Classification of Natural Resources

Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is a renewable energy source that harnesses the flow of water to generate electricity.

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that utilizes heat from within the Earth to generate electricity or provide direct heating.

Bioenergy is a renewable energy source derived from organic matter, such as plants or waste, and can be used directly as fuel or converted into biogas or biofuels.

Ocean energy is a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of tides, waves, and ocean temperature differences to generate electricity.

Tidal energy is a form of ocean energy that uses the ebb and flow of tides to generate electricity.

OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) is a form of ocean energy that utilizes the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep water to generate electricity.

Wave energy is a form of ocean energy that captures the kinetic energy of ocean waves to generate electricity.

Nuclear energy is a form of energy released during nuclear reactions, such as fission, and is a non-renewable energy source.

A machine that converts wind's kinetic energy into rotational energy using sails. It was originally designed for grinding grain but also pumps water and generates electricity.

Wind energy is a limitless and renewable source of energy.

Wind turbines generate electricity without producing emissions that contribute to acid rain or the greenhouse effect.

Wind energy requires large open areas for wind farms, which can impact the visual landscape and wildlife.

Wind speed affects the efficiency of a wind turbine. Optimal speed is 4-5 m/s, while wind speeds exceeding 25 m/s can cause damage and require shutdown.

Wind energy relies on storing energy during peak production, which adds to the cost.

Wind energy is unreliable due to the unpredictable nature of wind patterns.

Wind turbines can generate mechanical energy, which can be used directly for tasks like pumping water.

A layer of underground rock that holds groundwater and can be accessed by wells.

An aquifer where the water level is determined by the water table and is not confined by an overlying impermeable layer.

An aquifer where the water level is confined by an impermeable layer above it, often under pressure.

The practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use in homes, farms, or for recharging groundwater.

The surface from which rainwater is collected in a rainwater harvesting system.

Pipes that carry rainwater from the catchment area to the storage tank.

A large volume of water created by rainwater harvesting that can be used for various purposes.

Methods used to increase infiltration and recharge of rainwater into the ground.

Uniform removal of a thin soil layer across a large area, caused by runoff. Difficult to detect until it develops into rill erosion.

Rainfall rapidly running water creating finger-shaped grooves or channels on the ground.

Deep, U or V-shaped cavities formed by heavy rainfall, often developing from rill erosion.

Outward and downward movement of soil and rock on slopes, often triggered by heavy rainfall.

Erosion of river banks caused by fast-flowing water during peak discharge periods. Responsible for transporting large amounts of debris.

The process of clearing forests, which reduces soil stability and increases runoff, leading to desertification.

Excessive grazing of animals, leading to soil degradation and increased susceptibility to erosion, ultimately contributing to desertification.

Mining and quarrying activities that remove vegetation cover and expose large areas of land, leading to soil erosion and desertification.

A type of farming where only one type of crop is grown repeatedly on the same land.

High yielding varieties (HYV) of crops that are genetically engineered to produce more food, but often require more water and fertilizers.

The practice of growing different types of plants in the same area to improve soil health and prevent pest infestations.

The overuse of water in agriculture, leading to depletion of underground water sources and soil salinization.

The accumulation of salts in the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow.

The chemicals used to kill pests and weeds in agriculture, which can harm the environment and human health.

The chemicals used to provide nutrients to plants, which can pollute water sources and harm ecosystems.

A sustainable practice of farming that aims to minimize negative environmental impacts and improve soil health.

A type of mining where deep mineral deposits are extracted using methods like unsupported, supported, and caving. It is often associated with risks like occupational hazards, accidents, and environmental damage.

Waste products generated during the processing of minerals, often containing leftover chemicals and additives. These are typically stored in large, enclosed areas called tailings ponds.

The release of sulfur dioxide gas into the atmosphere from the roasting of sulfide ores, contributing to acid rain.

The removal of natural vegetation and topsoil during mining operations, disrupting the ecosystem.

The sinking or collapse of land above underground mines, causing potential damage to structures and displacement of people.

Disruption of the natural water flow and contamination of groundwater by leaching of heavy metals and acids.

The production of acidic water from mine sites due to the reaction of sulfide ores with air and water, leading to environmental damage.

Noise pollution generated by heavy machinery used in mining operations, impacting local communities.