2. a. Resources.ppt

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Ajman University of Science and Technology Ajman University of Science and Technology NetworkNetwork

Institute of Environment, Water and Energy Institute of Environment, Water and Energy

First Semester 2009 - 2010First Semester 2009 - 2010

Environmental SciencesEnvironmental SciencesResourcesResources

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ResourcesResources

Lecture TwoLecture Two

ResourcesResources

I. Air, Water and Soil ResourcesI. Air, Water and Soil ResourcesI. Air, Water and Soil ResourcesI. Air, Water and Soil ResourcesA.A. Air ResourcesAir ResourcesB.B. Water ResourcesWater ResourcesC.C. Soil ResourcesSoil Resources

A.A. Air ResourcesAir ResourcesB.B. Water ResourcesWater ResourcesC.C. Soil ResourcesSoil Resources

II. Living ResourcesII. Living ResourcesII. Living ResourcesII. Living ResourcesA.A. Food ResourcesFood ResourcesB.B. Land ResourcesLand ResourcesC.C. Plant and Animal ResourcesPlant and Animal Resources

A.A. Food ResourcesFood ResourcesB.B. Land ResourcesLand ResourcesC.C. Plant and Animal ResourcesPlant and Animal Resources

III. Energy and Mineral ResourcesIII. Energy and Mineral ResourcesIII. Energy and Mineral ResourcesIII. Energy and Mineral ResourcesA.A. Non-Renewable Energy ResourcesNon-Renewable Energy ResourcesB.B. Renewable Energy ResourcesRenewable Energy ResourcesC.C. Mineral ResourcesMineral Resources

A.A. Non-Renewable Energy ResourcesNon-Renewable Energy ResourcesB.B. Renewable Energy ResourcesRenewable Energy ResourcesC.C. Mineral ResourcesMineral Resources

I.A Air ResourcesI.A Air ResourcesI.A Air ResourcesI.A Air Resources

The atmosphere is the thin envelope of life-sustaining gases surrounding the earth. It is subdivided into several spherical layers, much like the successive layers of skin on an onion.

About 95% of the mass of earth’s air is found in the innermost layer, known as troposphere, extending only 17 kilometers above the earth’s surface.

About 99% of the volume of clean, dry air in the troposphere consists of two gases: nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). The remaining volume of air in the troposphere has less than 1% argon and about 0.035% carbon dioxide. Air in the troposphere also holds water vapor in amounts varying from 0.01% at the pole to 5% in the tropics.

The second layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 17 to 48 kilometers above the earth’s surface, is called

The atmosphere is the thin envelope of life-sustaining gases surrounding the earth. It is subdivided into several spherical layers, much like the successive layers of skin on an onion.

About 95% of the mass of earth’s air is found in the innermost layer, known as troposphere, extending only 17 kilometers above the earth’s surface.

About 99% of the volume of clean, dry air in the troposphere consists of two gases: nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). The remaining volume of air in the troposphere has less than 1% argon and about 0.035% carbon dioxide. Air in the troposphere also holds water vapor in amounts varying from 0.01% at the pole to 5% in the tropics.

The second layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 17 to 48 kilometers above the earth’s surface, is called

Vertical change in Vertical change in average global average global atmospheric atmospheric temperature and temperature and pressure. Variations pressure. Variations in the way in the way temperature temperature changes with height changes with height indicates the indicates the atmosphere is atmosphere is composed of a composed of a number of different number of different layerslayers.. These These variations are due variations are due to alterations in the to alterations in the chemical and chemical and physical nature of physical nature of the atmosphere the atmosphere with altitudewith altitude..



stratosphere. It contains small amounts of gaseous ozone (O3) that filters out about 99% of the incoming harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This filtering action protects us from:

stratosphere. It contains small amounts of gaseous ozone (O3) that filters out about 99% of the incoming harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This filtering action protects us from:

SunburnsSunburns Skin cancerSkin cancer Eye cancer and eye cataractsEye cancer and eye cataracts

SunburnsSunburns Skin cancerSkin cancer Eye cancer and eye cataractsEye cancer and eye cataracts

The global sunscreen also prevents damage to some plants and aquatic organisms.

Our health depends on having enough ozone in the stratosphere and no ozone in the troposphere. Unfortunately, our activities are increasing ozone in the troposphere and decreasing it in the stratosphere.

The global sunscreen also prevents damage to some plants and aquatic organisms.

Our health depends on having enough ozone in the stratosphere and no ozone in the troposphere. Unfortunately, our activities are increasing ozone in the troposphere and decreasing it in the stratosphere.

