natural resources lands

[...]... Marine/Island Biome Islands can vary tremendously in characteristics, such as size, shape, and climate Some islands are tropical and lush, providing resources such as fruit and wood Other islands are very arid Because of islands’ variability, the island ecosystem worldwide supports a wide variety of plant and animal life There are two major categories of islands—continental and oceanic Continental islands were... landmass and, in recent geologic time, have become separated from the main continent by natural forces, such as rising sea level Oceanic islands are created from the lava of giant underwater volcanoes—such as the islands of Hawaii Oceanic islands are usually located far from large landmasses The natural resources found on islands are very diverse, from food, wood, and fiber to endangered species and aesthetic... and landscapes For example, some forest areas that have been overcut and poorly managed have become as barren and nonfertile as a desert As biomes become changed or destroyed, it is critical for humans to understand the impact their actions can have on the Concepts of land resources This illustration shows the major ecological regions of North America natural landscape Interference with the natural landscape... as agriculture expanded and replaced grasslands Farmlands tend to create lower temperatures through increased evaporation In addition, a warming effect was found along the Atlantic Coast, where croplands have replaced forests Compared to forests, croplands are less efficient in transpiration A slight warming was also observed across the Southwest where woodlands replaced some deserts The study also... worldwide  Introduction T he lands of the Earth hold vast resources From mountains to deserts to forests to coastlines and grasslands, each environment—or ecosystem—offers a wide range of goods and services It is difficult to assign a total dollar value to the land’s resources Some values are quantifiable, such as the value of timber in forests, the grazing potential in grasslands, or the food that is... distribution of resources Chapter 2 looks at the history of land use and its impact on civilization and then examines more closely the evolution of land exploration and use in the United States Chapter 3 addresses the renewable and nonrenewable resources that are associated with rangeland, riparian corridors, wetlands, deserts, grasslands, wilderness areas, and parks and preserves It also addresses natural. .. to work with nature to create a productive and healthy future xiii CHAPTER 1 Concepts of Land Resources I n order to understand the land and the natural resources that landmasses have to offer, it is necessary to have an understanding of how they came to be It is important to examine the types of natural landscapes—or biomes—that exist, the basic processes of soil formation, and practical uses of the... of natural environments existed in the geologic past Humans’ xi xii lands influence on the land tells its own story For example, archaeologists use these concepts to study past civilizations to determine not only what their lifestyle was, but also what type of climate and vegetation existed at the time Studying the landscape can answer many historical questions concerning the influence of both natural. .. human actions, such as bulldozing a forest to build a highway, or they can be a result of natural events, such as soil erosion from heavy rains Humans have affected ecosystems in many different ways Any time a forest is cut down, natural lands are cultivated, towns are built, a river is dammed, a factory is built, or lands are mined, the ecosystem is altered in some way Humans have disrupted food chains,... the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) for providing an abundance of learning resources on this important subject I would also like to acknowledge and thank the many universities across the country (and their geography, ecology, and geology departments) as well as the private organizations that diligently strive to protect our precious land resources, . h1" alt="" Lands NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCES Agriculture Animals Energy Forests Lands Minerals Plants Water and Atmosphere LANDS Taming the Wilds Julie Kerr Casper, Ph.D. Lands Copyright. Land Resources The History of Land Use Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources The Development of Land Resources Multiple Uses of the Land The Importance of Land Resources Management of Land Resources Conservation. 166 186 199 201 215 218 T he Earth has been blessed with an abundant supply of natural resources. Natural resources are those elements that exist on the planet for the use and benefit of