Classification of Resources

Classification of Resources

Resources are classified on various bases. Based on the continual availability, resources are classified in to renewable and non renewable resources.

The resources which can always be used again and again are known as renewable resources. It means these resources have natural regeneration and are inexhaustible. Air, water, solar energy etc are examples of renewable resources. Non renewable resources are available in finite quantities and cannot be obtained once if they are utilized. If these resources are used in large scale, they will get exhausted soon and as such these resources are called as exhaustible resources. Coal, oil and minerals are examples of this type.

On the basis of origin, the resources are classified in to biotic and abiotic resources. When a resource is originated from living organism, the resource is known as biotic resource. Coal, mineral oil and forests are examples of biotic resources. Abiotic resources are composed of non-living inorganic matter. Air, land, water and minerals are examples of this type.

On the basis of status of development, the resources are classified in to potential resources and developed resources. Potential resources are those which are known to exist and may be used in the future. Until the resource is extracted and put in to use, it remains a potential resource. Developed resources are those which have been surveyed and their quality and quantity have been determined for utilisation. The development of resources depends on technology and level of their feasibility. Petroleum resource from Mumbai High is an example of Developed resources.

Apart from the above classifications, the resources which are available in nature are known as natural resources and the one created by man is known as man-made resource. Similarly the air like resources which exist everywhere is called as ubiquitous resources and the resources which are concentrated only at specific places are known as localised resources. This kind of resource may exercise great influence on the economic development of the respective regions.