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NATURAL RESOURCES OF PLANT EARTH:-
Our planet is endowed with a wide variety of natural resources that are essential for human survival and development. Natural resources are the raw materials and energy sources that occur naturally on Earth and are used by humans to sustain life and improve their quality of life. These resources include everything from air, water, and soil to minerals, forests, and fossil fuels. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important natural resources of planet Earth and their significance for human well-being.
-:WATER:-
Water is one of the most precious natural resources on our planet. It covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and is essential for all forms of life. Freshwater resources are finite and unevenly distributed, making them a valuable commodity for humans. Access to clean drinking water is critical for human health, sanitation, and agriculture. However, freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce due to overconsumption, pollution, and climate change.
-:AIR:-
Air is another essential natural resource that is vital for life on Earth. The atmosphere is composed of a mixture of gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Air quality is critical for human health and well-being. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, while clean air is essential for agriculture, transportation, and industry.
-:SOIL:-
Soil is a vital natural resource that supports all forms of life on Earth. It is the foundation for agriculture and provides the nutrients and water necessary for plant growth. Healthy soil is also essential for maintaining biodiversity and regulating the Earth’s climate. However, soil degradation, erosion, and pollution threaten the health of our soils and the ecosystems they support.
:-FOREST:-
Forests are essential natural resources that provide numerous benefits to humans and the environment. They support biodiversity, regulate the climate, and provide valuable resources such as wood, paper, and medicine. Forests also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, deforestation and forest degradation threaten the health of our forests and the benefits they provide.
-:MINERALS:-
Minerals are natural resources that are essential for many industrial processes and everyday products. They include metals such as copper, iron, and gold, as well as non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel, and limestone. Mining activities can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil erosion. Therefore, responsible mining practices are essential for ensuring the sustainable use of mineral resources.
-: FOSSIL FUELS:-
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable natural resources that have played a significant role in powering human development. They are used for electricity generation, transportation, and heating. However, the use of fossil fuels has significant environmental impacts, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Therefore, there is a growing need to transition to renewable energy sources to ensure a sustainable energy future.
★In conclusion, natural resources are critical for human survival and well-being. However, the unsustainable use and exploitation of these resources can have significant environmental and social impacts. Therefore, it is essential to manage our natural resources in a sustainable and responsible way to ensure their availability for future generations.
★Natural resources can be classified into two categories — (i) Renewable resources. (ii) Non- renewable resources.
★RENEWABLE RESOURCES:- Resources that have been capacity to reappear or recycling, reproduction and replacement within a reasonable time and maintain themselves are called Renewable resources. Example:- Soil, Water, Living organism.
★NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES:- Resources than lack the ability for recycling and replacement are called Non-Renewable resources. Example:- Fossil,fuels,like ores petrolium and minerals.
★Natural resources are also classified in different ways —
[A] Depending upon their chamical composition following three types —
(i) Inorganic resources [air, water,ores]. (ii) Organic resources [plants, animals,microbes]. (iii) Mixture of inorganic and organic resources [soil].
[B] Depending upon the abundance and availability of the natural resources,they are classified into two categories.
(i) in exhaustible resources [non exhausted by man’s use] Example:- Air,clay,sand. (ii) Exhaustible resources [Exhausted man’s use] renewable and no renewable.
[C] Natural resources on the basis of there present in different countries — (i) National resources [minerals lands]. (ii) Multinational resources [Rivers]. (iii) International resources [sunlight,air].
[D]The netural resources may also be classified in five categories — (i)Renewable resources [soil,oil,water,flora,fauna.]. (ii)Non -renewable resources [minerals,ground water]. (iii)Continuous resources [solar,wind,tidal, geothermal energies]. (iv)Cyclic resources. (v)Extensive resources.
1-) FOREST RESOURCES:- Forest are one of the world most abundant resources.it is estimated that forest covered ⅕ of the earth entire land area in 1980. ★In India forest diplition has been corrected with growth of the population this has disturb the forest ecosystem. ★ In a 1921 human population in India was 25.13carore and the forest cover in 1923 was 104.25 million hectares. ★ By the year 1989 the forest covered dicrease to 64.01million hectare.and population in 1991reached 84.39carore. ★These figures show that the forest cover is negatively related with population growth. ★Following problems are created due to dicrease of forest—
(1)Soil erogen (dicreasing of forest). (2)Expensions of Desert. (3)Dicrease in rainfall. (4) Loss of fertile land. (5) Effect on climate. (6)Lowering of water level. (7) Economic losses. (8)Loss of flora and fauna. (9)Loss of Biodiversity. (10)Loss of Medical plant. (11) Environment changes.
