List three limited resources and three nonrenewable resources.
Three limited resources are:
1. Freshwater: Water is essential for all life on Earth, but only a small percentage (about 2.5%) of the planet's water is freshwater, and most of it is frozen in glaciers or inaccessible in underground aquifers. With a growing global population and increased demand for water, freshwater sources are becoming increasingly scarce.
2. Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas have been formed over millions of years from the decayed remains of plants and animals. These resources are limited and non-renewable because they take millions of years to form, but are being consumed at a rapid rate. Additionally, the use of fossil fuels contributes to pollution and climate change.
3. Land: Land is a limited resource, and its availability is declining due to urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural expansion. As human population continues to grow, the demand for land for housing, infrastructure, and food production increases, putting pressure on the limited amount of land available.
Three nonrenewable resources are:
1. Minerals: Minerals such as iron, copper, gold, and silver are examples of nonrenewable resources. These resources are extracted from the earth's crust and have finite quantities. Once they are depleted, they cannot be replenished within a human lifespan.
2. Natural Gas: Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is formed deep beneath the earth's surface over millions of years. It is primarily composed of methane and is extracted through drilling. Like other fossil fuels, natural gas is finite and will eventually be depleted.
3. Nuclear Fuel: Uranium is the most common fuel used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. It is extracted from the earth and has a limited supply. Although nuclear power is considered a relatively clean source of energy, the availability of uranium is limited, making it a nonrenewable resource.
3 more limited resources
Three more limited resources are:
1. Rare Earth Elements: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 elements that are essential for many technological applications, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems. Despite the name "rare," these elements are actually found in the earth's crust but are difficult to extract and are typically concentrated in specific geological formations. The demand for REEs has been increasing rapidly, and their availability is limited, making them a valuable but finite resource.
2. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is a critical component of fertilizers. It is primarily extracted from phosphate rock, which is limited in quantity and concentrated in only a few countries. As agricultural practices continue to intensify to meet the growing global food demand, the availability of phosphorus is becoming a concern.
3. Helium: Helium is a gas that is lighter than air and has numerous important applications, including in medical devices, electronics, and scientific research. While helium is abundant in the universe, it is rare on Earth and escapes the planet's atmosphere quickly, making it difficult to capture and store. As a result, helium reserves are limited, and its availability is a concern, particularly for industries heavily reliant on its use.