NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural Resources

Inexhaustible Exhaustible

Renewable Non - Renewable

Biosphere has two types of Components.

Biotic Component Abiotic Component

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 NATURAL RESOURCES
Biosphere
Biosphere means regions of Earth’s crust and atmosphere occupied by the living organism.

Biosphere

Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere

• Lithosphere is the outer solid crust of Earth which we call land. Its upper weathered part
forms the soil.
• Hydrosphere is the water component of Earth. 75% of the Earth’s surface covered with
water in the form of seas, rivers, lakes, ponds, dams, etc. Underground water is another
component of the hydrosphere.
• Atmosphere is the blanket of air that covers the whole Earth.

Biosphere has two types of compnents.

Biotic Component Abiotic Component

Types of Natural Resources

Natural Resources

Inexhaustible Exhaustible

Renewable Non - Renewable

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Q. How do advantages of exploiting natural resources with short term gains in mind differ
from the advantages of managing our resources with a long-term perspective?
(Delhi 2017)
Ans. The advantages of exploiting resources with short term aim is to meet the immediate
basic human needs. Short term exploitation of natural resources meets the current demand. It is
beneficial for the present generation only whereas management of resources with long term
perspective is aimed to fulfil the needs of future generations. Long term use of resources can be
achieved through their sustainable use.
Inexhaustible Natural Resources
They are natural resources, which occur in such abundance that they are not likely to get
exhausted despite continuous use, e.g., air, water, solar energy.
Exhaustible Natural Resources
They are natural resources which are available in limited quantity. They may to get depleted by
continuous and indiscriminate human consumption. Exhaustible resources are of two kinds,
renewable and non-renewable.

Differences between renewable and non-renewable resources

Renewable Resources Non-Renewable resources
1. These resources are replenished within 1. Replenishment is not possible.
reasonable time.
2. These resources can be used forever 2. These resources will ultimately lessen
provided they are used in limited and get exhausted.
amounts.
3. They are both abiotic and biotic. 3. They are abiotic.
4. Their availability can be increased only 4. Their increased exploitation will result
by enhancing replenishment. in quick exhaustion.
Examples. Forest, wildlife, underground Examples. Fossil fuels, minerals.
water* and soil.

Q. Why is an equitable distribution of resources essential in a society? List two forces which
are against such distribution. (AI 2017)
Ans. Equitable distribution of natural resources is necessary so that all and not just a handful of
rich and powerful people use them. Two forces against equitable distribution of resources
are :
• Industrialisation
• Profit makers who want to make profit from these resources

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Air
Atmosphere
• The multilayered gaseous envelope surrounding the planet Earth is called atmosphere.
• It is divided into five distinct layer or zones : Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere,
Thermosphere (ionosphere) and Exosphere.
Composition of Gases in Air
Component Percentage of volume
1. Nitrogen (N2) 78.09
2. Oxygen (O2) 20.93
3. Argon (A) & Carbon dioxide (CO2) 0.98

Importance of Atmosphere
Role of Atmosphere in Climate Control
• The atmosphere covers the Earth, like a blanket.
• The atmosphere keeps the average temperature of the Earth fairly steady during the day.
• The atmosphere prevents the sudden increase in temperature.
• When UV radiations from sun strike the O2 molecules, it causes splitting of O2.
• Oxygen molecules react with energy atoms in the upper atmosphere to form Ozone (O3).
The Movement of Air : Wind
• Air movement in coastal area : In coastal area, during daytime, there is a regular flow of cool
air from the sea towards the land.
• At night, there is a reverse flow of air from land to sea. This happens because during the
daytime, land gets heated faster than water.
Air Pollution
• Air pollution is the addition of air pollutants such as particulate matter, gases and vapours
into the atmosphere, has an adverse effect on humans, animals, vegetation and human
assets.
• Natural (e.g., forest fire, dust storm, pollen).
• Human made (e.g., burning of fossil fuels in industries, mining, processing, stone crushing).
• Particulate air pollutants are also called suspended particulate matter or SPM because they
remain suspended in air for a good period of time.
Effects of Air Pollution of Human Beings
1. SPM casuses asthma, bronchitis and allergic cold.
2. Pollutant gases cause irritation in eyes, throat and lungs. They injure lings, liver, kidneys,
spleen and nervous system. Heart related diseases tend to increase. Many people develop
terminal ailments such as cancer.
3. Hydrocarbon vapours not only damage the internal organs, but also cause cancer.
4. SO2 reacts with water in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid. This sulphuric acid is
washed down into the soil by rain (acid rainfall) where it may make the soil highly acidic,
thus, affecting the growth of plants and ultimately the forest growth.

