What are Resources?
Anything we find on the earth that can be utilized to fulfill our desires is known as resources. In addition, resources should be technically accessible, culturally appropriate, and economically viable. Natural resources are made by nature only. Hence, all the natural things and elements should be taken care of. If we don't care for them, there will definitely be a disturbance in natural resources.
As natural resources are dependent upon many physical factors like altitude, climate, terrain, etc. So, here we can say that the difference of natural elements is much over the earth, and that is the reason why the natural resources are distributed unequally on the earth. So, resources are distributed unequally over the earth because of many physical properties differ from place to place.
What is the Meaning of Resources and Resource Distribution?
Resources include minerals, rain, water, land, and wealth in general like geographic entities (countries, states, etc.). The geographic occurrence of resources on earth is called resource distribution. In other words, we can say that it depends upon where resources are situated. It may happen that any particular place is rich in resources, and on the other hand, some places are poor in resources.
As a result, in all areas of the earth, you can find an uneven distribution of resources. Furthermore, some evidence we can find practically proves that resources are distributed unequally. For example, in Africa, it is hard to get freshwater resources and whereas in California, you can get freshwater resources quickly.
What are Different Types of Resources?
Actual Resources
Resources that are fixed or whose quantity is known are actual resources. It can be measured in a specific amount in the present time. Actual resources are the resources determined, surveyed by their consistency and quantity. Water, coal, petrol, and oil are actual resources. At the current time, that we are using. Such resources are surveyed, and also the amount and quality are determined as per the current use. Well, we can measure it through advanced technologies nowadays.
Examples of Actual Resources: Some examples of such resources are hydroelectric power(Niagara Falls), iron (Madhya Pradesh), natural oil (Middle East), natural gas, and petroleum (West Asia), rich coal (Germany), and dark soil (Deccan Plateau).
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Potential Resources
Resources present in a specific region and that we can use in the future are called potential resources. Well, we can not determine or survey the quality or quantity of such resources as we can do for actual resources. The quantity and quality of potential resources are uncertain. In addition, to make the best out of potential resources, we need to use advanced technology.
Examples of Potential Resources: Some of the examples of such resources are mineral oil (most areas of India), Uranium (Ladakh). Well, the wind was a potential resource 200 years ago and now it is an actual resource because it is used to produce electricity and generate energy through windmills in Nagercoil, Netherlands, and some parts of Gujarat.
Difference Between Potential and Actual Resources
Now, you know what actual resources and potential resources are. Further, let’s figure out the difference between these two kinds of resources.
Actual Resources:
The total quantity is certain and can be measured
In the present time, we are using such resources
Technologies are available to obtain these resources.
Example: In the Ruhr region of Germany, coal is present.
Potential Resources:
Quantity is uncertain and we can not measure
We may use such resources in the future.
Technology advancement is needed to use these resources.
Example: Uranium that is found in Ladakh area of India
Ubiquitous Resources and Localised Resources
Based on distribution, we can divide resources into two categories, ubiquitous and localised.
Ubiquitous Resources: Resources that we can find most everywhere are known as ubiquitous resources. Furthermore, we can say that such resources are available everywhere. Air, land, and water are examples of ubiquitous resources.
Localised Resources: Resources that we can find only at certain places are called localised resources. Iron, petroleum, and coal are examples of such resources.
Difference Between Ubiquitous and Localised Resources
The difference between ubiquitous resources and localized resources is an important concept while understanding resources. Let’s differentiate between ubiquitous and localised resources.
Types of Resources based on Ownership
Ownership of resources means who the owner of the resource is, like, your home is owned by you but a public place including temples, parks, etc. is owned by the government. So, on the basis of ownership, resources are divided into four types.
Individual Resources: Resources that are owned by a particular person or organization. Examples: plot, house, shop, car, etc.
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Community Resources: Resources that are owned by a community are called community resources.
Examples: Picnic spots, parks, temples, community halls, etc.
National Resources: Resources that are owned by any country or nation are called national resources.
Examples: minerals, forests, rivers, etc.
International Resources: Some resources found beyond the nation’s boundary are called international resources. International institutes are formed that manage these resources. Any country can not use these international resources without the permission of the International Institute.
FAQs on Resources Distribution
1. What does the term 'distribution of resources' actually mean in Geography?
The distribution of resources refers to the way that different types of natural resources are spread out across the planet. This distribution is highly uneven; some regions are rich in certain minerals or have fertile land, while others may have very few. It explains why some materials are common in one country but rare in another.
2. What is the main difference between ubiquitous and localised resources?
The key difference lies in their availability.
- Ubiquitous resources, like sunlight and air, are found everywhere on Earth.
- Localised resources, such as coal, petroleum, and specific minerals like gold, are only found in certain places.
3. Why are natural resources distributed so unevenly across the world?
The uneven distribution of natural resources is a result of several physical factors that have shaped the Earth over millions of years. The primary reasons include:
- Different Physical Terrains: Mountains, plateaus, and plains support different types of resources.
- Varying Climates: Climate affects soil formation, plant life, and water availability.
- Varying Altitudes: The height of a place above sea level can also influence its climate and the resources found there.
4. How does a community-owned resource differ from a national resource?
The main difference is the scale of accessibility and ownership. A community resource is accessible to all members of a specific community, like a village pond or a public park. A national resource, on the other hand, belongs to the entire country, and all its citizens have a right to it. Examples include a country's forests, rivers, and mineral wealth.
5. Why is it so important for us to understand how resources are distributed?
Understanding resource distribution is crucial because it directly impacts a country's economy, development, and international relations. It helps explain why countries trade with each other, why certain regions are more developed, and how the availability (or lack) of resources can lead to cooperation or conflict.
6. Can technology play a role in the distribution of resources?
Yes, technology is a vital human-made resource that significantly impacts resource distribution. While it can't change the physical location of a mineral deposit, it can make previously inaccessible resources usable. For example, advanced drilling technology allows us to access oil under the ocean floor, and solar panels allow us to turn desert sunlight into electricity, effectively changing how these resources are utilized and distributed.
7. Could you give some examples of unequal resource distribution in India?
India is a perfect example of unequal resource distribution. For instance:
- The Chota Nagpur Plateau in states like Jharkhand and Odisha is extremely rich in coal and iron ore.
- The Northern Plains have deep, fertile alluvial soil, making them the agricultural heartland.
- The state of Rajasthan has large reserves of copper and lead, but lacks water resources.
