Natural Resources, Earth's Layers, Earth's Spheres

Introduction to Earth Science

natural resource

Materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used by humans

nonrenewable resource

A resource that forms at a rate that is much slower than the rate at which the resource is consumed (used).

material resource

A natural resource that humans use to make object or to consume as food or drink.

conservation

The wise use of and preservation of natural resources.

renewable resource

A natural resource that can be replaced at the same rate at which the resource is consumed.

fossil fuel

A nonrenewable energy resource formed from the remains of organisms that lived long ago. Examples include oil, coal and natural gas.

energy resource

A natural resource that humans use to generate energy.

stewardship

The careful and responsible management of a resource.

crust

Outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid rock.The crust is part of the lithosphere and is where all terrestrial life exists.

mantle

1. Layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core, composed of silicate rocks and minerals.

core

center of the Earth’s layers; molten rock and metal

biosphere

Layer of Earth that contains and supports all life.

hydrosphere

Layer that encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater.

atmosphere

Layer of gases surrounding a planet, held in place by gravity. Composed mainly of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace amounts of other gases, including carbon dioxide and argon.

lithosphere (geosphere)

Also known as the geosphere, is the rigid outer layer of the Earth. It includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.