Notes – Earth’s Resources

What are natural resources? any resource provided by Earth Examples: Water Air Metals Oil Plants Sunlight

What are renewable resources? a resource that is replaced through natural processes at a rate that matches its use Examples: air, water, living things, sunlight WATER AIR LIVING THINGS SUNLIGHT

What are non-renewable resources? a resource that exists in a fixed amount in Earth’s crust and is being extracted at a faster rate than it is being formed by Earth processes Examples: fossil fuels, minerals, gemstones

What are mineral resources? resources provided by the land, such as fertile soil, construction materials, and metals Examples: iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, gold, silver, lead, uranium, salt

What are energy resources? any natural resource that provides useful energy Examples: sunlight, wind, wood, fossil fuels, moving water, geothermal, and nuclear

What are Alternative Energy Sources? an energy source that is renewable Examples: sunlight, wind, water, geothermal, and biomass

Everything we use is either grown, mined, or drilled.

What are Fossil Fuels? a non-renewable fuel source produced by the accumulation of organic matter which is subsequently changed by heat and pressure Examples: coal, petroleum (oil) and natural gas US Open Pit Coal Mine North Sea Oil Refinery-Anacortes, WA

Why are fossil fuels important? Fossil fuels currently supply most of the world’s energy About 85 percent of energy produced in the US comes from burning fossil fuels. Powers almost 2/3 of our electricity and virtually all of our transportation.

What is Sustainable? the ability to replenish resources at a rate that matches their use

Life Cycle of a Product the transformation of matter and energy throughout the life cycle of a product, including its design; acquisition of raw materials; manufacturing and packaging; distribution; useful life; and disposal

Manufacturing Packaging Life Cycle of a Product Raw Materials Design Manufacturing Packaging Disposal Distribution Useful Life PENCILS