I.B Water ResourcesI.B Water ResourcesI.B Water ResourcesI.B Water Resources

The hydrologic cycle is a natural system of collecting, purifying, and distributing water which is driven be energy from the sun. At any single moment only 0.5% of the earth’s water is available for human use.

Three-fourths of the water used in agriculture, industry, and our homes come from surface water, and the rest from groundwater. Two-thirds of the water withdrawn each day is returned to its source, but the remaining portion either evaporates or becomes incorporated in living tissues.

Major water supply problems include:

The hydrologic cycle is a natural system of collecting, purifying, and distributing water which is driven be energy from the sun. At any single moment only 0.5% of the earth’s water is available for human use.

Three-fourths of the water used in agriculture, industry, and our homes come from surface water, and the rest from groundwater. Two-thirds of the water withdrawn each day is returned to its source, but the remaining portion either evaporates or becomes incorporated in living tissues.

Major water supply problems include: Shortage due to drought, overuse, Shortage due to drought, overuse,

waste, and overpopulationwaste, and overpopulation Overexploitation of surface water Overexploitation of surface water

and groundwater suppliesand groundwater supplies FloodingFlooding

Shortage due to drought, overuse, Shortage due to drought, overuse, waste, and overpopulationwaste, and overpopulation

Overexploitation of surface water Overexploitation of surface water and groundwater suppliesand groundwater supplies

FloodingFlooding

Natural Hydrologic CycleNatural Hydrologic Cycle



Groundwater depletion may cause:Groundwater depletion may cause:

Salt-water intrusion Subsidence Salt-water intrusion Subsidence

Polluted water supplies are responsible for 80% of all illness in LDCs.

Despite the advantages of retention dams in flood control and generation of electricity, dams are costly, inundate wildlife habitat, farmland and towns. Dams also reduce stream flow, interrupt the natural flow of nutrients-rich sediments to coastal water, and prevent fish migration.

Diversion projects increase water supplies in water-short regions, but are often costly, reduce stream flow, destroy aquatic ecosystems, affect downstream salt concentrations, and create bitter conflicts among users.

Polluted water supplies are responsible for 80% of all illness in LDCs.

Despite the advantages of retention dams in flood control and generation of electricity, dams are costly, inundate wildlife habitat, farmland and towns. Dams also reduce stream flow, interrupt the natural flow of nutrients-rich sediments to coastal water, and prevent fish migration.

Diversion projects increase water supplies in water-short regions, but are often costly, reduce stream flow, destroy aquatic ecosystems, affect downstream salt concentrations, and create bitter conflicts among users.


Desalination of salt water is feasible in some places, but it is 4 to 10 times more expensive than conventional fresh water development projects. Desalination plants produce brines that must be disposed and encourage home and resort construction and population growth in some areas, resulting in ecosystem destruction.

Treatment of municipal and agricultural drainage water for reuse and artificial recharge of aquifer systems by treated wastewater, industrial cooling water, and runoff water are feasible water management options.

Reuse and conservation can contribute to increasing water supplies in the future. Since agriculture is the main water consumer in all MDCs and LDCs alike, introduction of modern irrigation technologies can reduce water loss and increase water supply in water-shortage areas.

Desalination of salt water is feasible in some places, but it is 4 to 10 times more expensive than conventional fresh water development projects. Desalination plants produce brines that must be disposed and encourage home and resort construction and population growth in some areas, resulting in ecosystem destruction.

Treatment of municipal and agricultural drainage water for reuse and artificial recharge of aquifer systems by treated wastewater, industrial cooling water, and runoff water are feasible water management options.

Reuse and conservation can contribute to increasing water supplies in the future. Since agriculture is the main water consumer in all MDCs and LDCs alike, introduction of modern irrigation technologies can reduce water loss and increase water supply in water-shortage areas.

I.C Soil ResourcesI.C Soil ResourcesI.C Soil ResourcesI.C Soil Resources

Soil is a complex mixture of inorganic materials (clay, silt, pebbles, and sand), decaying organic matter, water, air, and billions of living organisms.

Soil erosion is the movement of soil components from one place to another by flowing water or wind. But plant roots generally protect soil from excessive erosion. Agriculture, logging, and construction remove plant cover and accelerate soil erosion. Annual erosion rates for agricultural land throughout the world are 18 to 100 times the natural renewal rate.

Intense grazing has turned many areas of north Africa from grassland to desert. In Africa, in the last 30 years, soil erosion has increased 20 times.

About 18% of the world’s cropland was irrigated in 1990, producing one-third of world’s food.

Soil is a complex mixture of inorganic materials (clay, silt, pebbles, and sand), decaying organic matter, water, air, and billions of living organisms.

