First, we start off with two main types of resources. The renewable resources, and the non-renewable resources.
Renewable Resources - these are the types of resources which replenish within a short period of time (could be days, weeks, months, years, or decades).
• Nuclear Fission - energies are produced in this process by uranium nuclei through the process of fission that emit neutrons and heat energy.
• Wind Strength - wind energy is produced by using the technology of huge mechanical fans that generates energy/electricity when activated by a certain strength of the wind.
• Hydroelectric Power - in this method, energy is generated with the use of turbines that are placed under falling waters like waterfalls. The rate of energy produced depends on the strength of the flowing water.
• Geothermal Energy - it is harnessed by tapping natural underground reservoirs of steam and hot water.
• Tidal Power - energy in this method is harnessed by constructing a dam across the mouth of a bay or an estuary in coastal areas. Energy is generated like in the hydroelectric process but is more concentrated on tides.
Non-Renewable Resources - these, on the other hand, are the types of resources which takes millions of years in order to form and/or accumulate.
• Fossil Fuels - these are hydrocarbons that may be used as fuel, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
• Tar Sands and Oil Shale - these are fuels that could be possible substitutes for dwindling petroleum supplies.
• Non-Metallic Mineral Resources - these resources are processed for their physical or chemical value.
Weathering
Basically, weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soil, and minerals.
There are two types of weathering:
Mechanical Weathering - it occurs when physical forces break rock into smaller and smaller pieces without changing the rock's mineral composition.
• Frost Wedging - the mechanical break-up of rock caused by the expansion of freezing water in cracks and crevices.
• Unloading - reduced pressure on igneous rock causes it to expand and allows slabs of outer rock to break off in layers in a process called exfoliation.
• Biological Activity - the activity of organisms, including plants, burrowing animals, and humans, can also cause mechanical weathering.
Chemical Weathering - is the transformation of rock into one or more new compounds.
Differential Weathering (Rate of Weathering) - is caused by variations in composition. It also creates an an unusual and spectacular rock formations and landforms.
Factors that affect the rate of weathering:
1. Rock Characteristics
→ Mineral composition and solubility
→ Physical features such a joints
2. Climate
→ Temperature and moisture are the most crucial factors.
→ Chemical weathering is most effective in areas with high temperatures and abundant moisture.
Soil - it is part of the regolith that supports the growth of plants.
Soil's Four Major Components:
• Mineral Matter
• Humus
• Water
• Air
Soil Texture - refers to the proportions of different particle sizes.
• Sand (large)
• Silt
• Clay (small)
Loam - mixture of the three above which is best suited for plant life.
Types of Soil
1. Pedalfer - best developed under forest vegetation
2. Pedocal - accumulates calcium carbonate and associates with drier grasslands
3. Laterite - hot, wet, tropical climates and experiences chemical weathering
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Checked by Prof. Crisencio M. Paner
