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Distribution of Natural Resources

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Home/World Geography/Distribution of Natural Resources

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Deepali Chaurasia
  • 1
Deepali ChaurasiaBegginer
Asked: July 8, 2024In:
  • 1

Which is the main resources of water?

  1. Rajdeep saha
    Rajdeep saha Begginer

    The main or major water resources are: 1. Surface Water: a. Rivers and Streams:They flow precipitation and melting ice water to the oceans. b.Lakes:Both natural and artificial lakes facilitate storage of water for later supplies to human beings, agriculture, and industries for various uses. c. ReserRead more

    The main or major water resources are:
    1. Surface Water:
    a. Rivers and Streams:They flow precipitation and melting ice water to the oceans.
    b.Lakes:Both natural and artificial lakes facilitate storage of water for later supplies to human beings, agriculture, and industries for various uses.
    c. Reservoirs:They are artificial in nature, formed by constructing dams across rivers, which are mainly used for storing water, flood control, and hydroelectric power supplies.
    2. Groundwater:
    a. Aquifers:Porous rock or sediment that stores the water under the Earth’s surface.
    b. Wells and Springs:Gain access to groundwater for drinking, irrigation, and industry, especially in arid regions.
    3.Atmospheric Water:
    a. Water Vapor, Clouds, and Precipitation: Source of all precipitation that recharges surface and groundwater supplies.
    b. Hydrological Cycle: Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation distribute fresh water throughout the globe.
    These sources are interconnected through the hydrological cycle. Keeping the management of these resources make them available for future generation.

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Tejaswini Polavarapu
  • 1
Tejaswini PolavarapuBegginer
Asked: July 8, 2024In:
  • 1

Why scarcity of water increasing day by day in the world?

  1. Shubham Sharma
    Shubham Sharma Begginer

    Water is a basic human need,and a survival necessitie, water scarcity is increasing day by day due to various reasons. 1) The first one is that the global population is growing day by day, there by making more people need water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. 2) The second one is climate chanRead more

    Water is a basic human need,and a survival necessitie, water scarcity is increasing day by day due to various reasons.

    1) The first one is that the global population is growing day by day, there by making more people need water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

    2) The second one is climate change leads to shifting rainfall patterns causing droughts in some areas and floods in others.

    3) The third one ,there is a lot of water pollution which is caused by rapid growth of industries and factors which polluted the water and makes it unsafe for use.

    4) Fourth,wasteful consumption and poor water management practices exacerbate the situation.

    5) Fifth, In some regions experience scarcity of water because of factors such as being located in arid or semi-arid areas.

    It’s a know problems but we can assist through conserving water and using it wisely as well as supporting sustainable water management systems. Remember every single drop.

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Kshitij Agrawal
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Kshitij AgrawalBegginer
Asked: July 8, 2024In: ,
  • 1

  1. Geetha B
    Geetha B Begginer
    This answer was edited.

    Agriculture, the backbone of human sustenance, relies on various resources. Let’s explore the primary types: Subsistence Agriculture: Description: Subsistence agriculture focuses on self-sufficiency. Families cultivate small plots, growing crops and raising livestock primarily for their own consumptRead more

    Agriculture, the backbone of human sustenance, relies on various resources. Let’s explore the primary types:

    1. Subsistence Agriculture:

      • Description: Subsistence agriculture focuses on self-sufficiency. Families cultivate small plots, growing crops and raising livestock primarily for their own consumption.

      • Characteristics:

        • Traditional Practices: Subsistence farmers rely on age-old techniques passed down through generations.

        • Local Resources: They use locally available seeds, tools, and knowledge.

        • Food Security: The primary goal is to ensure the family’s food needs are met.

        • Biodiversity: Subsistence farming often preserves heirloom crop varieties and diverse livestock breeds.

    2. Commercial Agriculture:

      • Description: Commercial agriculture aims for large-scale production to meet global food demand.

      • Features:

        • Monoculture: Vast fields of a single crop (e.g., wheat, corn, soybeans) dominate.

        • Efficiency: Machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides maximize yields.

        • Profit-Driven: Commercial farmers seek financial gains.

        • Supply Chains: Their produce feeds supermarkets, restaurants, and industries.

    3. Organic Farming:

      • Description: Organic farming emphasizes sustainability and natural practices.

      • Key Points:

        • Chemical-Free: Organic farmers avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

        • Soil Health: They focus on maintaining fertile soil through composting and crop rotation.

