Natural Resources OF OUR WORLD. MAJOR CONCEPTS Natural Resources are materials found in the environment that are useful to humans. Natural Resources are

Natural Natural ResourcesResourcesOF OUR WORLDOF OUR WORLD

MAJOR CONCEPTSMAJOR CONCEPTS Natural Resources are materials found in Natural Resources are materials found in

the environment that are useful to the environment that are useful to humans.humans.

Some natural resources are renewable Some natural resources are renewable (can be replaced if managed properly).(can be replaced if managed properly).

Living Resources (plants and animals)Living Resources (plants and animals)

Some natural resources are nonrenewable Some natural resources are nonrenewable (cannot be replaced). (cannot be replaced).

Fossil Fuels (coal, natural gas, petroleum)Fossil Fuels (coal, natural gas, petroleum)

Some natural resources are used to Some natural resources are used to produce energy.produce energy.

The World: Natural The World: Natural ResourcesResources

Mineral & Other Mineral & Other ResourcesResources

Gold Silver Copper Lead Tin

Nickel Tungsten Uranium Bauxite Phosphate

Diamond Iron Coal Natural Gas Petroleum

Cobalt Timber Graphite Clay Salt

Zinc Hematite Water Soil Fish

Manganese Stone, Sand, & Gravel

Soda Ash Limestone Platinum

Alternate Energy Alternate Energy ResourcesResources

Geo-thermal

Biomass Tidal Hydro-electric

Solar Wind Atomic

GoldGold Gold is used in dentistry and medicine; in

jewelry andarts; in coins and medals; for scientific and

electronic instruments. South Africa has about half of the world’s

resources. Significant quantities are also present in the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, and Russia.

Back to Resource Chart

Stone, Sand, & GravelStone, Sand, & Gravel Stone, Sand, and Gravel are

used to make roads; buildings; bridges; landscaping; and numerous chemical uses.

A Quarry is an open pit mine from which the stone, gravel and sand are extracted. They exist around the world.


SilverSilver Silver is used in photography, chemistry,

jewelry; in electronics; as currency; mirrors; batteries; silver plating; table cutlery; dental, medical, and scientific equipment.

Silver is mined in 56 countries. The largest silver reserves are found in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Peru, and the former Soviet Union. Nevada produces over 30% of the U.S. silver.


CopperCopper

Copper is used in electric cables and wires, switches, plumbing, heating; roofing and building construction; chemical and pharmaceutical machinery; alloy metals (brass, bronze, etc.).

The leading producer is Chile, followed by the U.S., Russia, Canada, Zambia, and Democratic Republic of Congo.Back to

Resource Chart

LeadLead Lead is used in batteries, gasoline additives and

tanks, and solders, seals or bearings; in electrical and electronic applications; TV tubes, TV glass, construction, communications, and protective coatings; in ballast or weights; ceramics or crystal glass; tubes or containers, or wire; X-ray and gamma radiation shielding; soundproofing material in construction industry; and ammunition.

The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and consumer of lead metal. Other major mine producers include Australia, Canada, and Russia


TinTin

Tin is used by itself, or in combination Tin is used by itself, or in combination with other elements for a wide variety of with other elements for a wide variety of useful alloys (metals). Tin is most useful alloys (metals). Tin is most commonly alloyed with copper to make commonly alloyed with copper to make bronze. Tin-plated steel containers are bronze. Tin-plated steel containers are widely used for food preservation (cans of widely used for food preservation (cans of food)food)

China is the leading producer of tin. Other China is the leading producer of tin. Other major producers are Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, major producers are Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Australia, Malaysia and Russia.Australia, Malaysia and Russia.Back to

Resource Chart

NickelNickel

Nickel is used to make stainless steel; and plays key role in the chemical and aerospace industries.

Leading producers include Australia, Canada, Norway and Russia. Largest reserves are found in Cuba, New Caledonia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.


TungstenTungsten Tungsten is used in metalworking;

construction and electrical machinery and equipment; in transportation equipment; as filament in light bulbs; as a carbide in drilling equipment; in heat and radiation shielding; textile dyes, enamels, paints, and for coloring glass.

