Energy Classification and Natural Production Factors
Energy Classification and Resources
Energy can be classified as primary, secondary, or final energy resources. Primary energy or energy resources are those obtained directly from nature. These are categorized into renewable and non-renewable sources.
Primary Energy Sources
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources contain inexhaustible resources. However, they are often not directly applicable to production processes and must be transformed into secondary energy. Examples include:
- Hydro
- Solar
- Wind
- Biomass
- Geothermal
- Tidal
Non-Renewable Energy
Non-renewable energy sources contain limited, exhaustible resources that diminish as consumption takes place. Examples include:
- Coal
- Oil
- Natural gas
- Nuclear power (uranium)
Secondary and Final Energy
Secondary or final energy is divided into several categories:
- Solid fuels: Coal coke
- Liquid fuels: Gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil
- Combustible gas: Gas manufactured from natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) such as butane and propane
- Electricity
Natural Factors of Production
The factors of production include several natural components: location, size, topography, soil, coasts, climate, hydrography, flora, and fauna. This enumeration follows a logical order based on the degree of difficulty these natural elements present for human activity.
Geographical and Physical Components
While surface area and geographical location remain largely unchanged, transformation is possible. For instance, while mountains cannot be moved, it is technically possible to construct tunnels that traverse them. The geographical situation includes variables such as latitude, longitude, and whether a country is coastal, interior, or insular. It also considers proximity to shipping lanes or terrestrial routes.
Surface area refers to the territory occupied by states, nations, or regions, which is typically only editable through legal waivers of sovereignty or historical conquest.
Topography, Subsoil, and Climate
Topography (relief) involves the description of mountains. In extreme cases, relief can make human life impossible and significantly impacts the mobility of people and merchandise. The subsoil, containing mineral deposits, solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels, and groundwater, represents a source of potential wealth for economic operations.
Coasts impact economic activities such as tourism and fishing, while soil determines the possibility of developing agrarian activities. Climate refers to the set of weather conditions that characterize a region.
Hydrography and Ecosystems
Hydrography is the branch of physical geography dealing with oceans and streams. It is essential to differentiate between fresh water and seawater. Within continental water, one must distinguish between surface water and groundwater accumulated in impermeable layers. River systems are vital for transport, communications, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
Flora and fauna are primarily the result of climate and soil, as living beings adapt to their environment. Additionally, the landscape—resulting from the combination of topography, coasts, soils, hydrography, flora, and fauna—has a significant impact on tourism and individual welfare in everyday life.