Anything in nature that humans need to live.
natural resource
True or False?
Natural resources are distributed equally and evenly across the world.
False
The process of extracting valuable minerals from the Earth is called this.
mining
I am needed for life. I may be found on the surface, underground, and in the sky. Although most of the Earth is covered by me, I’m not as useful where I’m most plentiful.
water
I provide shade, oxygen, and habitat for many animals, and I play a crucial role in the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide. People use me for a variety of purposes, including making paper, furniture, and building materials. I also help prevent soil erosion and provide beauty to landscapes.
trees
These resources can be replenished in our lifetime through natural processes.
renewable resources
True or False? Natural resources are distributed in different ways and in different amounts throughout the world.
True
This renewable resource is harnessed by using turbines and is available in many windy regions.
_____ energy
wind energy
Without me, nobody eats! Although I can be found all over, when I’m misused, I stop being productive. I come in a lot of varieties, and have a huge impact on cultures. Water moves me, and strong wind really blows me away.
soil
I am a fossil fuel that is mined. I am made from ancient plants that were buried and changed over millions of years. I am mostly used to produce electricity and heat homes. Burning me releases gases that can harm the environment, so people are looking for cleaner energy sources to replace me.
coal
These resources cannot be replenished in our lifetime and are limited in supply.
Non-renewable resources
True or False? Fossil fuels are considered renewable resources.
False - they take millions of years to form.
The energy that comes from the sun's rays. It can be harnessed and converted into electricity or heat.
_________ energy
solar energy
I am a shiny yellow metal. I am useful for jewelry, finances, dentistry, electronics, aerospace, and medals. Everyone from kings to pirates to fiancés find my allure irresistible.
gold
I am a liquid fossil fuel made from crude oil, processed through refining. I am primarily used to power cars, trucks, and other vehicles, making transportation convenient. I am stored in tanks at gas stations, ready for use. While I provide a lot of energy and am easy to transport, burning me releases pollutants and greenhouse gases, which can harm the environment.
gasoline
True or False?
As the human population continues to increase, the demand for natural resources will decrease.
False
As the human population increases, so will the demand for natural resources.
No one place has all the resources people need which is why _______________ is so important.
trade
The layer of soil and rock where groundwater is stored is called this.
aquifer
I am a metal used for jewelry, tableware (forks, knives, spoons, etc.), and mirrors. Unlike gold, I’ve been known to tarnish, and need occasional polishing to keep my shine.
silver
I am a fossil fuel made mostly of methane, formed from the remains of tiny sea creatures and plants that were buried and changed over millions of years. I am used for heating homes, cooking food, and generating electricity. While I burn more cleanly than coal, releasing fewer pollutants, using me still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
natural gas
These energy sources are made from the remains of plants and animals that lived a long time ago. Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.
___________ ____________
fossil fuels
The unequal distribution of natural resources is the result of past geologic processes.
What is one example of a geologic process that resulted in the distribution of natural resources?
tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, erosion
The concept of using resources wisely and sustainably to avoid depletion is known as this.
conservation
I am a liquid that is found underground. You may think I’m crude, but when it’s time to use me, I’ve become quite refined. I am a major source of energy.
oil
Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source is produced by harnessing the movement of ________.
water