Soil erosion is the movement of soil components from one place to another by flowing water or wind. But plant roots generally protect soil from excessive erosion. Agriculture, logging, and construction remove plant cover and accelerate soil erosion. Annual erosion rates for agricultural land throughout the world are 18 to 100 times the natural renewal rate.

Intense grazing has turned many areas of north Africa from grassland to desert. In Africa, in the last 30 years, soil erosion has increased 20 times.

About 18% of the world’s cropland was irrigated in 1990, producing one-third of world’s food.

The ratios of the components may vary The ratios of the components may vary from one place to another, but they from one place to another, but they remain almost the same everywhereremain almost the same everywhere . .

The ratios of the components may vary The ratios of the components may vary from one place to another, but they from one place to another, but theyremain almost the same everywhereremain almost the same everywhere . .



Irrigation can increase crop yield to 2 to 3 times the yield of the same area watered by rain. But irrigation increases water salinity. Saline water evaporation, especially in arid regions, can lead to salt accumulation and soil salinization, which can cause:

Irrigation can increase crop yield to 2 to 3 times the yield of the same area watered by rain. But irrigation increases water salinity. Saline water evaporation, especially in arid regions, can lead to salt accumulation and soil salinization, which can cause: Retardation of crop growth Decrease crop yields Killing crop plants Making the land unproductive

Retardation of crop growth Decrease crop yields Killing crop plants Making the land unproductive

Salinization is reducing crop yields on about one-fourth of world’s irrigation cropland. In Egypt, where all crop land is irrigated, half is salinized enough to reduce yields. In 2000, 50 to 65% of irrigated cropland suffered reduced productivity.

Waterlogging is the rise of water table within the soil zone due to the lack of proper drainage.

Salinization is reducing crop yields on about one-fourth of world’s irrigation cropland. In Egypt, where all crop land is irrigated, half is salinized enough to reduce yields. In 2000, 50 to 65% of irrigated cropland suffered reduced productivity.

Waterlogging is the rise of water table within the soil zone due to the lack of proper drainage.

Soil profile in different climatic regionsSoil profile in different climatic regionsSoil profile in different climatic regionsSoil profile in different climatic regions


II.A Food ResourcesII.A Food ResourcesII.A Food ResourcesII.A Food Resources

Throughout the world 40 million people die annually of starvation and diseases.

Satisfying future food demands for people alive today is faced by several challenges such as soil erosion, nutrient depletion, desertification, declining supplies of fossil fuel, groundwater depletion, waterlogging, and salinization.

Strategies to meet current and future food demands should focus on the following issues:

Throughout the world 40 million people die annually of starvation and diseases.

Satisfying future food demands for people alive today is faced by several challenges such as soil erosion, nutrient depletion, desertification, declining supplies of fossil fuel, groundwater depletion, waterlogging, and salinization.

Strategies to meet current and future food demands should focus on the following issues: Population controlPopulation control Increase the area of agricultural landsIncrease the area of agricultural lands Controlling soil erosionControlling soil erosion Fighting desertificationFighting desertification

Population controlPopulation control Increase the area of agricultural landsIncrease the area of agricultural lands Controlling soil erosionControlling soil erosion Fighting desertificationFighting desertification

Increase food and animal production through genetic engineering. But the new species have to be resistant to diseases and insects.

Increase food and animal production through genetic engineering. But the new species have to be resistant to diseases and insects.


Introduction of perennial crops for agriculture, which reduces soil tillage, energy demands, and soil erosion.

Careful soil enrichment programs in which natural organic wastes are used to replenish lost nutrients and to retain productivity.

Introduction of advanced irrigation techniques to conserve water and expand irrigation to land that otherwise have to be abandoned.

Fish provides 5% of the total animal protein consumed by the world’s people. Commercial fish farms might make it possible for rich and poor nations to double or triple their fish production.

Reduction of the amounts of food destroyed by insects, bacteria, fungi, and rodents during production, transportation, and storage.

Introduction of perennial crops for agriculture, which reduces soil tillage, energy demands, and soil erosion.

Careful soil enrichment programs in which natural organic wastes are used to replenish lost nutrients and to retain productivity.

Introduction of advanced irrigation techniques to conserve water and expand irrigation to land that otherwise have to be abandoned.

Fish provides 5% of the total animal protein consumed by the world’s people. Commercial fish farms might make it possible for rich and poor nations to double or triple their fish production.

Reduction of the amounts of food destroyed by insects, bacteria, fungi, and rodents during production, transportation, and storage.