        • Certification: Organic produce meets strict standards.

        • Environmental Stewardship: Biodiversity and ecosystem health matter.I HOPE IT WILL BE USEFUL FOR YOU.

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Mansi Gautam
  • 0
Mansi GautamLearner
Asked: June 22, 2024In:
  • 0

Progressive river piracy is largely to blame for the current Himalayan drainage system. Talk about it. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: distribution of natural resources
  1. Bhavesh singh
    Bhavesh singh Begginer

    The diversion of the part of the course of a river by another river is called stream diversion stream/river capture or stream piracy. River capture is a natural process, which is more active in the youthful stage of the valley development because the streams are actively engaged in headward erosionRead more

    The diversion of the part of the course of a river by another river is called stream diversion stream/river capture or stream piracy. River capture is a natural process, which is more active in the youthful stage of the valley development because the streams are actively engaged in headward erosion and valley lengthening but it can also occur during mature and senile stages of the valley development through the process of lateral erosion and meander intersection. The drainage system refers to the origin and development of streams and their channels through time. It is believed that the present drainage system of the Himalayas is the outcome of progressive river piracy during various stages of drainage development. Headward erosion has been the most active process of river capture in the Himalayas. River capturing has been a frequent phenomenon in the evolution of the present drainage system of the Himalayas which can be understood with the help of the following examples:

    • Yarlung Tsangpo was sequentially captured by the paleo-Red, Irrawaddy and Lohit Rivers, before its final capture by the Brahmaputra.
    • The Arun Kosi, a head tributary of the Kosi River, has captured the Phung Cho, a southern tributary of the Tsangpo (the upper part of Brahmaputra) river.
    • Two head tributaries of the Ganga e.g. the Bhagirathi and the Vishnuganga have captured the source tributaries of the Sutlej river.
    • The deviation in the course of the Saraswati River is believed to be caused by river piracy. The headward erosion by the Yamuna cut the channel deeper and deeper eventually leading to the capture of the flow of the Saraswati.
    • The water divide between the tributaries of the Song River (a tributary of the Ganga River) and the Asan River (a tributary of the Yamuna River) is only a few meters wide near Dehradun. It is expected that the Song river may capture the Asan river and thus the upper course of the Yamuna may be diverted to the Ganga via the Asan and the Song rivers.

    In the initial stage of their development, most of the streams and their tributaries are engaged in active headward erosion resulting in continuous creeping or shifting of water divides and lengthening of their valley thalwegs. The stronger and more powerful streams (in terms of channel gradient, stream velocity discharge, and kinetic energy) capture the upper courses of weak and sluggish streams.

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Shyamlal Sharma
  • 0
Shyamlal SharmaLearner
Asked: July 6, 2024In:
  • 0

Give an explanation of geysers and explain how they differ from hot springs.

upsc: water resources
  1. Sidharth Mohan
    Sidharth Mohan Begginer

    A geyser is a fissure or opening on the Earth's surface that periodically releases a powerful column of hot water and steam. The Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park serves as a prime example of this natural phenomenon. Distinctions of Geysers from Hot Springs Nature of Eruption: GeysersRead more

    A geyser is a fissure or opening on the Earth’s surface that periodically releases a powerful column of hot water and steam. The Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park serves as a prime example of this natural phenomenon.

    Distinctions of Geysers from Hot Springs

    • Nature of Eruption: Geysers, like Strokkur in Iceland, have sporadic, forceful eruptions, often shooting water and steam high into the air. On the other hand, hot springs, exemplified by Banff Upper Hot Springs in Canada, lack forceful eruptions and have a continuous flow of hot water, making them more akin to warm or hot pools.
    • Water Temperature: Geysers, for instance, Great Geysir in Iceland, generally have significantly higher water temperatures (75° to 90 ℃). On the other hand, hot springs like Pamukkale in Turkey, while still warm to hot, typically do not reach such extreme temperatures.
    • Eruption Height: Geysers, such as El Tatio in Chile, can shoot water and steam high into the air during eruptions, creating impressive displays. In contrast, hot springs like Deildartunguhver in Iceland do not produce explosive eruptions and do not project water into the air.
    • Timing and Predictability: Geysers, like Fly Geyser in Nevada,USA, are known for unpredictable eruption intervals, which can vary significantly between different geysers. On the other hand, hot springs such as Arenal Hot Springs in Costa Rica, maintain a more consistent and predictable flow of water.
    • Pressure Buildup: Geysers, like Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, rely on pressure buildup within their plumbing systems due to superheated water and steam accumulating beneath the Earth’s surface for eruptions. Conversely, hot springs, exemplified by the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, do not experience the same pressure buildup, as they maintain a steady flow of water without explosive events.

