Types of Natural Resources

Trees are a natural resource. Image credit Blogger.com

• Natural resources are defined as materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain.
• Examples are soil, water, mineral, forests and wild life which can be used to improve the wealth of the country.
• It is important to ensure that the natural resources continue to benefit the generations of mankind to come.
• Natural resources can be put into two broad categories: renewable and non-renewable resources.
• A renewable resource is one that can be replaced by natural processes or good management so that it is never used up.
• It can be reused or increased for example, water, forests and fisheries.
• A non-renewable resource is that which cannot be replaced.
• It can be used up or exhausted, for example minerals.
• Trees are a renewable resources in that they can be replanted whereas minerals are non-renewable because once mined the quantities underground cannot be replaced.
• Technological advancements such as recycling has blurred the line between renewable and non-renewable resources
• A resources is anything which is of value to people.
• Resources range from tangible objects like minerals or timber to things with creative values for example space.
• Resources are dynamic that is, their usefulness varies from time to time and from place to place depending on changes in human wants.
• Reserve is the unused part of the total resources which can be exploited economically in relation to the available technology.
• Improvement in technology increases the size of the reserve.
• Increased demand and use may reduce the size of the reserve.

To access more topics go to the O Level Geography Notes page