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5. The acid rainfall severely affects the salmon reproduction and fish yield and also eats into
the surface of buildings, eroding the tone (e.g., Taj Mahal) and brick-works.
6. Air pollution also results in two serious ecological problems of global magnitude-green
house effect and peeling of ozone umbrella (hole in ozone layer).
Green House Effect
The carbon dioxide of the atmosphere keeps the Earth warm, much like a glass wall that keeps a
greenhouse warm. This effect is called the greenhouse effect. The increase in carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect and leads to global warming, i.e., an
increase in the average temperature of the Earth.
When there is increase in CO2 concentration, the deposition of CO2 gas presents the heat from
radiating out from the earth. Green house effect leads to global warming.
Q. Write the composition of soil. On what basis is the type of soil decided ? [SAII – 2013]
Ans. Soil is a mixture. It is composed of small particles of rocks of different sizes, humus (bits of
decaying living organism) and various micro-organisms.
The type of soil is decided by the average size of particles found in it.
Q. What are the consequences of global warming ? [SAII -2012]
Ans. An increase in temperature of earth even by 1 °C may lead to melting of ice on the poles.
The melting of ice will result in rise of sea level.
Due to rise in sea level,many coastal cities will be flooded or submerged.
Increase in temperature of earth, results the changes in weather and may cause excessive
raining or drought or extreme hot or cold weather conditions.
Ozone Layer and its Depletion
• The ozone is an allotrope of oxygen
• It is triatomic (O3) as compared to diatomic elemental oxygen (O2).
• Ozone gas is a blue gas with a pungent odour.
• It is highly poisonous
• Ozone is present in significant amounts in the stratosphere region of atmosphere
• Maximum concentration occurs at a height of 23-25 km.
• The part of atmosphere which is rich in ozone may be called ozone layer, ozonosphere,
ozone umbrella or ozone shield.
Formation of Ozone layer
• When UV radiations from sun strike the O2 molecules, it causes splitting of O2.
• Oxygen molecules react with energy atoms in the upper atmosphere to form Ozone (O3).
Ozone depleting substance (ODS)
• Reduction in the concentration of ozone layer is called ozone depletion.
• The important ODS ar chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, methyl bromide, nitrogen oxides
and chlorine, CFCs such as carbon tetrachloride, CCl3; dichlorodifluoromethane, (CCl2F2).
They are rich in chlorine, fluorine and carbon. CFCs are commonly used as aerosol
propellants, refrigerants, shaving foams, spray agent in scents, etc.

