Understanding Earth’s Resources and Processes
Natural Resources
Natural resources are elements provided by nature without human intervention, which can be harnessed to meet human needs. They are classified into two groups:
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources regenerate under suitable conditions in the short term, allowing for human intervention in their reproduction. Examples include flora and fauna.
These resources are replenished through natural processes. Their use does not lead to irreversible decline as long as the consumption rate does not exceed the regeneration rate.
However, misuse can create critical conditions that prevent regeneration.
Non-Renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources require long periods to form or regenerate, with no human involvement in their renewal.
These resources exist in limited quantities globally. Most are minerals such as oil, gold, platinum, copper, iron, natural gas, and coal.
Oxygen and Carbon
Further information needed about Oxygen and Carbon.
Hydrological Cycle Stages
Evaporation
Solar radiation continuously promotes water vapor formation. Less dense than air, water vapor rises to higher atmospheric layers, where it cools and condenses into clouds.
Precipitation
Condensation forms water droplets that fall as rain.
Retention
Some rainwater evaporates immediately. Another portion is retained by vegetation, buildings, and roads, eventually evaporating.
Surface Runoff
Water reaching the ground surface partially becomes surface storage, eventually evaporating. The remaining water flows over the surface, concentrating in streams that feed into rivers (surface runoff). This water flows into lakes or the sea, where some evaporates and some infiltrates the ground.
Infiltration
Some precipitation penetrates the surface (“infiltration”) through pores and cracks in soil and rocks, filling the porous medium.
In the unsaturated soil zone, some water evaporates and returns to the atmosphere, while another portion is used by plants through transpiration.
Underground Runoff
Water percolates downward due to gravity, reaching the saturated zone, recharging groundwater. Groundwater can return to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration when the water table is near the surface. Alternatively, groundwater discharges into rivers or directly into the sea.
Urban, Industrial, and Agricultural Water Use
Further information needed about water usage.
Metals and Non-Metals
Metals (e.g., conductors) and non-metals (e.g., insulators) have distinct properties and uses.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a traditionally white ceramic product, known for its compact, hard, and translucent properties. It is made from a paste composed of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz.