Ch. 6 Sec. 2:

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

Renewable Resource

• Resource that can regenerate quickly and that is replaceable.

Nonrenewable Resource

• Resource that cannot be replenished by natural processes.

Sustainable Development

• Using natural resources at a rate that does not deplete them.

Soil Erosion

• Wearing away of surface soil by water and wind.

Desertification • In areas with dry climates, a process

caused by a combination of poor farming practices, overgrazing, and drought that turns productive land into desert.

Deforestation

• Destruction of forests.

Aquaculture

• The raising of aquatic organisms for human consumption.

Smog • Gray-brown mixture of chemicals that

occurs as a haze in the atmosphere.

Pollutant • Harmful material that can enter the

biosphere through the land, air, or water.

Acid Rain

• Rain containing nitric and sulfuric acids.

Key Concept

• How are environmental resources classified?

• They are classified as either renewable or nonrenewable.

Key Concept

• What effects do human activities have on natural resources?

• Human activities can affect the equality and supply of renewable resources.