Question

Using the resource classifications described above, classify these natural resources in at least 5 different ways …

- mineral energy; biomass energy; solar energy; other energy

- non-energy minerals, glass

- forests and products; arable land; water; fisheries; terrestrial animals; other biomass and ecosystem resources

Answer 1

Natural resources are those resources that are naturally produced and present in the Earth's environment. These materials may be formed through biotic means and also through abiotic means with mainly classifies them into resources from biodegradable sources and other and other resources like mineral resources.

Natural resources can be classified in many ways. Five of the major classifications are given below:

1. Basis of origin

On basis of origin the natural resources can be classified into biotic and abiotic.

Biotic: Natutal resources that are formed of biotic origin are called biotic natural resources. These come from natural and organic matter like animals, trees, plants etc. The natural resources coming under the biotic classification are:

• Biomass energy
• Forests and products
• Fisheries and terrestrial animals
• Other ecosystem resources

Abiotic resources: These are formed from abiotic minerals and non living materials and processes. The given resources that are classified as abiotic are follows:

• Mineral energy, solar energy
• Non energy minerals, glass
• Arable land, water

2. Potential resources

The resources that a potential for being used effectively are called potential resources. These resources exist in a region and can be used in the future for energy and other purposes. The potential resources given above are :

• Mineral energy, solar energy and other such energies
• Non energy minerals and glass
• Water

3. Actual resources

These are resources that have actually been utilized and are being used. These resources have been studied and their quantity and quality are known. These resources have been or are undergoing development using technology. The actual resources from the above given list are:

• mineral energy; biomass energy
• non-energy minerals, glass
• forests and products;
• arable land; water;
• fisheries; terrestrial animals.

4. Reserve resources

These are a type of an actual resource that can be developed profitably in the future. These resources are in use but they can be developed and have higher potential using technology.

• Solar energy
• non-energy minerals, glass
• water

5. Stock resources

These are resources that have a potenti use and have been studied and identified but cannot be used for to lack of technology and other aspects like high cost and safety standards.An example of a stock resource is hydrogen.

6. Based on renewability:

Renewable natural resources: These are resources that can be renewed as they are depleted. Renewable resources include:

• Solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy.
• Water
• Forests and products; arable land
• Fisheries; terrestrial animals

Non-renewable natural resources: These resources do not naturally form in the environment. They form over a million years. This these resources if not used carefully can be depleted faster than they are formed.

• Mineral energy, biomass energy
• Non-energy minerals, glass