Land resources - SS2 Geography Lesson Note
Land resources refer to the physical components of the Earth's surface that are valuable and usable for different purposes. These resources include various landforms, soil, water bodies, and vegetation.
Types of Land Resources:
Land resources can be categorized into several types, including:
- Soil: Soil is the upper layer of the Earth's crust, rich in minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms. It's essential for agriculture, providing a medium for plant growth.
- Plateaus: Plateaus are elevated flat or gently sloping areas of land. They are important for agriculture, as well as for tourism and recreation.
- Mountains: Mountains are elevated landforms that often have valuable minerals and serve as tourist attractions and sources of freshwater.
- Plains: Plains are flat or gently rolling areas of land, which are ideal for agriculture and urban development.
- Water Bodies: Rivers, lakes, and oceans are also considered land resources, providing water for various purposes, including agriculture, transportation, and recreation.
- Forests: Forests are areas with dense tree cover, which are crucial for timber production, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration.
Uses of Land Resources:
Land resources are used for a multitude of purposes, including:
- Agriculture: Soil is the foundation of agriculture, supporting the growth of crops and raising livestock.
- Habitat: Different types of land, such as forests and wetlands, serve as habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.
- Tourism and Recreation: Landforms like plateaus and mountains attract tourists and provide opportunities for recreational activities like hiking and skiing.
- Urban Development: Land is used for building cities, towns, and infrastructure, accommodating human populations.
- Natural Resource Extraction: Mountains may contain valuable minerals and ores that are extracted for industrial purposes.
- Water Resources: Water bodies provide freshwater for drinking, irrigation, transportation, and fisheries.