Key Concepts in Natural Resources, Pollution, and Earth Science

Fundamentals of Natural Resources

A Natural Resource is the accumulation in the environment of a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance. The most important natural resource is water.

Resource Classification

Resources are typically grouped based on their regeneration rate:

• Non-Renewable Resources: These are resources that are slow to return, taking thousands or millions of years to form, such as fossil fuels. Non-renewable energy sources are derived from materials formed over vast geological timescales.
• Renewable Resources: These are continuously generated, such as solar energy (E. Solar) and wind energy (E. Wind).

Water Management and Purification

Water purification involves several stages to remove contaminants:

1. Preliminary Treatment: Water is screened to remove large solids.
2. Primary Treatment: Consists of the separation of solids by processes such as flotation, sedimentation, and coagulation.
3. Secondary Treatment: Consists of a second decanting process to remove traces of organic matter that may still persist.
4. Tertiary Treatment: Consists of the removal of minerals, viruses, heavy metals, and other fine contaminants.

Note: Solid waste is toxic.

Environmental Degradation and Pollution

Defining Pollution

Pollution is the increase or appearance of harmful substances in the environment (land, air, or water). Types of contamination include:

• Chemical contamination
• Physical contamination

Atmospheric Phenomena

The Greenhouse Effect

The Greenhouse Effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to atmospheric gases, such as CO2, trapping heat.

Climate Change

Climate Change is the gradual increase in the temperature of our planet. Predictions associated with climate change include:

• Increasing sea levels.
• The appearance of new diseases.

Acid Rain

Acid Rain is a type of air pollution that precipitates onto the Earth in liquid form.

Land and Water Degradation

Eutrophication is the process where water quality decreases due to an excessive increase in mineral salts. Agrarian activity is a significant source of minerals, especially through the use of fertilizers.

Desertification is the destruction of vegetation and soil in fertile, relatively moist areas.

Deforestation is the destruction of vegetation, often caused by logging or fire.

Earth Sciences and Atmospheric Dynamics

Solar Radiation

Solar Radiation occurs when the Sun generates a large amount of energy, which radiates in all directions.

Atmospheric Pressure and Weather Systems

Atmospheric Pressure is the pressure exerted by the atmosphere on the Earth's surface. It is measured in hectopascals.

• Borrascas (Low Pressure Areas): Areas characterized by low pressure.
• Anticyclones (High Pressure Areas): Areas characterized by high pressure.

Geological Processes

Weathering

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down and altered by being constantly exposed to the action of the atmosphere. Types of weathering include:

• Physical
• Chemical
• Biological

Cave Formations

When water containing calcite stays on the cave roof and drips down, a Stalactite is formed. If the water falls to the ground, the calcite accumulates, forming a Stalagmite.

Glacial and Desert Features

A Glacier Tongue is the ice mass moving down from a mountain cirque.

A Stone Desert refers to desert areas characterized by having their surface covered by stones (rock fragments).