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Effects of Ozone Depletion
• Skin cancer.
• Damage of eyes; also increase in incidence of cataract disease in eyes.
• Damage of immune system.
• Increased embryonic mortality in animals and humans.
• Decreased crop yields.
• Reduced populations of phytoplankton, zooplankton and certain fish
larvae that are important constituents of aquatic food chains.
• Smog formation
Water
Oceans, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, pools, polar ice caps, water vapour, etc., collectively form
the hydrosphere
Hydrosphere comprises of water which is an inexhaustible natural resource.
• Earth is covered by oceans which contain 97.5% of the total water.
• Land contains 2.5% of the total water.
• A major part (1.9% of the total) of water occurs as ice caps and glaciers.
• The remaining (0.6% of the total) supports total life. It is called fresh water (water with salt
content less than 0.5%).
• More than 90% of this fresh water is found underground as ground water.
• The remaining 10% fresh water occurs as surface water (river, dams, lakes, ponds), soil
water or as water vapours present in the atmosphere.
Rain water Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting involves collection, storage and subsequent use of water deposited by
rains. In water stressed, dry regions of the world, rainwater harvesting is an ancient practice. In
parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, people collect whatever they can, the meagre quantity of water
that is deposited by rain, in large storage tanks and vessels. This water serves them during most
of the year.
In another technique of rainwater harvesting, roof tops properly cleaned are used to collect rain
water which is directed through pipes to large underground pucca storage tanks which are
sealed off from all sides except for a small opening used for cleaning and withdrawal purpose. In
cities such as Dwarika, Gujarat. People use this collected water for drinking and cooking purpose
for most of the year.
Advantages of Rain-water Harvesting
The technique of rain-water harvesting has the following advantages:
1. It reduces the run-off loss of rain water.
2. It is helpful in controlling floods.
3. It maintains a supply of water during the dry months of the year.
4. It helps to raise the water table.
5. It checks soil erosion.

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Sources or Causes of Water Pollution
1. Sewage: Animal excreta discharged into fields or dumped in to pits reaches water bodies
through run off and leaching, particularly during the rainy season.
2. Industrial wastes: Effluents of mills and industries such as paper mills, petroleum
refineries, etc., contain large quantities of harmful chemicals including acids, alkalies and
heavy metal e.g., mercury salts from paper industries) that are discharged into water
bodies.
3. Synthetic soaps and detergents: Water containing soaps and detergents is discharged
from houses and certain factories.
4. Fertilizers and pesticides: Fertilizers and pesticides are being used excessively in the
fields to increase crop production.
5. Petroleum oil: Drilling and shipping operations are common in the oceans. Leakage of
pertroleum oil during such operations or due to accidents result in water pollution.
6. Thermal pollution: Discharge of hot water from industries and thermal plants into
water body changes the normal temperature of the water. The content of oxygen decreases.
Reduced oxygen content kills aquatic animals and reduces the rate of decomposition of
organic matter.

Harmful Effects of Water Pollution

1. Human diseases: Pathogens are biological pollutants of water. They include viruses,
bacteria fungi, protozoan, helminths, nematodes, etc. They cause following diseases in
humans such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery, jaundice, and hepatitis.
2. Disturbance in ecological balance: The pollutants can encourage the growth of some life
forms and can harm some other life-forms. This effects the balance between various
organisms that persists in that system.
3. Removal of desirable substances from water bodies: With increase in the amount of
organic wastes in water, bacteria multiply rapidly and use up the available oxygen. Lack of
oxygen kills the fish and other animals.
Biological oxygen demand (BOD) indicates the quality of waste water. BOD refers to the
amount of dissolved oxygen needed by bacteria in decomposing the organic waste present
in water. It is expressed in milligrams of oxygen (O2) per litre of water. A weak organic
waste has BOD less than 1500 mg/litre ; a strong one has higher than this.
4. Effect of thermal pollution or change in temperature: Aquatic organisms are used to a
certain range of temperature in the water-body where they live; a sudden marked change
in this temperature can be dangerous for them
5. Destruction of useful microorganisms: When untreated industrial wastes get mixed
with water in rivers and lakes, etc. , the acids, alkalies and heavy metals present in the
industrial wastes kill the useful organisms present in water bodies.
6. Eutrophication: Eutrophication is the process in which dissolved oxygen in water gets
reduced due to excessive growth of algae as a re sult of extra loading of nutrients in the
water body.

