Why are resources distributed unequally over the earth?

Resources are distributed unequally over the earth because different physical factors vary massively over the earth. Distribution of natural Resources is dependent on various physical factors like altitude, climate, and terrain.

Natural Resources

• Resources which are used without modification and are obtained from nature are known as natural resources.
• The minerals, soil, lakes, rivers, the air we breathe are all categorized as natural resources.
• Many of the natural resources can be used directly and are free gifts of nature.
• Sometimes to utilise natural resources, technology and tools have to be used.

Natural Resources – Classification

Natural resources can be broadly classified into two main categories, they are

• Renewable Resources
• Non-renewable Resources

Distribution of Mineral Resources in India

• The peninsular plateau region in the old crystalline rocks has most of the metallic minerals of India.
• Godavari, Mahanadi, Sone and Damodar valleys have over 97 percent of coal reserves.
• Off-shore region in the Arabian Sea (Mumbai High), sedimentary basins of Gujarat, Assam has the petroleum reserves.
• New Reserves were discovered in Kaveri and Krishna-Godavari basins.
• To the east of a line linking Kanpur and Mangaluru, the majority of the mineral resources can be found.
• Minerals in India are generally found in three broad belts, although one can find sporadic occurrences of minerals in isolated pockets.

North-Eastern Plateau Region

• This belt covers parts of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha Plateau, Chhotanagpur (Jharkhand).

South-Western Plateau Region

• This belt is rich in bauxite and ferrous metals.
• This belt also contains limestone, manganese, and high grade iron ore.
• Goa has iron ore deposits.
• Kerala has deposits of bauxite clay, thorium and monazite.
• This belt extends over Goa, Karnataka, Goa and is contiguous with the Kerala and Tamil Nadu uplands.
• This belt is packed with coal deposits except Neyveli lignite.

The North-Western Region

• In this belt, minerals are associated with the Dharwar system of rocks.
• Major minerals found in this region are zinc and copper.
• Limestone and Dolomite found in this region are raw materials for the cement industry.
• Fuller earth and Gypsum are also extensively found in this region.
• Rajasthan and Gujarat have rich sources of salt.
• Petroleum deposits are found in Gujarat.
• Rajasthan is a rich source of building stones such as marble, granite and sandstone.
• North-western region belt extends along parts of Gujarat and Aravali in Rajasthan.