Earth’s Natural Resources

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to Earth's natural resources and their significance to human society.

Natural Resources

Materials or energy sources that come from nature and are useful to humans.

Renewable Resource

A natural resource that is replenished faster than it is used up.

Nonrenewable Resource

A natural resource that is used up faster than it can be replenished.

Aquifer

Underground layer of water-bearing rock that can supply water.

Groundwater

Water that is located beneath the Earth's surface.

Fresh Water

Water that is not salty and is suitable for drinking and irrigation.

Petroleum

A nonrenewable natural resource formed from the remains of marine organisms over millions of years.

Geothermal Energy

Energy harnessed from the heat of the Earth’s interior.

Soil Depletion

The loss of soil fertility caused by overuse or unsustainable practices.

Copper Ore

A naturally occurring mineral from which copper can be extracted.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources in a way that ensures their availability for future generations.

Habitat Destruction

The alteration or destruction of natural environments, primarily due to human actions.

Ecosystem Disruption

Changes to the structure and function of ecosystems caused by natural or human-induced activities.

Human Population Growth

The increase in the number of people in a given area, which impacts resource consumption.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.

Reforestation

The process of planting trees in an area where forest cover has been reduced.

Overgrazing

Excessive grazing by livestock that damages vegetation and leads to soil erosion.

Global Warming

The gradual increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human emissions of greenhouse gases.