resources and their uses
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Answer:
7. Coal
People have been using coal as a heat source for centuries. In today’s society coal has become the primary source of fuel for electricity production because it is abundant, has high energy output, and is relatively inexpensive.
Coal is a fossil fuel created through a process known as coalification. Plants that formed millions of years ago in swamp forests died and formed layers of peat that were buried through geological processes, and then altered through heat and pressure in low oxygen environments.
There are many problems that accompany the mining and use of coal. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, one of the more serious environmental issues is the adverse effect on surface and ground water from the disposal of ash and sludge that results from the burning of coal and the cleaning of flue gases.
6. Natural Gas
Natural gas supplies about 22% of the nation’s energy needs and is used as an energy source for heating, cooking, and generation of electricity. It is also used in the process of making plastics and other commercially important organic compounds.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel created by the decomposition of organic material, usually from ancient marine organisms, in an anaerobic environment. There are two categories of natural gas deposits, conventional and unconventional. Conventional deposits are associated with oil reserves, and unconventional deposits include coal bed methane, shale gas, and tight-gas sandstone.
5. Oil
Like natural gas, oil is created through the decomposition of organic matter in an anaerobic environment over millions of years. Oil supplies 40% of the nation’s energy needs and is used for the production of gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, propane, and asphalt. Oil is also used in the manufacturing of petrochemicals for production of plastics, synthetic rubber, and chemicals.
The location of oil and gas reserves is determined by plate tectonics. This is why most oil is found in deserts, artic regions, river deltas, and continental margins offshore. Plate tectonics create the locations for anoxic burial and the high pressure and heat required for organic matter to turn to oil.
4. Salt
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is an essential mineral for the life of humans and animals.
Salt is mined through one of four methods: rock salt mining underground, solution mining by injecting a solvent that dissolves underground salt and then is recovered through solar evaporations, sea water evaporation in which sea water is collected in solar evaporation ponds, and inland solar evaporation which is similar to sea water evaporation but inland.
Over 40% of the salt mined is used in the chemical industry, with another 40% being used as deicer on roads in the winter. The remaining 20% is spread out over processing of table salt, and manufacturing of rubber and other goods.
3. Timber
Timber is an important renewable natural resource in many societies around the world. If production is approached in a responsible way it can be both sustainable and economical.
Timbers are mostly used to create lumber for use in construction. They can also be roughly shaped and used as heavy duty beams and columns.
Timber is also used to make paper products, fiber board, hard board, plywood, and particle board.
2. Soil
Soil is one of the most important natural resources on Earth, being required both directly and indirectly for food production, manufacturing of industrial raw materials, and for generation of energy sources. Soil is essential for the function of ecosystems providing nutrients, oxygen, water, and heat.
Soil resources are being degraded by poor agricultural practices and chemical contamination. One of the most significant challenges facing current and future generations is the preservation of this irreplaceable natural resource from pollution and physical destruction.
1. Water
Like soil, water is one of the most important natural resources for the existence of life. Fresh water is consider a renewable resource, but most of the water humans drink comes from ground water sources that are being depleted faster than they can be replenished.
Even though water is considered a renewable resource, water resources are facing serious threats by human activities. These activities include pollution, urban growth, deforestation, and climate change.
Conclusion