Major producers are China, Korea, and Russia. Large reserves are also found in the U.S., Bolivia, Canada, and Germany.


UraniumUranium


Uranium is used as a fuel in the nuclear power industryused as a fuel in the nuclear power industry. It generates the heat in nuclear power reactors. Depleted uranium is also used as a shielding material in some containers used to store and transport radioactive materials; ; used as the fissile explosive material to used as the fissile explosive material to produce nuclear weapons. produce nuclear weapons.

Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia are the top three producers and together account for 63% of world uranium production. Other important uranium producing countries are Namibia, Russia, Niger, Uzbekistan, and the United States.

BauxiteBauxite Bauxite is the main source of aluminum.

Aluminum is used in the United States in packaging (31%), transportation (22%), and building(19%).

Guinea and Australia have 46 percent of the world’s reserves. Other countries with major reserves include Brazil, Jamaica, and India.


PhosphatesPhosphates Phosphate Rock is used to make fertilizers to grow food;

animal feed supplements.

Phosphates are found in the United States and Europe. The small island nation of Nauru and its neighbor Banaba Island, which used to have massive phosphate deposits of the best quality, have been mined excessively. Rock phosphate can also be found in Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Navassa Island, Tunisia, Togo and Jordan.


DiamondDiamond Diamonds are used to make jewelry and cutting and Diamonds are used to make jewelry and cutting and

grinding tools. Other specialized applications include grinding tools. Other specialized applications include use as semiconductors and electrical insulators. use as semiconductors and electrical insulators.

Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and Roughly 49% of diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, mineral have been discovered in Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. Brazil, and Australia.

Revolutionary groups have taken control of diamond Revolutionary groups have taken control of diamond mines, using proceeds from diamond sales to finance mines, using proceeds from diamond sales to finance their operations. Diamonds sold through this process are their operations. Diamonds sold through this process are

known as known as conflict diamondsconflict diamonds or or blood diamondsblood diamonds..


IronIron Iron is used to manufacture steels of various types.

Powdered iron: used in magnets and auto parts; Radioactive iron: used in medicine. Iron blue: used in paints, printing inks; plastics; cosmetics (eye shadow); artist colors; laundry blue; paper dyeing; fertilizer ingredient; baked enamel finishes for autos and appliances; industrial finishes. Black iron oxide: used as pigment; in polishing compounds; metallurgy; medicine; magnetic inks; in ferrites for electronics industry.

Major producers of iron ore include Australia, Brazil, China, and Russia


CoalCoal

Coal, a fossil fuel, is the largest Coal, a fossil fuel, is the largest source of energy for the generation source of energy for the generation of electricity worldwide. of electricity worldwide.

China, India, and the United States China, India, and the United States are large producers of coal. are large producers of coal.


Natural GasNatural Gas Natural gas can be used as a fuel Natural gas can be used as a fuel

supplied to homes where it is supplied to homes where it is used for such purposes as used for such purposes as cooking in natural gas-powered cooking in natural gas-powered ranges and ovens, natural gas-ranges and ovens, natural gas-heated clothes dryers, heating heated clothes dryers, heating furnaces, and water heaters.furnaces, and water heaters.

The world's largest proven gas The world's largest proven gas reserves are located in Russia, reserves are located in Russia, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and

United Arab Emirates.United Arab Emirates. Back to

Resource Chart

PetroleumPetroleum Petroleum, or crude oil, is recovered mostly Petroleum, or crude oil, is recovered mostly

through oil drilling. It is made into consumer through oil drilling. It is made into consumer petrol (gasoline), kerosene, asphalt for our roads, petrol (gasoline), kerosene, asphalt for our roads, plastics, and medicines. plastics, and medicines.

The top five producers of petroleum are Saudi The top five producers of petroleum are Saudi Arabia (OPEC), Russia, United States, Iran Arabia (OPEC), Russia, United States, Iran (OPEC), and China.(OPEC), and China.


CobaltCobalt Cobalt used in jet engines; chemicals (paint

driers); permanent magnets; and for cutting tools.

