3.4.1 Resource Distribution

Resource Distribution

3.4.1

Objectives

Learners can:

• describe the concept of resource distribution in the United States

• identify different types of resources and their distribution patterns in the United States

• analyze the impact of resource distribution on the economy and society

• fossil fuels

• natural resources

• nonrenewable resources

• renewable resources

Prerequisite Vocab

• energy independence

• resource distribution

New Vocab

Vocabulary

the ability of a country to produce its own energy without relying on other countries

Energy Independence

the way in which resources are spread out across a region or country

Resource Distribution

Word Cloud

What is your favorite fruit?

Open Ended

Think about the fruit you just mentioned. Where is that fruit typically grown?

Resource distribution is how resources are spread out across a region or country. The United States produces many resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and timber. However, these resources are not produced equally in all areas. Instead, different regions of the country have access to specific types of resources, and vehicles can transport those materials to other areas.

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Resource Distribution

Types of Resources Produced in the U.S.

The United States is one of the world's largest producers of oil and natural gas.

Oil & Natural Gas

The United States has an abundant supply of coal. The country is one of the largest producers in the world.

Coal

With significant areas of the country containing forests, the United States has access to abundant timber resources.

Timber

Much of the United States has many freshwater resources, including lakes, rivers, and groundwater supplies.

Freshwater

The United States is a leading producer of agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton.

Agriculture

The United States has various mineral resources, including copper, gold, silver, and iron ore.

Mineral

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a significant type of resource found in the United States?

• diamonds and rubies

• oil and gas

• tea and coffee

• pineapples and mangoes

Distribution Patterns

The largest oil reserves in the United States are located in Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska. Natural gas deposits are found in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.

Oil and Gas

Coal is commonly found in states such as West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Areas of Wyoming are also known for significant coal deposits.

Coal

Typical locations in the United States for forests are the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast region, and the Southeastern states.

Timber

Some of the most abundant freshwater supplies in the United States are in the Great Lakes region of the country.

Freshwater

Most of U.S. agriculture occurs in the central portion of the country in a region known as the Great Plains.

Agriculture

Common areas for extracting minerals in the United States occur in the Great Lakes region, the Southwestern region, and Alaska.

Mineral

Multiple Choice

Which of the following correctly describes natural resource distribution in the United States?

• a majority of oil reserves are located in the Midwest (map of oil reserves)

• large areas of timber reserves are located in the Northeast (map of timber reserves)

• most freshwater resources are located in the Southwest (map of freshwater reserves)

• the largest coal reserves are located in the Pacific Northwest (map of coal reserves)

Impact on the Economy & Society

Energy independence is the ability of a country to produce its own energy without relying on other countries. By developing the natural resources found within the country, the United States decreases its reliance on resources from other countries and moves toward energy independence.

• ​has grown energy, mining, and manufacturing industries

• provides job opportunities

Economic

• many modern-day cities are developed as a result of industries based on particular resources

Regional Development

• uneven economic benefits

• some may experience growth while others struggle due to resource scarcity

​​Society Impact

Multiple Select

Imagine a region that recently discovered a reserve of copper ore, a valuable metal resource. Which of the following local impacts would be most likely to happen?

• 
  increased job opportunities in the region

• increase in the local economy

• increase in financial disparity

• increased tourism to the region

Distribution Challenges

• can lead to economic disparities

​​Uneven Distribution

• extraction, processing, and use have impacts on habitat destruction and pollution
  hazardous spills are also possible

Environmental

• can lead to struggles between industries, communities, and environmentalists

​​Competition

• many resources are nonrenewable

Depletion

Multiple Choice

A tanker truck carrying oil is damaged and begins leaking fuel while transporting the resource from Texas. Which distribution challenge would this scenario best represent?

• environmental impact

• uneven distribution

• resource depletion

• competition for resources