    In conclusion, geysers represent distinct geological phenomena, and their differences from hot springs serve to underscore the diverse expressions of geothermal activity on the Earth’s surface, contributing to our deeper understanding of the natural world.

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Anonymous
  • 1
Anonymous
Asked: July 8, 2024In:
  • 1

Question : Why scarity of water is increasing nowadays ? Answer : The scarcity of water is increasing day by day because of the following reasons at first the population of the world is growing rapidly day by day so it needs more ...

  1. Palak Tandon
    Palak Tandon Begginer

    Water Scarcity is the condition when enough water is not available for a particular population for their daily chores of work. There can be several reasons why water scarcity is increasing day by day. Sone the reasons are as follows: 1. With the ever increasing population, the demand of water for vaRead more

    Water Scarcity is the condition when enough water is not available for a particular population for their daily chores of work. There can be several reasons why water scarcity is increasing day by day. Sone the reasons are as follows:

    1. With the ever increasing population, the demand of water for various activities like drinking, cooking, bathing, etc. is also increasing.

    2. For more people the food production also needs to be more, which in turn requires high amount of water.

    3. Over consumption of water is causing low water levels.

    4. Over utilisation of underground water for daily needs.

     

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Sangeeta rathor
  • 0
Sangeeta rathorBegginer
Asked: June 27, 2024In:
  • 0

Although hydropower contributes little to India’s overall electricity generation, it is a significant global source of low-carbon energy. Talk about. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: mineral & energy resources
  1. Gopal Sharma
    Gopal Sharma Begginer

    In 2020, hydropower supplied around 17% of global electricity generation, the third-largest source after coal and natural gas. Hydropower provides for almost half of the total low carbon energy around the world due to its highly flexible nature. It also makes a major contribution to the security ofRead more

    In 2020, hydropower supplied around 17% of global electricity generation, the third-largest source after coal and natural gas. Hydropower provides for almost half of the total low carbon energy around the world due to its highly flexible nature. It also makes a major contribution to the security of electricity systems worldwide. India ranks fifth in the world in terms of usable hydroelectric potential. It is endowed with a large hydropower potential of 1,48,700 MW of which only 29% has been exploited so far (CEA Report) against over 80% and 70% developed by the US and EU respectively. Further, the share of hydropower in the total capacity has declined from 50.36% in the 1960s to around 13% in 2018-19.

    Reasons for low share of hydropower in India are as follows:

    • Hydropower planning: Planning for hydropower development in India has generally been oriented towards individual projects and not focused on sustainable development of an entire river basin. Also, as water and water power are State subjects, the construction of Hydro Electric Projects is often delayed due to conflicts among riparian States.
      • For instance, Shahpurkandi dam project (over Ravi), Sutlej-Beas link in Punjab and the Ujh Multipurpose Hydro Electric Project in Jammu and Kashmir are stuck due to red tape and inter-state disputes.
    • Land acquisition: Problems arising in the acquisition of land for hydropower projects are leading to suspension and delays in construction activities.
      • For instance, the 2,880 MW Dibang multipurpose project in Arunachal Pradesh is long- pending since 2008 due to land acquisition issues.
    • Safety and rehabilitation issues: Construction and operation of hydropower dams in India have often led to mass protests and public outcry on the issue of safety, environment and rehabilitation, resulting in unusual delays and cost overruns.
      • For example, the Tehri dam was commissioned more than 25 years after rehabilitation and resettlement was started.
    • Financing: Financing hydropower projects by finding an optimum balance between bankability and affordability is often a challenge due to capital intensive and long gestational nature as well as weak financial situation of the power distribution sector.
    • Geological issues: Handling the unpredictable geology of the young fold Himalayas where most of the Indian hydropower potential resides is a challenge.
    • Lack of enabling infrastructure: Development of associated physical infrastructure (roads, bridges) and transmission infrastructure for power evacuation in remote areas such as the North-East region increases the cost of power affecting project viability and sustainability.

