Solved Questions on Natural Resources
1. The Coriolis effect is a result of Earth's rotation and has significant implications for atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. How does the Coriolis effect impact the direction of moving objects on Earth's surface?
a) The Coriolis effect causes objects to move in straight lines due to the rotation of the Earth.
b) The Coriolis effect has no impact on the movement of objects on Earth's surface.
c) The Coriolis effect causes moving objects to deviate to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
d) The Coriolis effect makes objects move perpendicular to the rotation axis of the Earth.
Answer: c) The Coriolis effect is a result of the Earth's rotation. As the Earth spins, objects moving on its surface appear to be deflected due to this rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left. This phenomenon has significant implications for the direction of atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, including the movement of air masses, ocean currents, and weather systems.
2. Imagine two regions with identical climates but different parent materials: one with limestone and the other with granite. How would the soil formation process differ between these two regions?
a) Both regions would have similar soil profiles due to the shared climate.
b) Limestone region would have more fertile soil due to mineral richness, while granite region's soil would be less fertile.
c) Granite region would have more fertile soil due to higher mineral content, while limestone region's soil would be less fertile.
d) Climate has a greater impact than parent material on soil formation, resulting in similar soil profiles.
Answer: c) Limestone is composed of minerals that contribute to soil fertility as they weather and release nutrients. In contrast, granite weathers into relatively nutrient-poor soils. While climate is an important factor, parent material significantly influences soil composition and fertility, resulting in differences between the two regions' soil profiles despite their shared climate.
3. Which of the following sources contribute to non-point water pollution?
I. Factories
II. Agricultural runoff
III. Sewage treatment plants
IV. Construction sites
V. Oil spills
VI. Industrial effluents
a) I, II, and III
b) II and IV
c) II, IV, and V
d) IV and VI
Answer: b) Non-point water pollution refers to the pollution that comes from diffuse sources, making it challenging to pinpoint a single origin. Agricultural runoff and construction sites are common examples of non-point sources of water pollution.
4. Identify the correct terminology used to describe the following:
I. The removal of salt from seawater to make it suitable for drinking and irrigation.
II. The process by which water on the Earth's surface evaporates and then condenses into clouds before falling as precipitation.
III. The contamination of water bodies due to excessive nutrient levels, leads to excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion.
a) I - Desalination, II - Water cycle, III - Eutrophication
b) I - Eutrophication, II - Condensation, III - Desalination
c) I - Desalination, II - Precipitation, III - Water pollution
d) I - Water pollution, II - Desalination, III - Condensation
Answer: a) I. Desalination: Removing salt from seawater for drinking and irrigation.
II. Water Cycle: Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in the continuous movement of water.
III. Eutrophication: Excessive nutrients causing algal blooms, depleting oxygen in water bodies.
5. Which of the following is an example of an inexhaustible natural resource and its practical application?
a) Coal - Used for electricity generation
b) Solar energy - Used for powering residential homes with solar panels
c) Natural gas - Used for transportation fuels
d) Petroleum - Used for plastic production
Answer: b) Solar energy is an example of an inexhaustible natural resource. It is harnessed using solar panels to generate electricity for residential homes and various other applications.
FAQs
1. Why are natural resources important?
Natural resources are essential for a variety of human activities, including food production, housing, energy generation, transportation, and industry. They also help ecosystems, control the climate, and offer recreational and aesthetic advantages.
2. What are some examples of non-renewable natural resources?
Nonrenewable natural resources are limited and cannot be replaced during human periods. Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), minerals (iron, copper, and gold), and nuclear fuels (uranium).
3. How do human activities impact natural resources?
Human activities such as deforestation, overfishing, pollution, mining, and excessive use of fossil fuels have the potential to deplete natural resources, damage ecosystems, and disturb natural process equilibrium, resulting in environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
4. What are some ways to conserve water resources?
Water conservation measures include minimizing waste, increasing water efficiency in agriculture and industry, gathering rainwater, fixing leaky infrastructure, deploying water-saving technology, and encouraging individuals and communities to adopt water-efficient practices.
5. What are renewable natural resources?
Sunlight, wind, water, woods, and animals are examples of renewable natural resources, which may be regenerated or replaced naturally in a very short amount of time. These resources are sustainable if they are managed correctly.
