What are the different types of natural resources and how are they formed?

Natural resources are materials that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain. They can be categorized into two main types: renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable resources can be replenished over time, while nonrenewable resources are finite and will eventually be depleted.

Renewable resources include things like solar energy, wind energy, water, and biomass. These resources are constantly being replenished and can be used without fear of depletion. Nonrenewable resources include things like fossil fuels, minerals, and metals. These resources are formed over millions of years and cannot be replaced once they are used up.

Natural resources are formed through various geological processes. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, are formed from the remains of dead plants and animals that were buried under sediment millions of years ago. Minerals and metals, such as gold, copper, and iron, are formed through geological processes involving heat, pressure, and chemical reactions. Renewable resources are formed through natural processes like photosynthesis, wind currents, and hydrological cycles.