    In the recent past, the government has approved targeted measures to promote hydropower development in India such as inclusion of large hydro power projects as renewable energy sources, Hydropower Purchase Obligation (HPO) as a separate category in the non-solar renewable purchase obligation (RPO), tariff rationalization measures, budgetary support for funding enabling infrastructure development, etc.

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Pranjal shekh
  • 0
Pranjal shekhBegginer
Asked: June 25, 2024In:
  • 0

Explain the significance of polymetallic nodules and show where they are found geographically.  (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: mineral & energy resources
  1. Anjali Sharma
    Anjali Sharma Begginer

    Polymetallic nodules (PMNs) are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea. Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium, of which nickel, cobalt and copper are consideRead more

    Polymetallic nodules (PMNs) are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea. Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium, of which nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance.
    Geographical distribution of PMNs:
    PMNs were first discovered in the 19th century in the Kara Sea, in the Arctic Ocean off Siberia. Later, they were found to occur in most oceans of the world. However, nodules of economic interest are more localized. Three areas have been selected by industrial explorers:

    1. the centre of the north central Pacific Ocean,
    2. the Peru Basin in the south-east Pacific Ocean and
    3. the centre of the north Indian Ocean.

    They can occur at any depth, but the highest concentrations have been found between 4,000 and 6,000m.
    Significance of PMNs:

      • Economic significance:
      • They contain significant amounts of critical metals known as Rare Earth Elements and other metals which are important for high-tech manufacturing industries like electronic devices, smartphones, batteries, solar panels etc.
      • PMNs extracted from deep-ocean, in contrast to terrestrial deposits, contain multiple commodities in one deposit; for example, nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone contain Mn, Ni, Cu and Co.
    • Strategic significance: Presence of PMNs gives strategic edge to a country. For example, exploration of PMNs in India will not only help in countering the influence of China but also help. improve bilateral relations with Japan, Germany, South Korea etc.
    • Ecological significance:
      • Deep-ocean mining used to extract PMNs can also avoid some of the environmental issues associated with terrestrial mining. Unlike metal ores on land which rarely have metal yields above 20%, and are often less than 2%, these PMNs are 99% usable minerals 33% metal and the rest useful in products like construction aggregate and fertilizer since there are notoxic levels of heavy elements like mercury or arsenic.
      • So there are no toxic tailings or mining waste like on land, no deforestation, no open pits, no contaminated rivers or aquifers etc.
    • Social significance: Unlike much of the land mining, PMNs mining does not use child labour.
    • Source of critical metals: The development of societies towards a more sustainable future cannot proceed without critical metals. Deep-ocean mining can not only deliver the metals necessary for this transition but can do so with a low carbon footprint which is 90% less than land mining.

    Recognizing the significance of PMNs, India launched its Deep Ocean Mission to explore PMNs in the Indian Ocean. It is expected that extracting PMNs will help India strengthen its strategic position vis- à-vis China besides helping its economy to grow.

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Deepali Chaurasia
  • 1
Deepali ChaurasiaBegginer
Asked: July 8, 2024In:
  • 1

Provide a definition of geysers and elucidate their distinctions from hot springs.

  1. Aria
    Aria Begginer

    Geysers are a type of hot spring characterized by intermittent, explosive eruptions of water and steam. They occur when groundwater is heated by geothermal activity, creating intense pressure that forces the water to erupt periodically through a narrow vent. This process involves a complex interplayRead more

    Geysers are a type of hot spring characterized by intermittent, explosive eruptions of water and steam. They occur when groundwater is heated by geothermal activity, creating intense pressure that forces the water to erupt periodically through a narrow vent. This process involves a complex interplay between heat, water, and pressure, with eruptions often reaching heights of several meters. The heat source for geysers is typically magma chambers located relatively close to the Earth’s surface, which heat the surrounding rock and water.

    Hot springs, on the other hand, are pools of water that are heated by geothermal energy and rise to the surface without violent eruptions. They are generally more stable and continuous in their flow compared to geysers. The temperature of hot springs can vary widely, from slightly warmer than the ambient air to boiling temperatures, depending on the geothermal gradient and depth of the heat source. Unlike geysers, hot springs allow water to circulate freely through underground fissures, which prevents the buildup of pressure that characterizes geyser eruptions.

