Our Natural Resources, Then and Now

1. Our Natural Resources, Then and Now

2. What is a natural resource? • Any form of energy which can be used by humans. • Those things that people come in contact with that may be used to perform any useful function. • Objects, materials, creatures, or energy found in nature that can be put to use by humans.

3. Usefulness Changes • A. Things that affect our definition of usefulness. • 1. Religion- Hindu- cattle • 2. Custom- Dogs as food source. • 3. Technology and Science

4. Soil Resources • Land area • 1. U.S. 3,675,545 square miles or 2.26 billion acres • 2. Surface ranges from 282 feet below sea level in Death Valley to 20,320 feet above sea level on Mt. McKinley

5. Soil Resources • 3. Topsoil- uppermost layer of soil from which we get almost all of our food and natural fibers. • 4. Today, almost 1/3 of our land area is not suited for farming; 8% covered by cities, factories, homes and highways; 60% is suited for food and fiber production of that only 17% can be used to grow crops.

6. Soil Resources • Erosion • 1. Since colonial times we have lost 1/3 of our topsoil to erosion. • 2. Only 1/4 of our cropland is undamaged by erosion.

7. Soil Resources • Since colonial times we have lost 1/3 of our topsoil to erosion. • Only 1/4 of our cropland is undamaged by erosion.

8. Soil Resources • Urban expansion • Land is converted to business or home usage. • Compaction results from concrete or other paving materials.

9. Soil Resources • We must establish priorities for land use to balance food an d fiber production and industrial uses of our land.

10. Water Resources • Useable Water • Earth is 70% water, how much is useable? • As a power source water was used to carry logs, float boats, turn water wheels

11. Water Resources • Everyday we use 300 billion gallons of water • 60 billion depleted • 240 billion return to the hydrologic cycle • Much is damaged by heat and pollutants

12. Water Resources • Controlling excess runoff • 37 states have average annual runoff of more than 10 inches • Much of the rain that falls, runs directly into the sea

13. Water Resources • Major water problems • Control • Quality • Distribution

14. Fish and Wildlife Resources • Non-domesticated animals, either game or nongame. • Considered renewable - only true while the species is alive and reproducing.

15. Fish and Wildlife Resources • Since colonial times, 121 vertebrate species have become extinct in our nation. • 408 regarded rare and endangered as of late 2006

16. Fish and Wildlife Resources • Assets • pleasure derived from wildlife • meat • insect destroying ability, valued at over one billion dollars per year. • hunting and fishing brings in more than one billion dollars each year.

17. Fish and Wildlife Resources • Wildlife conservation programs • programs directed especially for hunters and fishermen. • satisfying the demands of the non-hunting and non-fishing public through the use of parks and game preserves.

18. Forest Resources • Acres of forest land • In 1607 half our land was forested, over 1 billion acres. • Almost 70% is still forest • 1/3 of today’s forest land is noncommercial

19. Forest Resources • Production • Since colonial times U.S. forests have produced about 2,700 billion board feet of timber. • Each year our forests grow more wood than we harvest.

20. Forest Resources • Mature Forests • Canopy is dominated by mature, slow-growing trees • produces very little wood

21. Other Resources • Energy Sources • Most energy comes directly or indirectly from the sun • Wind- used to move our goods and pull water from the earth. • Windmills and Sailing Ships

22. Other Resources • Coal • Most widely distributed storehouse of the sun’s energy. • First discovered in America in 1673 in Illinois.

23. Coal • 35 billion tons have been produced in the US since mining began. • Estimate reserves of 2.5 trillion ton of US coal, but is a one time resource.

24. Other Resources • Oil • In late 1950’s projected that oil reserves would last 14 years. • Today we use more oil but have greater store of known oil- is a one time resource.

25. Oil • Natural Gas • Clean, efficient • Proven reserves 260 trillion cubic feet.

26. Other Resources • Minerals • Most widely used are the metals • Fe, Cu, Al, Mg, Pb, Zn, Sn, (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Magnesium, Lead, Zinc and Tin)

27. Other Resources • Recreational Resources • Forests, lakes, beaches, mountains, parks, game animals and fish