APEX APES 4.3.3 Study: Nonrenewable Resources Study Guide

nonrenewable resource

A resource that is present in a limited supply and, once used, is depleted.

Recycling aluminum cans

There is only a finite amount of aluminum, as no more is being created. Once the supply is gone, no more is available for use. Recycling prevents the resource from being tied up in landfills or other places where it is not accessible, and it helps meet some of the demand for aluminum.

Nonmetallic minerals

Clay, Shale, Silica

Metallic minerals

Copper, Gold, Iron

Fossil fuels

Petroleum, Natural gas, Coal

Renewable resource

Reused repeatedly, Quickly replaced

Limited resource

Replenished eventually, Limited supply

Limited resource examples

Clean air, fertile soil, and freshwater