(c) Reduction of Atmospheric Pollution: By using up
carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen during the process
of photosynthesis, forests reduce pollu­tion and purify the
environment.
(d) Control of Climate: Transpiration of plants
increases the atmospheric humidity which affects
rainfall and cools the atmosphere.
(e) Control of Water flow: In the forests, the thick
layer of humus acts like a big sponge and soaks rain
water preventing run-off, thereby preventing flash-
floods. Humus prevents quick evaporation of water,
thereby ensuring a perennial supply of water to
streams, springs and wells.
Deforestation:
 Deforestation is the permanent destruction of indigenous
forests and woodlands. The term does not include the
removal of industrial forests such as plantations of gums or
pines. Deforestation has resulted in the reduction of
indigenous for­ests to four-fifths of their pre-agricultural area.
 Indigenous forests now cover 21% of the earth’s land surface.
The World Resources Institute regards defor­estation as one of
the world’s most pressing land-use problems. The difference
between forests and woodlands is that whereas in a forest the
crowns of individual trees touch to form a single canopy, in
woodland, trees STOW far apart, so that the canopy is open.
 Of great concern is the rate at which
deforestation is occurring. Currently, 12
million hectares of forests are cleared
annually. Almost all of this deforestation
occurs in the moist forests and open
woodlands of the tropics.
Causes of Deforestation:

1. Agriculture Expansion
2. Animal Grazing
3. Commercial Logging
4. Cash Crop Economy
5. Mining
6. Population Explosion
7. Forest Fires
8. Natural Forces
Measures to Conserve Forest

1. Regulated And Planned Cutting Of Trees

2. Control Forest Fires
3. Check Over Forest Clearance For
Agricultural And Habitation Purposes
4. Protection Of Forest
5. Proper Utilisation Of Forest
6. Recycling And Replacing Forest Products
7. Public Cooperation
8. Role Of Government
Soil Resources
 Soil can be defined as the organic and
inorganic materials on the surface of the
earth that provide the medium for plant
growth. Soil develops slowly over time and is
composed of many different materials.
Inorganic materials, or those materials that
are not living, include weathered rocks and
minerals.
 The thin layer of grainy substance covering the
surface of the earth is called soil.

• Soil is made up of organic matter, minerals and

weathered rocks found on the earth. Landforms
determine the type of soil.

• The right mix of minerals and organic matter

make the soil fertile.
 ‘Soil’ is a word which has several different meanings. To the engineer, soil is
usually thought of as the finely ground, loose rock material at the Earth’s
surface (often termed ‘overburden’ and frequently regarded as an
inconvenience because it may have to be stripped, stored carefully and
replaced as part of an engineering project). The geologist calls this layer the
‘regolith’ (essentially meaning the same as the engineer’s overburden) and
frequently begins investigations below it. The farmer and gardener think of
the soil as the top few centimetres – the depth of plough or cultivation for
the former and a spade or garden fork depth for the latter (the ‘topsoil’).
They tend to ignore what’s underneath. Yet this deeper material (or ‘subsoil’)
is very important for plant growth, storing and supplying nutrients and
water. Also, a number of chemical substances (whether naturally produced
within the soil or added by human activity) pass from the topsoil through to
the subsoil. These may eventually reach underground water stores and
rivers, burns or lochs.
 Good quality soil must be capable of carrying out all the
uses for which it is needed, without long-term
deterioration. Scientists often talk about sustainable
use of soils – current uses of the soil should not affect its
range of other uses, either now or in the future. If we do
not maintain the soil in a reasonable condition, certain
aspects of modern life could start to become
unsustainable. It may be considered as ‘dirt’ by some,
but to those who are concerned with its ability to
support the world’s population, it is perhaps the most
valuable non-renewable resource on Earth.
Importance of Soil

1. Farming and food production

2. Forestry
3. Filter
4. Foundation for structures
5. Preserver
6. Regulates Climate
7. Ecology
8. Affects water cycle
Threats to Soil

