Short Notes-Class 10 – Social Science -Geography-Chapter 5 Minerals and Energy Resources

Short Notes -Class 10 – Social Science -Geography-Chapter 5 Minerals and Energy Resources

Minerals: 

◆Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a definite internal structure, ranging from diamonds to talc, and they constitute the basic building blocks of rocks.

◆They occur in various forms, such as in igneous and metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks, alluvial deposits, and even in ocean waters.

◆Minerals are classified into ferrous (iron ore), non-ferrous (copper, bauxite), and non-metallic (mica, limestone) categories based on their composition and usage.

Ferrous Minerals:

◆Ferrous minerals, primarily iron ore and manganese, are crucial for industrial production, particularly in the steel sector.

◆India possesses abundant resources of iron ore, with major iron ore belts located in various regions like Odisha-Jharkhand, Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur, and Maharashtra-Goa.

Non-Ferrous Minerals:

◆ Non-ferrous minerals like copper and bauxite play vital roles in metallurgical, engineering, and electrical industries.

◆Copper, sourced from mines like those in Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) and Khetri (Rajasthan), is essential for electrical cables and electronics.

◆Bauxite, found mainly in Amarkantak plateau and Maikal hills, is the primary source of aluminium, widely used in various industries.

Non-Metallic Minerals:

◆Mica, a mineral with excellent electrical properties, is indispensable in the electric and electronic industries and is mainly found in the Chota Nagpur plateau.

◆Limestone, a vital raw material in cement production and iron smelting, is sourced from calcium carbonate-rich rocks.

Conservation of Minerals:

◆Minerals are non-renewable resources, and their extraction should be carried out sustainably to avoid depletion.

◆Continued extraction of ores leads to depletion, emphasizing the importance of planned and sustainable usage of mineral resources.

Energy Resources:

◆Energy resources are classified into conventional (coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity) and non-conventional (solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, biogas, nuclear) sources.

◆Conventional sources, like coal and petroleum, are widely used but have environmental implications.

◆Non-conventional sources, such as solar and wind energy, are considered cleaner alternatives and are increasingly being utilized.

Conservation of Energy Resources:

◆Conservation of energy resources is essential for sustainable development and reducing environmental impact.

◆Strategies for conservation include using public transport, switching off electricity when not in use, employing power-saving devices, and promoting the use of non-conventional energy sources like solar and wind power.

Conventional Sources of Energy:

Coal:

◆Abundantly available fossil fuel used for power generation, industrial, and domestic purposes.

◆Varieties include lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite.

◆Important coalfields include Jharia, Raniganj, and Bokaro.

Petroleum:

◆Provides fuel for heat, lighting, lubricants, and raw materials for various industries.

◆Petroleum refineries serve as key industries for synthetic textiles, fertilizers, and chemicals.

◆Major production areas include Mumbai High, Gujarat, and Assam.

Natural Gas:

◆Considered a clean energy resource and used in power and fertilizer industries.

◆Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is used in vehicles as a substitute for liquid fuels.

◆Large reserves found in the Krishna-Godavari basin.

Electricity:

◆Generated mainly through hydroelectric and thermal power plants.

◆Hydroelectricity utilizes water to drive turbines, while thermal power relies on burning coal, petroleum, or natural gas.

◆India has various multi-purpose projects like Bhakra Nangal and Damodar Valley Corporation.

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy:

Nuclear or Atomic Energy:

◆Obtained by altering atomic structures, utilizing uranium and thorium.

◆Used for generating atomic or nuclear power.

Solar Energy:

◆Produced from the Sun’s light and converted into electricity through photovoltaic technology.

Wind Power:

◆Utilizes wind energy to generate electricity, employing wind turbines for this purpose.

◆Largest wind farm cluster located in Tamil Nadu.

Biogas:

◆Naturally produced from the decomposition of organic waste, especially cattle dung.

◆Efficient use of organic waste and improves the quality of manure.

Tidal Energy:

◆Converts energy from tides into electricity, primarily in coastal areas like the Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat.

Geo-Thermal Energy:

◆Heat and electricity produced from the Earth’s interior heat.

◆Utilized in regions like Parvati Valley near Manikarn in Himachal Pradesh and Puga Valley, Ladakh.

Conservation of Energy Resources:

◆Vital to develop sustainable energy paths across all sectors of the economy.

◆Measures include promoting public transport, conserving electricity, using power-saving devices, and harnessing non-conventional energy sources.