Topics: Physical Geography - 2. Natural Resources

2. Natural Resources

Natural resources are "industrial materials and capacities (as mineral deposits and waterpower) supplied by nature". Renewable Natural Resources are "capable of being replaced by natural ecological cycles or sound management practices". (Merrian-Webster Dictionary)

A natural resource is often characterized by amounts of biodiversity existent in various ecosystems. Agriculture, Nuclear and Solar Energy are examples of man-made resources. Mining, petroleum extraction, fishing, hunting, and forestry are considered natural-resource industries. According to the United States Geological Survey, "natural resources include minerals, energy, land, water, and biota".



Sources:

U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, http://www.nrcs.usda.gov

U.S. Geological Survey,http://www.usgs.gov/themes/resource.html