★There are proximetly 2.5 billion hectare of close forest. And 2.1 billion hectare of open woodland and savannans. ★In India 60 million hectares of land was covered with forest in 1970. the present forest covered forms only 10% of total geographical area. ★The rate of deforestation is 1.5 million hectares resulting in forest of the size of Nagaland. Vanishing annually.
Following are mainly responsible for dicrease in forest resources —
DEFORESTATION:-
★Deforestation is the process of clearing, destroying or removing trees from a forested area. It is typically done to convert the land for agricultural or urban development, mining, or to obtain wood for fuel, furniture or construction. Deforestation can be caused by both natural and human factors, such as wildfires, logging, agriculture, and urbanization.
★Deforestation has several negative impacts on the environment and on human communities. It can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Deforestation also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which further exacerbates climate change.
★To address deforestation, there have been efforts to promote sustainable forest management, conservation of forests, reforestation and afforestation, and reduction of the demand for wood products. Governments and organizations around the world have also implemented policies and programs to combat deforestation, such as sustainable forestry practices, protected areas, and incentives for sustainable land use practices
TIMBERS EXTRACTION:-
★Timber extraction refers to the process of cutting down trees for the purpose of obtaining wood for various uses such as building, furniture making, paper production, and more. The process typically involves a variety of methods such as clear-cutting, selective cutting, and shelterwood cutting, depending on the goals of the timber extraction.
★Timber extraction can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Therefore, it is important to practice sustainable forestry practices that consider the long-term health of the forest ecosystem and its biodiversity. This can include measures such as reforestation, selective cutting, and protection of important habitats and species. Additionally, certification programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) can help ensure that timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
MINNING:-
★Mining generally refers to the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth. This can include metals, coal, oil, diamonds, and other natural resources. The process of mining can involve a range of techniques, including drilling, blasting, excavation, and the use of heavy machinery.
★Mining can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment and local communities. While mining can provide valuable resources and economic benefits, it can also lead to habitat destruction, water pollution, and displacement of indigenous communities. As such, mining is often a controversial issue, and there are ongoing debates about how to balance the benefits of mining with its potential costs and risks.
DAMS:- Dams are structures built across rivers, streams, or other bodies of water to control and manage their flow. They are typically constructed of concrete, earth, or rock, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as water storage, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and navigation.
★Dams can vary in size and shape, from small earthen embankments to large concrete structures that span several kilometers. They are designed to hold back water and create a reservoir behind the dam, which can be used for a variety of purposes such as water supply, irrigation, or recreation.
★However, dams can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as altering the natural flow of rivers and disrupting the habitats of aquatic plants and animals. They can also pose safety risks if they are not properly designed, constructed, and maintained. USEFULNESS OF FOREST:- Forests are an incredibly important natural resource that provide a wide range of benefits to both humans and the environment. Some of the most important benefits of forests include:
★Carbon sequestration:- Forests play a critical role in the global carbon cycle by absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
★Biodiversity:-Forests are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Protecting and preserving forests is essential for maintaining global biodiversity.
★Water regulation : Forests help to regulate water cycles by absorbing and releasing water into the atmosphere, which can help to prevent floods, droughts, and erosion.
★Timber and other forest products:-Forests provide valuable resources such as timber, paper, and other forest products that are used in a wide range of industries.
★Recreation and tourism:-Forests are popular destinations for outdoor recreation and tourism, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and other activities.
★Cultural and spiritual significance:- Forests are important cultural and spiritual resources for many communities around the world, providing a sense of connection to the natural world and a source of inspiration and creativity.
-:WATER RESOURCES:-
★Water resources refer to the available water supply within a particular area, including surface water, groundwater, and other sources such as rainwater and snowmelt. These resources are crucial for supporting human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use, as well as sustaining ecosystems and biodiversity.
★The management of water resources is essential for ensuring the sustainable use of this vital resource. It involves monitoring and assessing the availability and quality of water resources, regulating its use, and implementing conservation and protection measures to maintain its quantity and quality.
★Some of the major challenges facing water resources management include increasing demand for water due to population growth and economic development, climate change impacts, and water pollution from human activities. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach involving science, technology, policy, and community engagement.
(1) FRESH WATER RESOURCES:-
Fresh water resources are sources of water that contain low levels of dissolved salts and are suitable for human consumption, irrigation, and other purposes. These resources include:
★SURFACE WATER:- This is water that is found on the surface of the earth, such as in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
★GROUND WATER:- This is water that is found underground in aquifers, which are layers of porous rock or sand that hold water.
