Natural Resources
Natural resources are materials found naturally on Earth that are essential for human survival and economic activity.
These resources include land, water, air, and minerals found in the Earth's crust. The lithosphere, hydrosphere,
atmosphere, and biosphere are interconnected components that provide the raw materials necessary for life and
industry.
● Lithosphere: Earth's solid outer layer, rich in minerals.
● Hydrosphere: Water bodies covering Earth's surface.
● Atmosphere: The gaseous layer that sustains life.
● Biosphere: All living organisms and ecosystems.
The Breath of Life: Air
Air is a mixture of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, crucial for sustaining life. Oxygen
is necessary for respiration and combustion, while plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Nitrogen, though
inert, is essential for building proteins and other molecules in organisms.
● Oxygen: Vital for life and energy production.
● Carbon dioxide: Used by plants for photosynthesis.
● Nitrogen: Important for protein formation.
Air and Air Pollution
The atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, regulates Earth’s temperature by trapping heat. However,
human activities like industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust contribute to air pollution, releasing harmful substances
such as sulfur oxides and particulate matter, causing issues like respiratory diseases and global warming.
● Sources: Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, wildfires.
● Consequences: Respiratory diseases, acid rain, smog.
Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is a layer of ozone (O₃) in the stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. This protective shield is essential for life on Earth, as it prevents excessive UV exposure, which can lead to
skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to ecosystems.
● Function: Protects from UV radiation.
● Depletion: Caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process where greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and
water vapor trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm. While essential for life, human activities such as burning
fossil fuels are increasing greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming and climate change.
● Gases involved: CO₂, CH₄, water vapor, CFCs.
● Impact: Global warming, altered weather patterns.
Water: A Natural Resource
Water is essential for life, covering about 71% of Earth’s surface. While oceans account for 97% of Earth's water, only
3% is freshwater, critical for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Water is involved in many biological processes, including
regulating body temperature and supporting ecosystems.
● Distribution: 97% oceans, 3% freshwater.
● Uses: Drinking, agriculture, sanitation.
Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances contaminate water bodies, making them unsafe for drinking,
agriculture, and aquatic life. Major sources include industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. Water
pollution can lead to disease outbreaks and ecosystem damage, especially in freshwater sources.
● Sources: Industrial waste, agriculture, sewage.
● Consequences: Disease, loss of biodiversity.
Water Cycle
The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. This cycle
plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s water distribution, supporting life, and regulating climate. Water evaporates
from oceans, forms clouds, and eventually falls as rain to replenish freshwater sources.
● Processes: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
● Importance: Sustains ecosystems, agriculture.
Transpiration and Evaporation
Transpiration is the process where plants release water vapor from their leaves into the atmosphere. Evaporation, on
the other hand, occurs when liquid water from surfaces like oceans and lakes is converted into vapor. Both processes
are vital components of the water cycle, influencing climate and rainfall.
● Transpiration: Water vapor released from plants.
● Evaporation: Water turning into vapor from surface bodies.
Soil
Soil is the top layer of Earth's crust, formed by the weathering of rocks. It supports plant life and provides a habitat for
organisms. Soil formation depends on parent material, climate, time, and biological activity. Soil composition varies, with
air, water, minerals, and organic matter being key components.
● Formation: Weathering of rocks, biological activity.
● Components: Air, water, mine rals, organic matter.
Soil Composition
Soil consists of various materials, including organic matter, air, water, and minerals. It is classified into types like clay,
loam, silt, and sand based on particle size. The balance of these components influences soil fertility and its ability to
support plant growth and agriculture.
● Types: Clay, loam, sand, silt.
● Importance: Supports plant growth, agriculture.
Mineral Riches in the Soil
Soil contains minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth. Humus, the organic
component, adds fertility and improves soil structure. Over time, weathering processes break down rocks, contributing
to soil’s mineral content and enhancing its ability to support diverse ecosystems.
● Minerals: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
● Humus: Organic matter that enriches soil.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is the contamination of soil with harmful chemicals or waste, making it unfit for cultivation. Causes include
excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, industrial waste, and oil spills. Soil pollution leads to reduced soil fertility,
affecting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.
● Causes: Pesticides, industrial waste, oil spills.
● Impact: Reduced fertility, ecosystem damage.
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion occurs when soil is worn away by wind, water, or human activity. This process reduces soil quality, leads to
the loss of fertile topsoil, and negatively impacts agriculture. Preventing erosion involves maintaining vegetation cover,
proper farming practices, and reforestation efforts.
● Causes: Wind, water, deforestation.
● Consequences: Loss of fertile soil, reduced agricultural yield.
Biogeochemical Cycle
Biogeochemical cycles refer to the natural pathways through which essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and
phosphorus cycle through ecosystems. These cycles involve interactions between living organisms, soil, water, and the
atmosphere. They are crucial for sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance.
● Processes: Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles.
● Importance: Maintains ecosystem stability.
Carbon Cycle
The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, organisms, and Earth’s surface. Plants
absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and carbon is released back into the atmosphere through respiration,
decomposition, and combustion of fossil fuels. This cycle regulates atmospheric carbon levels and climate.
● Processes: Photosynthesis, respiration, combustion.
● Importance: Regulates carbon levels, impacts climate.
Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle describes how nitrogen is converted into various chemical forms to support life. Nitrogen fixation,
nitrification, ammonification, and denitrification are key processes that recycle nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil,
and organisms. This cycle is essential for plant growth and protein synthesis.
● Processes: Fixation, nitrification, ammonification, denitrification.
● Importance: Supports plant growth, protein synthesis.
Oxygen Cycle
The oxygen cycle is the continuous movement of oxygen through the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere.
Photosynthesis by plants generates oxygen, which is used by animals and humans for respiration. Combustion and
decomposition consume oxygen, returning carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in the process.
● Processes: Photosynthesis, respiration, combustion.
● Importance: Maintains oxygen levels, supports life.
Energy Sources
Coal Mining:
Coal mining extracts coal for electricity and industrial use, through underground or surface methods. It's a major
contributor to air and water pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Coal combustion generates significant
greenhouse gases and poses health risks to miners, including respiratory problems due to inhaling dust and fumes.
Nuclear Power Plants:
Nuclear power plants use uranium’s fission to generate energy with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. They offer
consistent power but involve high initial construction costs and risks, such as radioactive waste and potential accidents.
Nuclear plants also rely on non-renewable uranium resources and require expensive decommissioning after their
lifespan ends.
Offshore Oil Extraction:
Offshore oil extraction involves drilling from seabeds to access oil, contributing to global energy supply. However, it
carries significant environmental risks, particularly oil spills that harm marine ecosystems. While it requires substantial
investment and advanced technology, the process still generates greenhouse gases when the oil is burned for energy.
Solar Panels:
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, providing a renewable and eco-friendly energy
source with no emissions during operation. Though dependent on sunlight availability, they have low operational costs
after installation. While initially expensive, solar power is ideal for remote areas and offers long-term environmental
benefits.
Wind Turbines:
Wind turbines generate electricity by harnessing wind energy, producing zero emissions during operation. They are
highly scalable but require windy locations for optimal efficiency. Though they have low operational costs, wind turbines
can impact local wildlife, particularly birds, and their visual and noise effects may also be a concern in some areas.
Biofuels and Biomass:
Biofuels and biomass are derived from organic materials like plants and waste, offering a renewable alternative to fossil
fuels. They emit less CO₂ but still require land and water resources, with potential competition for agricultural use.
Biomass and biofuels can also help reduce overall dependence on traditional fossil energy sources.