Cobalt producing countries include Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Canada, Cuba, and Russia.


TimberTimber

Timber is used for construction of Timber is used for construction of homes and furniture. Its wood pulp homes and furniture. Its wood pulp for paper production. for paper production.

The lumbering industry is worldwide The lumbering industry is worldwide and found where coniferous and and found where coniferous and deciduous forests are located.deciduous forests are located.


GraphiteGraphite

Graphite is used pencils, where it is Graphite is used pencils, where it is commonly called commonly called lead.lead. Graphite is Graphite is an electrical conductor; therefore, it an electrical conductor; therefore, it is useful in arc lamp electrodes. is useful in arc lamp electrodes.

Major exporters are: China, India, Major exporters are: China, India, Brazil, North Korea, and Canada. Brazil, North Korea, and Canada.


ClayClay

Clay is used to make floor & wall tile; dinnerware; kitty litter; bricks & cement; and paper.

Different types of clay are found all over the world


SaltSalt Salt, also known as Halite, is used in human and animal

diet, food seasoning and food preservation; used to prepare sodium hydroxide, used in ceramic glazes; curing of hides; mineral waters; soap manufacture; home water softeners; highway de-icing; photography; herbicide; fire extinguishing; nuclear reactors; mouthwash; medicine; in scientific equipment for optical parts.

It is mined primarily in Europe and Canada.


ZincZinc Zinc is used as protective coating on steel; as an allying

metal with copper to make brass, and as chemical compounds in rubber and paints; automotive parts; electrical fuses; dry cell batteries; chemicals; roof gutters; cable wrappings; organ pipes; in pennies; ship hulls. Zinc oxide: in medicine.

Zinc is mined in over 50 countries with Canada the leading producer, followed by Russia, Australia, Peru, and China. In the U.S. mine production mostly comes from Tennessee, Missouri, New York and Alaska.


HematiteHematite Hematite is used in blush makeup and

polish because of its red color. Also it is used for ore of iron for steel tools, vehicles, nails and bolts and bridges.

Hematite is typically found in places where Hematite is typically found in places where there has been standing water or mineral there has been standing water or mineral hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone hot springs, such as those in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. National Park in the United States.


WaterWater Water is used to help all the plants on earth live. It is used in Water is used to help all the plants on earth live. It is used in

chemical reactions and is used in many manufacturing processes. chemical reactions and is used in many manufacturing processes. Water resourcesWater resources are sources of water that are useful or are sources of water that are useful or potentially useful to humans. Uses of water include agricultural, potentially useful to humans. Uses of water include agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities. industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities. Virtually all of these human uses require fresh water.Virtually all of these human uses require fresh water.

97% of water on the Earth is salt water, and only 3% is fresh 97% of water on the Earth is salt water, and only 3% is fresh water of which slightly over two thirds is frozen in glaciers and water of which slightly over two thirds is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps. The remaining unfrozen freshwater is mainly polar ice caps. The remaining unfrozen freshwater is mainly found as groundwater, with only a small fraction present above found as groundwater, with only a small fraction present above ground or in the air.ground or in the air.

Fresh water is a renewable resource, yet the world's supply of Fresh water is a renewable resource, yet the world's supply of clean, fresh water is steadily decreasing. Water demand already clean, fresh water is steadily decreasing. Water demand already exceeds supply in many parts of the world and as the world exceeds supply in many parts of the world and as the world population continues to rise, so too does the water demand. population continues to rise, so too does the water demand.


SoilSoil Soil is made up of air, water, minerals and organic material Soil is made up of air, water, minerals and organic material

and is one of the most important natural resources on and is one of the most important natural resources on earth. Most life on earth depends on soil as a direct or earth. Most life on earth depends on soil as a direct or indirect source of food. Plants and animals get their indirect source of food. Plants and animals get their nutrients from the soil and it is home to many different nutrients from the soil and it is home to many different forms of life. forms of life.