★RAIN WATER:-This is water that falls from the sky and can be collected and stored for use.
★SNOW MELT:- This is water that comes from melted snow and can be collected and used.
★DESALINATED WATER:- This is water that is produced by removing salt from seawater or brackish water through desalination processes.
It’s important to note that while fresh water resources are abundant on our planet, access to clean and safe drinking water remains a challenge in many parts of the world due to various factors, including pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change. (2) OCEAN WATER RESOURCES:-
Ocean water resources are the various resources that can be extracted from the ocean, including water, minerals, energy, and food. The ocean is a vast and largely untapped source of resources that could potentially provide many benefits to society. Some of the main ocean water resources are:
★ DESALINATED WATER:- With the increasing global demand for fresh water, desalination of seawater has become an important source of drinking water. Desalination plants use various technologies to remove salt and other minerals from seawater, making it safe to drink.
★MINERALS:- The ocean floor contains valuable minerals such as copper, zinc, silver, and gold. These minerals can be extracted using deep-sea mining techniques.
★OIL AND GAS:- The ocean is a major source of oil and gas. Offshore drilling rigs are used to extract these resources from beneath the ocean floor.
★RENEWABLE ENERGY:- The ocean has enormous potential as a source of renewable energy. Wind, waves, and tides can all be harnessed to generate electricity.
★SEAFOOD:-The ocean is a major source of seafood, including fish, shellfish, and seaweed. These resources provide a valuable source of protein for human consumption. ★OVER UTILIZATION WATER RESOURCES:-
Over-utilization of water sources is a major concern in environmental botany because it can lead to a variety of negative impacts on both plant and animal communities, as well as on the broader ecosystem. Here are a few ways that over-utilization of water sources can cause environmental problems:
Depletion of water resources: Over-utilization of water sources can lead to a depletion of available water resources, which can be detrimental to both plant and animal populations that rely on these resources. This can also lead to a decrease in the quality of water, making it more difficult for plants and animals to survive.
Soil degradation: Over-utilization of water sources can also lead to soil degradation, as excess water can cause erosion and loss of nutrients from the soil. This can lead to a decrease in plant productivity and diversity.
Alteration of water cycles: Over-utilization of water sources can alter the natural water cycle, which can have negative impacts on the broader ecosystem. This can include changes in the frequency and intensity of flooding and drought, as well as changes in the availability of water for plant and animal populations.
Impacts on aquatic ecosystems: Over-utilization of water sources can have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems, as it can lead to changes in water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrient levels. This can have negative impacts on fish and other aquatic species that rely on these conditions for survival.
To mitigate the negative impacts of over-utilization of water sources, it is important to use water resources responsibly and sustainably. This can include measures such as reducing water consumption, promoting the use of water-efficient irrigation systems, and implementing policies to protect water resources and reduce pollution. ★SURFACE WATER SOURCES:-
Surface water sources refer to bodies of water that are located on the Earth’s surface, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. These sources of water can be natural or artificial, and they are often used for various purposes, including drinking, irrigation, industrial processes, and recreational activities.
★Some common examples of surface water sources include:
★Rivers:-These are large bodies of water that flow along a channel and are typically fed by tributaries and other sources. Rivers can be used for a variety of purposes, including transportation, irrigation, and power generation.
★Lakes:- These are large bodies of water that are surrounded by land and are often fed by rivers and streams. Lakes can be used for recreation, fishing, and as a source of drinking water.
★Streams:-These are smaller bodies of water that flow into rivers or lakes. Streams can be used for fishing and recreational activities.
★Reservoirs:-These are artificial bodies of water that are created by building dams across rivers or streams. Reservoirs can be used for irrigation, power generation, and as a source of drinking water.
★WETLAND:-These are areas of land that are covered by shallow water for part of the year. Wetlands can be used for water purification, wildlife habitat, and as a buffer against flooding. ★GROUND WATER:-
Groundwater refers to the water that is stored beneath the earth’s surface in spaces within rocks, sand, soil, or other geological formations. It comes from precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) that seeps into the ground, and it is replenished by the recharge of surface water. Groundwater is a vital resource for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
Groundwater can be accessed through wells and springs. Wells are holes drilled into the ground that allow water to be pumped up to the surface. Springs are natural outlets where groundwater flows out of the earth’s surface. However, overuse and contamination of groundwater can lead to depletion and degradation of the resource. Therefore, it is important to manage and protect groundwater resources to ensure their sustainability and availability for future generations. ★CONSERVATION OF WATER:-
Conservation of water refers to the careful and responsible use of this precious resource to ensure that it is available for current and future generations. Water conservation is essential because water is a finite resource, and many regions around the world are facing water scarcity due to a combination of factors such as population growth, climate change, and overuse.