1. Soil Erosion
2. Desertification
3. Acid Rain
4. Fertilisers
5. Pollutants
6. Deforestation
7. Loss Of Organic Matter
8. Acidification
Measures to Conserve Soil

 Refer to notes
Energy Resources
 Energy resources are the opportunities an
area offers to generate electricity based on its
natural conditions and circumstances. Some of
these energy resources are obvious; an area
might contain coal, oil, wood, or gas. But
others, like renewable resources such as wind,
solar, hydroelectric, and wave power are not
so obvious—they're based on the natural
weather patterns and features of an area.
Different Sources of Energy

1. Solar Energy
Solar power harvests the energy of the sun through using
collector panels to create conditions that can then be turned
into a kind of power. Large solar panel fields are often used in
desert to gather enough power to charge small substations,
and many homes use solar systems to provide for hot water,
cooling and supplement their electricity. The issue with solar
is that while there is plentiful amounts of sun available, only
certain geographical ranges of the world get enough of the
direct power of the sun for long enough to generate usable
power from this source.
2. Wind Energy
Wind power is becoming more and more common.
The new innovations that are allowing wind farms to
appear are making them a more common sight. By
using large turbines to take available wind as the
power to turn, the turbine can then turn a generator
to produce electricity. While this seemed like an ideal
solution to many, the reality of the wind farms is
starting to reveal an unforeseen ecological impact
that may not make it an ideal choice.
 3. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is the energy that is produced from beneath the
earth. It is clean, sustainable and environment friendly. High
temperatures are produced continuously inside the earth’s crust by the
slow delay of radioactive particles. Hot rocks present below the earth
heats up the water that produces steam. The steam is then captured that
helps to move turbines. The rotating turbines then power the generators.
Geothermal energy can be used by a residential unit or on a large scale by
a industrial application. It was used during ancient times for bathing and
space heating. The biggest disadvantage with geothermal energy is that
it can only be produced at selected sites throughout the world. The
largest group of geothermal power plants in the world is located at The
Geysers, a geothermal field in California, United States.
4. Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen is available with water(H2O) and is most
common element available on earth. Water contains two-
thirds of hydrogen and can be found in combination with
other elements. Once it is separated, it can be used as a
fuel for generating electricity. Hydrogen is a tremendous
source of energy and can be used as a source of fuel to
power ships, vehicles, homes, industries and rockets. It is
completely renewable, can be produced on demand and
does not leave any toxic emissions in the atmosphere.
5. Tidal Energy
Tidal energy uses rise and fall of tides to convert kinetic
energy of incoming and outgoing tides into electrical
energy. The generation of energy through tidal power is
mostly prevalent in coastal areas. Huge investment and
limited availability of sites are few of the drawbacks of
tidal energy. When there is increased height of water
levels in the ocean, tides are produced which rush back
and forth in the ocean. Tidal energy is one of the
renewable source of energy and produce large energy
even when the tides are at low speed.
6. Wave Energy
Wave energy is produced from the waves that are
produced in the oceans. Wave energy is renewable,
environment friendly and causes no harm to atmosphere.
It can be harnessed along coastal regions of many
countries and can help a country to reduce its dependance
on foreign countries for fuel. Producing wave energy can
damage marine ecosystem and can also be a source of
disturbance to private and commercial vessels. It is highly
dependent on wavelength and can also be a source of
visual and noise pollution.
7. Hydroelectric Energy
What many people are not aware of is that most of the cities and
towns in the world rely on hydropower, and have for the past
century. Every time you see a major damn, it is providing
hydropower to an electrical station somewhere. The power of the
water is used to turn generators to produce the electricity that is
then used. The problems faced with hydropower right now have
to do with the aging of the dams. Many of them need major
restoration work to remain functional and safe, and that costs
enormous sums of money. The drain on the world’s drinkable
water supply is also causing issues as townships may wind up
needing to consume the water that provides them power too.
8. Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is produced from organic material and is
commonly used throughout the world. Chlorophyll present in
plants captures the sun’s energy by converting carbon dioxide
