Summary

• A natural resource is a naturally occurring substance or environmental condition that can be utilised in some way.

• Natural resources may be used directly or undergo processing before use.

• A renewable resource is a resource that is instantly replenished or replenished over a relatively short period of time.

• A non-renewable resource is a resource that is replenished over a long period of time or not at all.

• Earth can be considered as a system of interconnected spheres.

• The lithosphere consists of the crust and upper mantle.

• The hydrosphere includes all locations on Earth that contain water.

• The atmosphere is a mixture of gases that form a layer around Earth.

• The biosphere incorporates all parts of Earth where living organisms are found.

• Matter moves through Earth’s spheres in biogeochemical cycles.

• These include the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, oxygen cycle and rock cycle.

• Matter moves over different timescales through biogeochemical cycles.

• They therefore incorporate both renewable and non-renewable resources.

Earth’s resources are not only used by humans. Here, a beaver is building a dam out of mud, rocks, branches and other plant materials to create a safe haven against predators.

(Image: Ronnie Howard, Adobe Stock)