Soil comes in a variety of forms and takes many years to Soil comes in a variety of forms and takes many years to develop, however it can be destroyed very easily. LOAM develop, however it can be destroyed very easily. LOAM contain more nutrients and humus. Loam is gritty, moist, contain more nutrients and humus. Loam is gritty, moist, and retain water easily.and retain water easily.

Light green areas showLight green areas show

where the best soil where the best soil

is found:is found:


FishFish Fish are natural resources because we humans Fish are natural resources because we humans

use them for many things. Some of those things use them for many things. Some of those things are fish oil, food, fish glue, and many other are fish oil, food, fish glue, and many other things.things.

The fishing industry is worldwide and is The fishing industry is worldwide and is

depleting this natural resource.depleting this natural resource.


ManganeseManganese

Manganese is used to make iron and steel.

South Africa and Russia have over 70% of the world’s reserves.


PlatinumPlatinum

It is used to make jewelry, wire, It is used to make jewelry, wire, electrical contacts and laboratory electrical contacts and laboratory equipment. equipment.

Platinum can be found in deposits of Platinum can be found in deposits of gold-bearing sands, primarily those gold-bearing sands, primarily those found in the Ural mountains, found in the Ural mountains, Columbia and the western United Columbia and the western United States. States. Back to

Resource Chart

Soda AshSoda Ash

used in glass containers; in fiberglass and specialty glass; also used in production of flat glass; in liquid detergents; in medicine; as a food additive; photography; cleaning compounds; pH control

Mined in Argentina, Australia, Austria, United States (Wyoming and California)Back to

Resource Chart

LimestoneLimestone Limestone the most versatile and widely used

rock in the earth's crust. Most is crushed and used as concrete. It is a source of lime, the chief raw ingredient in cement; a fertilizer and soil conditioner; used in paints and plastics; toothpaste, medicines, and commonly used as a livestock feed as a source of calcium. It can also be used in construction.

Lime stone is found in North America, Europe,

and also in some parts of Canada. Back to

Resource Chart

GeothermalGeothermal Geothermal energy taps into the natural heat within the Earth. At

certain points around the globe, the Earth's heat combines with water. Familiar examples of the Earth's heat combining with water are the geysers at Yellowstone.

PROS: PROS: Once produced, geothermal energy is nearly completely non-polluting. Geothermal power plants are relatively inexpensive to operate. The energy is technically renewable and can be used as direct power source. These power plants are environmentally-friendly and leave few carbon footprints. Fossil fuels are not needed to bring geothermal power plants online

CONS: Technology only makes geothermal energy available from certain regions on the planet. Initial drilling costs are expensive and the process is complex. Although the Earth's heat is ever-present, current or future geothermal sites may not be continuous sources of heat. Hot rocks must be managed well or the water can cool the rocks. While some consider geothermal energy the most cost-efficient and non-polluting, there is as yet no guarantee that possible sites will provide desired quantities


BiomassBiomass Biomass refers to any live or recently dead organic material that

can be converted into a fuel. Biomass includes a range of organic products, including ethanol, but it is more broad and has more options than ethanol alone. The organic matter used as biomass can come from a variety of sources such as sugar cane, eucalyptus, palm oil and even algae.

PROS: They are renewable and easily attainable, and the process to make them into usable fuel is not a complex one.

Cons: As with all fuels, they do give off pollution when used, but typically not as much as gasoline. A severe drawback of biomass use is the devastation of forested areas associated with improperly managed biomass production. If legislation is not in place to protect natural areas, endangered habitats, such as the Amazon Rainforest, would be at risk of being exploited for their biomass capabilities and they could be destroyed.


TidalTidal Tidal energy is generated by undersea turbines placed across

estuary mouths where tidal motion is at its strongest. As the oceans tides move in and out, the turbines are moved creating energy.

PROS: Tidal energy is a clean, non-polluting, renewable and relatively simple energy source making it a valuable technology when compared with fossil fuels. However, it is expensive to produce.

CONS: Tidal energy production is limited because of the small number of environmentally viable sites and the relatively high associated costs.Tidal motion is caused by the moon's gravitational pull and is therefore reliable, occurring twice every day. However, this limits its energy-generating potential to these two daily periods and makes it useable only as secondary energy source.