from the air and water from the ground into carbohydrates
through the process of photosynthesis. When the plants are
burned, the water and carbon dioxide is again released back
into the atmosphere. Biomass generally include crops, plants,
trees, yard clippings, wood chips and animal wastes. Biomass
energy is used for heating and cooking in homes and as a fuel in
industrial production. This type of energy produces large
amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
9. Nuclear Power
While nuclear power remains a great subject of debate as
to how safe it is to use, and whether or not it is really
energy efficient when you take into account the waste it
produces – the fact is it remains one of the major
renewable sources of energy available to the world. The
energy is created through a specific nuclear reaction,
which is then collected and used to power generators.
While almost every country has nuclear generators, there
are moratoriums on their use or construction as scientists
try to resolve safety and disposal issues for waste.
 Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil and Natural Gas):
When most people talk about the different sources of energy they
list natural gas, coal and oil as the options – these are all considered
to be just one source of energy from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels provide
the power for most of the world, primarily using coal and oil. Oil is
converted into many products, the most used of which is gasoline.
Natural gas is starting to become more common, but is used mostly
for heating applications although there are more and more natural
gas powered vehicles appearing on the streets. The issue with fossil
fuels is twofold. To get to the fossil fuel and convert it to use there
has to be a heavy destruction and pollution of the environment. The
fossil fuel reserves are also limited, expecting to last only another
100 years given are basic rate of consumption.
Methods of Energy Conservation
 1.  Install CFL Lights: Try replacing incandescent bulbs in
your home with CFL bulbs. CFL bulbs cost more upfront but
last 12 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. CFL
bulbs will not only save energy but over time you end up
saving money.
 2. Lower the Room Temperature: Even a slight decrease in
room temperature lets say by only a degree or two, can
result in big energy savings. The more the difference
between indoor and outdoor temperature, the more energy
it consumes to maintain room temperature. A more smarter
and comfortable way of doing this is to buy a programmable
thermostat.
 3. Fix Air Leaks: Proper insulation will fix air leaks
that could be costing you. During winter months,
you could be letting out a lot of heat if you do not
have a proper insulation. You can fix those leaks
yourself or call an energy expert to do it for you.
 4. Use Maximum Daylight: Turn off lights during
the day and use daylight as much as possible. This
will reduce the burden on the local power grid and
save you good amount of money in the long run.
 5. Get Energy Audit Done: Getting energy audit done by hiring an
energy audit expert for your home is an energy conservation
technique that can help you conserve energy and save good
amount of money every month. Home energy audit is nothing but a
process that helps you to identify areas in your home where it is
losing energy and what steps you can take to overcome them.
Implement the tips and suggestions given by those energy experts
and you might see some drop in your monthly electricity bill.
 6. Use Energy Efficient Appliances: When planning to buy some
electrical appliances, prefer to buy one with Energy Star rating.
Energy efficient appliances with Energy Star rating consume less
energy and save you money. They might cost you more in the
beginning but it is much more of an investment for you.
 7. Drive Less, Walk More and Carpooling: Yet another
energy conservation technique is to drive less and walk
more. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will
also keep you healthy as walking is a good exercise. If you go
to office by car and many of your colleagues stay nearby, try
doing carpooling with them. This will not only bring down
your monthly bill you spend on fuel but will also make you
socially more active.
 8. Switch Off Appliances when Not in Use: Electrical
appliances like coffee machine, idle printer, desktop
computer keep on using electricity even when not in use.
Just switch them off if you don’t need them immediately.
 9. Plant Shady Landscaping: Shady landscaping outside
your home will protect it from intense heat during hot
and sunny days and chilly winds during the winter season.
This will keep your home cool during summer season and
will eventually turn to big savings when you calculate the
amount of energy saved at the end of the year.
 10. Install Energy Efficient Windows: Some of the older
windows installed at our homes aren’t energy efficient.
Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are much
better than single pane windows. Choosing correct blinds
can save on your power bills.
Thank you