Natural and Man-Made Resources
➥ Resources can be classified into natural and man-made resources.
- Natural Resources: Resources that are found in nature, such as air, water, and minerals.
- Man-Made Resources: Resources created by humans using natural resources, such as buildings, machinery, and roads.
Natural Resources
Renewable Resources
Resources that can be replenished naturally.
- Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, water, forests.
Non-Renewable Resources
Resources that exist in limited quantities and cannot be replenished once used.
- Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals.
Forests and Their Uses
- Provide timber for construction and furniture.
- Source of fuelwood and paper.
- Habitat for wildlife.
- Regulation of climate and prevention of soil erosion.
- Source of medicinal plants.
Deforestation
Causes of Deforestation
- Agricultural expansion.
- Logging and timber extraction.
- Urbanization and industrialization.
- Infrastructure development like roads and dams.
Consequences of Deforestation
- Loss of biodiversity.
- Increase in greenhouse gases.
- Soil erosion and loss of fertility.
- Disruption of water cycle.
- Climate change.
Remedies for Deforestation
- Enforcing strict forest conservation laws.
- Promoting afforestation and reforestation.
- Encouraging sustainable use of forest resources.
- Awareness campaigns.
Forestry and Afforestation
Forestry: The management and conservation of forests.
Afforestation: Planting trees in barren lands to create forests.
Soil and Soil Erosion
Natural Factors of Soil Erosion
- Wind, water, and ice erosion.
- Natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Man-Made Factors of Soil Erosion
- Overgrazing.
- Deforestation.
- Unsustainable agricultural practices.
- Urbanization.
Conservation of Soil
- Terrace farming and contour plowing.
- Planting trees and vegetation.
- Avoiding overgrazing.
- Constructing check dams to prevent runoff.
Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring substances that are extracted from the Earth. They are used in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy production.
Coal
Coal is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from dead plant material under heat and pressure.
Common Varieties of Coal
- Anthracite: Highest carbon content, best quality.
- Bituminous: Commonly used for energy production.
- Lignite: Lower carbon content, used in power plants.
- Peat: Lowest quality, partially carbonized.
Coal Mines in India
- Major mines: Jharia (Jharkhand), Raniganj (West Bengal), Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh), Korba (Chhattisgarh).
Uses of Coal
- Fuel for power plants.
- Production of steel and cement.
- Domestic fuel in rural areas.
Petroleum
Petroleum is formed from the remains of marine organisms buried under sedimentary rocks.
Refining of Petroleum
Crude oil is separated into products like petrol, diesel, kerosene, and LPG using fractional distillation.
Uses of Petroleum Products
- Fuel for vehicles (petrol, diesel).
- Cooking gas (LPG).
- Production of plastics and chemicals.
- Industrial lubricants.
Consequences of Over-Extraction and Use of Coal and Petroleum
- Depletion of reserves.
- Environmental pollution.
- Contribution to global warming.
- Dependence on imports.
- Need for alternative energy sources.
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