There are several ways to conserve water, including:
Fixing leaks: Repairing leaks in pipes, faucets, and toilets can help save significant amounts of water.
Using water-efficient appliances: Choosing water-efficient appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and showerheads can help reduce water consumption.
Reducing water waste: Turning off the tap while brushing teeth, taking shorter showers, and watering plants during early morning or late evening hours can help conserve water.
Harvesting rainwater: Collecting rainwater can help supplement water supply and reduce the amount of water needed from other sources.
Reusing water: Using greywater (water from showers, baths, and washing machines) for irrigation or toilet flushing can help reduce water usage.
Conserving water is crucial for the sustainability of our planet, and everyone can play a part in preserving this vital resource.
★MINERAL RESOURCES:-
Mineral resources are naturally occurring substances found in the earth that have economic value. They can be extracted and processed for use in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and energy production.
★Some common mineral resources include:
★Metals: These include gold, silver, copper, iron, aluminum, and zinc, among others.
★Non-metallic minerals: These include minerals used for construction such as sand, gravel, and limestone, as well as industrial minerals such as talc, gypsum, and salt.
★Fossil fuels: These include coal, oil, and natural gas, which are used to generate energy.
★Rare earth elements: These are a group of minerals that are used in a variety of high-tech applications, including electronics, renewable energy, and defense.
The availability of mineral resources can have a significant impact on a country’s economy and geopolitical power. As such, the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources is often subject to complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
★CLASSIFICATION OF MINERALS:-
Minerals can be classified in a number of different ways depending on their chemical composition, physical properties, and geological origin. Here are some common classification systems for minerals:
★CHAMICAL COMPOSITION:- Minerals can be classified based on their chemical composition, which refers to the elements that make up the mineral. ★Some common groups based on chemical composition include:
★SILICATES: Minerals that contain silicon and oxygen as their primary components, along with other elements such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Examples include quartz, feldspar, mica, and amphiboles.
★CARBONATES:Minerals that contain carbonate ions (CO3) as their primary component, along with other elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Examples include calcite, dolomite, and siderite.
★SULFIDES: Minerals that contain sulfur as their primary component, along with other elements such as iron, copper, and lead. Examples include pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena.
★OXIDES: Minerals that contain oxygen as their primary component, along with other elements such as aluminum, iron, and titanium. Examples include hematite, magnetite, and corundum.
★HALIDES:Minerals that contain halogen ions (such as chlorine, fluorine, and iodine) as their primary component, along with other elements such as sodium, calcium, and potassium. Examples include halite (rock salt), fluorite, and sylvite.
Physical Properties: Minerals can also be classified based on their physical properties, which include:
★HARDEST: A mineral’s resistance to scratching, measured on the Mohs scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
★COLOUR:The hue of a mineral, which can be caused by the presence of impurities or the mineral’s chemical composition.
★LUSTER: The way a mineral reflects light, which can range from metallic to glassy to dull. ★CLEAVAGE: The way a mineral breaks when struck, which can be along smooth planes (cleavage) or irregularly (fracture).
★SPECIFIC : The density of a mineral relative to water. ★GEOLOGICAL ORIGIN: Minerals can also be classified based on their geological origin, such as:
★IGNEOUS:Minerals that form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava), such as quartz, feldspar. ★Minerals that form from the alteration of preexisting rocks due to heat, pressure, or chemical activity, such as garnet, talc, and graphite.
★SEDIMENTARY:Minerals that form from the accumulation of sediment (such as sand, mud, or shells) and the subsequent compression and cementation of the sediment into rock, such as calcite, gypsum, and halite. ★Energy resources are sources of power that can be converted into useful forms of energy. These resources can be divided into two main categories: non-renewable and renewable.
★Non-renewable energy resources include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels were formed millions of years ago from the remains of ancient plants and animals, and they are finite in supply. They are also major contributors to air pollution and climate change.
★Renewable energy resources, on the other hand, are sources of energy that can be replenished naturally and do not deplete over time. Examples of renewable energy resources include solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. These sources of energy are much cleaner than fossil fuels and do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
★The use of renewable energy resources has been increasing rapidly in recent years due to concerns over climate change and the need for a more sustainable energy future. However, non-renewable energy resources still make up a significant portion of the world’s energy supply, and finding ways to transition to a mo
