Question

Difficulty: EasyRenewable and Non-Renewable Natural Resources

Which of the following natural resources found in West Africa is classified as a non-renewable resource?

  1. Crude oilAnswer
  2. B
    Solar radiation
  3. C
    Hydroelectric energy
  4. D
    Wind power

Answer

Crude oil is a non-renewable resource because it takes millions of years to form and cannot be naturally replenished within a human timeframe.
Crude oil is a non-renewable resource because its reserves are finite and take millions of years of geological processing to form, making human consumption far faster than natural replacement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define non-renewable natural resources
Non-renewable resources exist in finite quantities and are depleted much faster than natural geological processes can replace them.
Understanding the fundamental definition distinguishes exhaustible resources from continuous energy sources.
2
Classify the given options based on rate of replenishment
Solar radiation, hydroelectric energy, and wind power are naturally replenished continuously, whereas crude oil deposits are finite fossil reserves.
Crude oil formation requires millions of years under high pressure and temperature, rendering its supply exhaustible.

Key Concept

Classification of Natural Resources into Renewable and Non-Renewable Types
Estimated Time:45s
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