Earths Resources

Renewable and Nonrenewable

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be used over and over again. The supply will never be depleted. Any material or energy source that cycles or can be replaced within the period of a human life span.

Examples of Renewable Resources

Crops Soil Wind Water The Sun Biomass Fuels Geothermal Energy

Nonrenewable Resources

Any material or energy source that cannot be replaced during the time of a human life span. Take millions of years to form. Must be conserved. Must come up with alternative sources.

Examples of Nonrenewable Resources

Fossil Fuels Rocks Ores

Fossil Fuels

Serve as the primary energy source in the United States. Coal - anthracite and bituminous forms found in PA Petroleum - also called oil; found at the bottom of reservoirs in the ground; must be drilled out Natural Gas - found at the top of reservoirs in the ground

Rocks

Marble Granite Limestone Sandstone Shale Slate

Ores

Metals
Iron, aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, silver, gold, magnesium

Nonmetals
Fluorite, salt, clay, sand, gravel, quartz, diamonds, sulfur, talc

Alternative Energy Sources

Solar Power Wind Power Hydropower Geothermal Energy Nuclear Power Trash Hydrogen