Establish agricultural self-sufficiency among the poor as well as the rich by employing strategies based on:

Establish agricultural self-sufficiency among the poor as well as the rich by employing strategies based on: Use of renewable energy Reliance on human labor Conservation of soil and soil nutrients Efficient use of water Minimization of pollution Use perennial rather than annual crops Introduction of high level of species diversity Reduction of soil tillage

Use of renewable energy Reliance on human labor Conservation of soil and soil nutrients Efficient use of water Minimization of pollution Use perennial rather than annual crops Introduction of high level of species diversity Reduction of soil tillage

II.B Land ResourcesII.B Land ResourcesII.B Land ResourcesII.B Land Resources

A history of overgrazing has resulted in the deterioration of private and public rangelands indicated by:

A history of overgrazing has resulted in the deterioration of private and public rangelands indicated by: Permanent loss of vegetation Soil erosion Desertification Wildlife extinction Invasion of weeds Drop in water table

Permanent loss of vegetation Soil erosion Desertification Wildlife extinction Invasion of weeds Drop in water table

Range management helps us avoid these problems trough grazing management and range improvement.

Forests benefits the society directly by providing commercially valuable products and recreation. Indirectly, forests benefit us by:

Range management helps us avoid these problems trough grazing management and range improvement.

Forests benefits the society directly by providing commercially valuable products and recreation. Indirectly, forests benefit us by: Protecting watersheds from soil erosion Reducing surface runoff Protecting watersheds from soil erosion Reducing surface runoff

Distribution of Arid and Semi-Arid Region on Distribution of Arid and Semi-Arid Region on EarthEarth



Cutting down millions of hectares of forests worldwide is attributed to:Cutting down millions of hectares of forests worldwide is attributed to:

Recycling water, oxygen, carbon, and nutrients Provide opportunity for biodiversity Recycling water, oxygen, carbon, and nutrients Provide opportunity for biodiversity

Overpopulation Shortsightedness Bad policy Poverty

Overpopulation Shortsightedness Bad policy Poverty

In the United States forest protection began in the late 1800s. Now the Forest Service manage forests for commercial timber cutting, grazing of livestock, mining, and recreation.

The demand for wood and wood products is expected to increase in the future. These demands can be met by reduction of forest wastes and recycling.

In the United States forest protection began in the late 1800s. Now the Forest Service manage forests for commercial timber cutting, grazing of livestock, mining, and recreation.

The demand for wood and wood products is expected to increase in the future. These demands can be met by reduction of forest wastes and recycling.

Desertification in north AfricaDesertification in north Africa

Desertification in north AfricaDesertification in north Africa


II.C Plant and Animal ResourcesII.C Plant and Animal ResourcesII.C Plant and Animal ResourcesII.C Plant and Animal Resources

Most of the plants that supply 90% of the world’s food today were domesticated from wild plants, while wild animal species are still untapped source of food.

About 75% of the world’s population relies on plants and plant extracts as sources of medicines. Nearly 50% of active ingredients in the prescription and nonprescription drugs used in the worlds are extracted from wild organisms.

Many wild animal species are used to test drugs, vaccines, chemical toxicity, and surgical procedures to increase our understanding of human health and disease.

Wild plants and animals are a source of beauty, wonder, joy, and recreational pleasure for large number of people. Wildlife tourism is important to the economy of LDCs such as Kenya.

Most of the plants that supply 90% of the world’s food today were domesticated from wild plants, while wild animal species are still untapped source of food.

About 75% of the world’s population relies on plants and plant extracts as sources of medicines. Nearly 50% of active ingredients in the prescription and nonprescription drugs used in the worlds are extracted from wild organisms.

Many wild animal species are used to test drugs, vaccines, chemical toxicity, and surgical procedures to increase our understanding of human health and disease.

Wild plants and animals are a source of beauty, wonder, joy, and recreational pleasure for large number of people. Wildlife tourism is important to the economy of LDCs such as Kenya.

Wildlife conservation and management

II.C Plant and Animal ResourcesII.C Plant and Animal ResourcesII.C Plant and Animal ResourcesII.C Plant and Animal Resources

Wild species provide us and other species with:Wild species provide us and other species with:

Food Recycle nutrients and improve soil fertility Maintain healthier atmosphere Moderate earth’s climate Control crop bests and carriers of disease

Food Recycle nutrients and improve soil fertility Maintain healthier atmosphere Moderate earth’s climate Control crop bests and carriers of disease

Many ecologists believe that wild species will continue to disappear at an alarming rate. In 1990 at least 100 species per day were lost as a result of human activities.

There are three basic approaches to wildlife conservation and management. These are:

Many ecologists believe that wild species will continue to disappear at an alarming rate. In 1990 at least 100 species per day were lost as a result of human activities.

There are three basic approaches to wildlife conservation and management. These are: The species approach The ecosystem approach Wildlife management approach

The species approach The ecosystem approach Wildlife management approach

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2. a. Resources.ppt