Classwork Exercise and Series (Geography – SS 2): Environmental Resources

Geography

Topic: Environmental Resources

Contents

1. Meaning of Environmental Resources
2. Major form of Environmental Resources
   
3. Some importance of Environmental Resources
   

Meaning of Environmental Resources

Environmental Resources are those organic and inorganic natural materials which are of great value to man, animals and plants.

Major Forms of Environmental Resources

1. Atmospheric Resources: They are those resources in the atmosphere example solar energy, wind, gases, rain water etc

Importance of Atmospheric Resources

Gases: this include oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapour

• Oxygen is used by plants and animals for respiration. It also supports burning of materials. Oxygen supports human life and also combines with water (oxidation) for chemical weathering and is also used for industrial purposes
• Carbon dioxide is required by plant for photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide combines with water to produce chemical weathering(carbonation). Green plants also take in carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide absorbs heat to control atmospheric temperature in the carbon cycle
• Nitrogen is required by plants for the manufacture of proteins. It combines with water to provide food for plant growth. Nitrogen in soil can be converted to nitrate in the soil. Nitrogen gas is used in electrical industry
• Water vapour is important for rain formation. The resultant of rain is used by plants and animals in the process of chemical weathering. Water vapour moderates atmospheric temperature

2. Mineral Resources: They are mineral content in rock (ores). Examples are gold, silver, gems, metals, petroleum, coal etc

Importance of Mineral Resources

• It serves as source of fuel
• it is used for construction purposes
• It is used for industrial purposes
• it is used as a source of foreign exchange
• it serves as a provision of employment
• It serves as the provision of raw materials for industries

3. Water resources: These are resources which contained in natural water bodies example aquatic life like fish, water, minerals like potash and petroleum

• Vegetation resources: These are resources from the forest example timber, cash crop, tourism etc
• Human resources: These are resources which have to do with human intelligence. Human coordinate other resources for productivity

Some importance of Environmental resources to man

1. Mineral resources provide raw materials for industries
2. Human resources is the basis for labour supply
3. Atmospheric resources helps in the supply of solar energy
4. Water resources also provide hydro electric power
5. Vegetative resources provide food for man

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