AtomicAtomic Atoms make up every object in the universe. Energy is stored inside

each atom. Atomic Energy, sometimes called Nuclear Energy, is releasing the atoms energy so we can use it. This is done by splitting or combining atoms.

PROS: One of the biggest benefits of nuclear energy is that it can produce electricity when the Earth's supply of coal and oil runs out. Also, nuclear power plants require less energy to operate than fossil fuel plants and do not produce air pollution. That is steam coming out of the stacks.

CONS: There are disadvantages to the production of nuclear energy. For instance, the U.S. and other countries have nuclear weapons (bombs), which are capable of killing every person on Earth. In addition, nuclear power plants run the risk of a meltdown, which is when fission gets out of control and radioactive materials leech out into the atmosphere causing death and disfigurement in plant and animal life, including humans.


HydroelectricHydroelectric Hydro power has been used since the earliest of times, with waterwheels being used to

grind wheat since the time of the ancient Greeks. Hydroelectric power is the use of water to create energy. The water from large rivers or waterfalls is used, but large man-made dams can produce the water flow necessary for power. The flow of the water moves the turbines and generates electricity. The more water flow and volume, the more electricity produced.

PRO: With a steady source of flowing water, such as the Niagara Falls, hydroelectric power is a renewable source of energy, meaning its source of power will never run out. This is because water systems are naturally replenished by rainfall, which in turn comes from sea and fresh water evaporated by the sun. Because hydroelectric power does not need fuel, it is unaffected by global factors such as oil costs, and causes little to no pollution. Also, since the river is flowing, Hydroelectricity can be constantly generated, and plants can reach full output quickly. Also, because the flow of water is generally predictable, hydroelectric power plants are often highly automated, with low labor demands. Hydroelectric plants are more durable than most other power plants, and some have lasted up to 50 or 100 years.

CONS: Power plants must be built next to a source of water, and finding a suitable site is often difficult. Even if a suitable site is found, hydroelectric projects can adversely affect neighboring ecosystems. Power plants can often change the environments of rivers downstream, and man-made dams can reduce fish populations. Also, building a dam has a high initial cost, though some of this cost can be shared by other industries since dams have uses outside of hydroelectricity, such as irrigation and flood control.


WindWind The main form of wind-generated power is by wind turbines, once

called "windmills." Wind turbines convert kinetic energy into mechanical power that can drive generators, water pumps or other devices that require electrical power.

PROS: Wind-generated energy is renewable and non-polluting. Wind turbines do not produce radioactive waste as do most ways of generating electricity. When the wind blows, wind power is a possible and proven technology. Access to wind is free.

CONS: Wind energy has some disadvantages. Energy can be generated only when the wind blows. Backup power is expensive and must be replaced every few years. Wind turbines can be damaged in thunderstorms. There is a noise factor that increases when winds are low. Birds fly into wind turbines. Studies often are required about bird migration paths before new wind turbines can be installed.


SolarSolar Solar thermal energy is energy collected from the sun and used to

generate heat. This heat is usually concentrated using mirrors, then used in heating water. The water is heated until it turns into steam used to turn turbines, generating electricity.

Pros: Since solar energy is completely renewable, there is no strain on the Earth's resources and fossil fuels to power and heat your home. Solar energy doesn't give off any air pollution or harmful by-products after the manufacturing process of the solar panels. Solar energy is quiet and unobtrusive as it powers your home. It is easily maintained and monitored. Since there are no moving parts to worry about, the system can last a long time.

CONS: Solar energy has a high cost of installation. Depending on the size of your system, your cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Next up, solar panels can take up a lot of space and may always be in view depending upon where they need to placed in order to collect the greatest amount of sunshine. Solar energy can only be collected during the daylight hours, and pollution or an overcast day can reduce that by even more.


Documents

Natural Resources OF OUR WORLD. MAJOR CONCEPTS Natural Resources are materials found in the environment that are useful to humans. Natural Resources are