    Key Differences:

    1. Mechanism: Geysers erupt intermittently due to pressure buildup, while hot springs flow continuously.
    2. Pressure: Geysers experience significant pressure accumulation and release, whereas hot springs have a more constant, low-pressure flow.
    3. Eruption: Geysers expel water and steam in powerful bursts, while hot springs gently release heated water.
    4. Structure: Geysers have a narrow, often constricted, plumbing system that contributes to the buildup of pressure, whereas hot springs have a more open system allowing for constant flow.

    Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique geological and hydrological processes that differentiate geysers from hot springs.

    4o

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Aditya Sharma
  • 0
Aditya SharmaBegginer
Asked: July 6, 2024In:
  • 0

In what ways may technology support the sustainable use of soil resources?

upsc: land resources
  1. Kartik Raman
    Kartik Raman Begginer

    Soil resources are a form of environmental asset providing a range of ecosystem services. Soil Resources comprising minerals, organic matter, water, and life, are vital for agriculture and ecosystems. Amid escalating environmental challenges of degradation, erosion, and nutrient depletion, the questRead more

    Soil resources are a form of environmental asset providing a range of ecosystem services. Soil Resources comprising minerals, organic matter, water, and life, are vital for agriculture and ecosystems. Amid escalating environmental challenges of degradation, erosion, and nutrient depletion, the quest for solutions gains momentum. Among these, technology’s rising prominence stems from its high potential for sustainable soil resource utilization, as elaborated below.

    Technology’s Role in Achieving Sustainable Soil Resource Utilization:

    • Precision Agriculture: Precision agriculture harnesses technology to optimize farming practices according to specific soil conditions and crop needs. For instance, GPS-guided machinery and variable rate technology enable accurate nutrient application, minimizing waste and boosting yields.
      • Research indicates that precision agriculture can reduce fertilizer use by up to 30%, curbing nutrient runoff.
    • Soil Monitoring and Analysis: Technology driven soil monitoring ensures well-informed decisions. IoT-based soil moisture sensors exemplify this, allowing precise irrigation control. Effective soil moisture management, facilitated by such sensors, can lead to yield improvements of around 10-15%.
    • Soil Mapping: Digital soil mapping through technology provides comprehensive insights into soil variability. Platforms like USDA’s Soil Data Mart facilitate targeted efforts for conserving soil. Such detailed mapping has demonstrated the potential to decrease sediment loss by up to 50% and nutrient runoff.
    • Soil Health Management: Soil health management, aided by technology, promotes balanced ecosystems. Techniques like DNA sequencing guide the selection of cover crops that nurture beneficial microbes. Notably, cultivating diverse microbial communities could enhance crop yields by approximately 10- 20%.
      • Similarly, use of biofertilizers and nanotechnology (like nano urea) can help in soil health management by promoting responsible nutrient management.
    • Digital Platforms for Knowledge Sharing: Digital platforms facilitate knowledge exchange for effective soil management. Platforms such as “Climate FieldView” furnish real-time data, enabling data-driven decisions.
      • Reports indicate that farmers engaging with such platforms are significantly more inclined to adopt sustainable soil practices.
    • Soil Carbon Sequestration: Technology plays a key role in enhancing soil carbon storage for climate resilience. Tools like “COMET-Farm” estimate the impact of practices on carbon sequestration. Conservation practices facilitated by technology could potentially elevate soil carbon storage by 25% to 60%.
    • Smart Irrigation Systems: Smart irrigation systems, driven by technology, optimize water utilization. Soil moisture sensors integrated into drip systems exemplify this approach, conserving up to 40% of water while simultaneously enhancing yields by around 20%. Precision irrigation, supported by technology, can lead to water use reductions ranging from 15% to 30%.
    • Soil Erosion Prediction and Prevention: Technology plays a pivotal role in predicting and preventing soil erosion. Utilizing tools like the “Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation” (RUSLE) aids in assessing erosion risks. Implementing erosion control practices guided by RUSLE can lead to substantial reductions in soil loss, potentially reaching up to 90%.
    • Soil Rehabilitation: Modern technology is helpful in restoring soil health, fertility, and sustainability through innovative methods. Further, advanced sensors and data can optimize cover crops for improved structure, nutrient retention, and weed control.
      • Research by the SARE program underscores technology’s role in successful soil rehabilitation, showing a remarkable 25% increase in soil organic matter content over time.

    In conclusion, the convergence of technology and soil resource management offers promising avenues for sustainability. However, challenges of data privacy and accessibility need addressing. Looking ahead, bridging the digital divide and uniting human ingenuity with technological advancements will pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.

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