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 Presence of sewage and fertilizers (nitrates and phosphates) in polluted water provide a
lot of nutrients to the algae (phytoplankton) present in water body, resulting excessive
growth of alkae, termed as algal bloom.
The algae subsequently die and aerobic decompsers become active. They
rapidly consume the dissolved oxygen of the water during
decomposition of the dead
algae.
7. Biomagnification Gathering
of various harmful substances
like pesticides, DDT and
biphenyls at different levels of a food chain is called Biological
Magnification.
It increases the concentration of toxic substances in organisms at higher trophic levels.
DDT was a pesticide which was consumed by many organisms of the lower trophic level in
aquatic ecosystem (fish). Birds accumulated sufficient amounts of DDT that ate those fish.
The use of DDT was banned in US in the 1970 s.
Biogeochemical Cycles
• The movement of nutrient elements through the living and non-living components of
biosphere, is called biogeochemical cycle of matter.
• The biogeochemical cycles are also known as nutrient cycles.
The Water Cycle
• The whole process in which water evaporates and falls on the land rivers is known as the
water-cycle.
• All of the water that falls on the land does not immediately flow back into the sea.
• Some of this underground water finds its way to the surface through springs.
• Water is also used by terrestrial animals and plants for various life-processes
The Nitrogen Cycle
• Nitrogen gas makes up 78% of our atmosphere and nitrogen is also a part of many molecules
essential to life like proteins.
• The first step involves the fixation (conversion) of atmospheric inert nitrogen into a usable
form of nitrogen.
• Here, the N2 from of nitrogen is converted into NH3 (Ammonia). This process is carried out
by symbiotic bacteria in the soil called diazotrophs.
• These are bacteria, primarily known for their nitrogen fixation in nature, e.g., rhizobium.
Nitrogen Fixation
1. Atmospheric Nitrogen Fixation: The inert nitrogen present in the atmosphere is converted
to nitrous oxide with the help of lightning due to the high-temperature present during
lightning.
The nitrogen is broken down into nitrogen atoms which react with oxygen to from nitrous
oxide, nitrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide.
These compounds later dissolve in the rain to form dilute nitric acid.

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 When the dilute nutric acid reaches the Earth’s surface, it reacts with the alkalies present to
form nitrates that plants can easily absorb.
2. Biological Nitrogen Fixation: There exist nitrogen-fixing bacteria and blue-green algae
that convert nitrogen present in the atmosphere into nitrates. There are two types of
nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Free – Living Bacteria : For example. Azotobacter, and Clostridium.
Symbiotic Bateria: For example. Rhizobium that is present in root nodules of individual
leguminous plants like Nostoc and Anabaena.
Industrial Nitrogen Fixation : It is a human-made alternative where the atmospheric nitrogen
is converted into ammonia by Haber’s process and later into nitrates in various fertilizers.
Ammonification
The dead remains of plants and animals are buried in the soil. They decay and create ammonia,
carbon dioxide, ans water, with the help of fungi like actinomyces. This process of formation of
ammonia is called ammonification. Already ammonia exists in the soil with the help of nitrogen-
fixing bacteria.
Nitrification
The process in which the ammonia is converted into nitrites and later into nitrates is called
Nitrification. This process takes place in two steps:
Conversion of Ammonia into Nitrites: This takes place by the action of Nitrosomonas bacteria.
They oxidize the ammonia present in the soil and convert them to nitrities.
2𝑁𝐻4+ + 3𝑂2 → 2𝑁𝑂2− + 4𝐻 + + 2𝐻2 𝑂
Conversion of Nitrites to Nitrates: This takes place by the action of Nitrobacter species, which
convert the nitrates in the soil into nitrates.
2𝑁𝑂2− + 𝑂2 → 2𝑁𝑂3−
Assimilation: Assimilation is the absorption of nitrates and other nitrogen compounds. The
nitrogen compounds are essential for the formation of crucial biomolecules.
Denitrification: The plants do not absorb some nitrates. They are converted into atmospheric
nitrogen with the help of pseudomonas and clostridium. This process is the last step where the
nitrogen compounds present in the soil make their way back to the atmospheric nitrogen.

Carbon Cycle Steps

Following are the major steps involved in the process of the carbon cycle :
1. Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis.
2. These plants are then consumed by animals and carbon gets bioaccumulated into their
bodies.
3. When plants and animals die, carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
4. Some of the carbon that is not released back into the atmosphere become fossil fuels.
5. These fossil fuels are then used for man-made activities, which pumps more carbon back
into the atmosphere.

