What are the impoortant Types of Natural Resources?

Natural resources are of three types:

Type 1-Based on continual supply (Renewable and non-renewable) :

There are some resources which can be and cannot be exhausted. Thus, depending upon the availability of the resources a resource can be renewable (inexhaustible) and non-renewable (exhaustible) or cyclic.

The resources that can be replenished rapidly through natural cycle are called renewable resources. Examples are solar radiation, wind energy, water energy, biomass energy (solar energy stored in wood), food and other agricultural products forests, wildlife and grasslands etc.

The resources, which can be replenished, slowly or even not replenished at all through natural processes are called non-renewable resources. Non-renewable resources are further divided into two categories. These are:

(a) Recyclable:

These resources can be collected after they are used and can be recycled. Such resources are mainly non- energy resources, which occur on the earth’s crust, Examples are one it aluminum and other metals.

(b) Non-recyclable:

These resources cannot be recycled in any way for example mineral energy resources such as fossil as fuels (Coal, oil and natural gas and natural energy).

Type 2-Based on origin (Biotic and Abiotic) :

Natural resources may be organic (biotic) or inorganic (abiotic). Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere e.g. forest, and forest products, crops and animal, fish, coal and mineral oil. Abiotic resources are obtained from land, water, and minerals like iron, copper lead and gold.