Classification of resources:
On the basis of aim, following two classes of resources are there:
1. Energy resources
2. Non – energy resources.
1. Energy Resources: In this group, those resources are included from which energy or power is obtained, for example – petroleum, coal, atomic energy, solar energy, human labour and animal power etc. Generally, energy resources can be kept into two classes.
(i) Conventional energy resources: These have been in use since a long time, such as – coal, petroleum, hydroelectricity and atomic energy.
(ii) Non – conventional energy resources: These are the resources which man has started using recently. These are called non – conventional energy resources.
For example: solar energy, wind energy, geothermal and tidal energy.
2. Non – energy Resources: In this group such resources are included which are used by man as raw material or in manufacturing industries. These are called non – energy resources, for example – Iron, gold, silver, zinc, copper and aluminium, etc.
Classification of resources on the basis of continuous use: Under it, the resources can be kept into two groups:
- Non – renewable or exhausting resources.
- Renewable or un – exhausting resources.
Non – renewable or exhausting resources: These are also called limited resources because resources are available on the earth in a certain quantity which reduce with use. These cannot be replaced after their use and there remains the probability of exhausting them. That is why these are called non – renewable resources, such as coal, petroleum, iron, etc.
Renewable or Un – exhausting resources: The resources of this group can be renewed or re – established after use by man or nature. Due to their re – establishment, their reserves never exhaust. That is why these are called renewable resources.
For example: forest, water, air, geothermal, tidal energy.