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Oxygen Cycle
Oxygen enters the living world through resporation; it oxides the food materials and produces
energy and carbon dioxide :
C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy
Glucose
The carbon dioxide (CO2) is utilised by the plants to produce food materials during the process
of photosynthesis.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy C6H12O2 + 6O2
Carbon dioxide water Glucose Oxygen
The concentration of oxygen in the air and water is maintained by equal rates of its use in
respiration and release in photosynthesis.

Notes End

APNI KAKSHA 10
 Important NCERT Questions
Q. How are clouds formed ? [SAII – 2013]
Ans. The water evaporates due to heating Up of water bodies and other biological activities.
The air also heats and rises. On rising, it expands and cools to form tiny droplets. These
droplets grow bigger, expand and form clouds. The collection of dust and other
suspended particles facilitate the process.
Q. What is the major source of freshwater in the city/town/village where you live ?
[SAII -2011]
Ans. The major sources, of freshwater in the city/town/village is the underground water
which is mostly taken out with the help of hand pumps or tube wells. The rivers flowing
in the nearby areas, lakes and ponds also serve as the source of freshwater.
Q. What is soil erosion ? [SAII -2012]
Ans. The removal of topsoil which is rich in humus and nutrients by flowing water or wind is
known as soil erosion. If this process continues further, then all soil may get washed away
and the rocks underneath may get exposed. It may lead to the loss of all valuable
resources because nothing grows as such on the rocks.
Q. What are the two forms of oxygen found in the atmosphere ? [SAII -2011]
Ans. (i) Elemental oxygen is normally found in the form of a diatomic molecule (O2) in the
lower regions of the atmosphere to the extent of 21%. It is non-poisonous form of oxygen.
(ii) But in the upper reaches of the atmosphere (stratosphere), it occurs in the form of
ozone, containing three atoms of oxygen and having the molecular formula O3. It is the
poisonous form of oxygen
Q. Name the various organisms involved in nitrogen cycle. [SAII -2014]
Ans.
• Nitrogen fixing bacteria, e.g., Rhizobium, Azotobacter.
• Bacteria which convert complex nitrogenous organic compounds (proteins) into
ammonia, e.g., Actinomyces.
• Nitrifying bacteria which converts ammonia into nitrates, e.g., Nitrosomonas and
nitrobactor.
• Denitrifying bacteria, e.g., Pseudomonas.
Q. What are the three ways by which CO2 is returned back into atmosphere ? [SAII -2011]
Ans. The three ways by which CO2 is returned back into atmosphere are :
1. By the decomposition of dead organic matter.
2. As the product of respiration by both plants and animals.
3. As the gaseous waste formed by the combustion of fuels like coal, wood, petrol and
gaseous fuels.
Q. Define biosphere. Name its components. [SAII -2012]
Ans. (a) The life-supporting zone of the Earth where the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the
lithosphere interact and make life possible is known as biosphere.
(b) Two components of biosphere ate :
(i) Biotic : All living forms such as:plants, animals .and microorganisms.
(ii) Abiotic : Air, water and the soil.

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Q. Mention three ways by which atmosphere regulates the average temperature on Earth.
Ans. (a) As the air is a bad conductor of heat, therefore, the atmosphere keeps the average
temperature pf the earth fairly steady during the day even during the course of the whole
year.
(b) The atmosphere prevents the sudden increase in hours.
(c) During the night, it slows down the escape of heat into the outer space and prevents
the earth from excessive cooling.
Q. What are the harmful effects of air pollution ? [SAII – 2012]
Ans.
1. It may cause respiratory problems like sneezing, allergy, asthma or bronchitis in
some persons.
2. It may cause acid rain which leads to deterioration of metals and other building
material.
3. It may cause global warming which leads to change in the climate of the Earth.
4. Carbon monoxide may lead to many problems of respiratory system.
5. Smog, which reduces the visibility as well as causes respiratory ailments.
Q. Mention any three important roles of water required for organisms on the earth’s surface.
Ans.
1. All cellular processes take place in water medium.
2. Water regulates-body temperature.
3. Water is required for transportation of nutrients from one part of the body to the
other.

Ab Phod Do!

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