ENVIRONMENT, OUR ASSETS

Environment is defined as the surroundings in which the organism lives. The environment may be the physical environment, the chemical environment or the biological environment. Thus, the environment has two components - abiotic and biotic.The a biotic environment includes the air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere) and land (lithosphere). The biotic environment includes the plants, animals and the microbes.Organisms are dependent on the environment to fulfill their needs; man is also constantly interacting with the environment in order to fulfill his needs. These needs include the basic needs of oxygen, food and shelter in addition to the social needs like entertainment, medicines, etc. The things that man requires for his survival and comfort are called the resources. The environment is a reservoir of resources. Maintaining the natural resources of the environment and their careful use is called conservation. The conservation of environment involves the conservation of the natural resources.A healthy environment is an absolute necessity for the well-being of all organisms, including man. All our needs, big and small are being met by the environment. However, man having reached the pinnacle of evolution is trying to bring about changes in the environment to suit his convenience. Unfortunately, this convenience is temporary. In the long run, man is losing out on a healthy environment.

RiverAriveris astreamofwaterthat flows through a "channel" (or passage) in the surface of the ground. The passage where the river flows is called the riverbed and the earth on each side is called a riverbank. A river begins on high ground or in hills or mountains and flows down from the high ground to the lower ground, because ofgravity. A river begins as a small stream and gets bigger, the farther that it flows.The water in a river is called "fresh water". It comes from rain or snow and it can usually be drunk safely, unless it has been polluted. The water in aseacannot be drunk safely because it is known as "salt water". Both people and animals often live near rivers, because they need water to survive.Rivers are expedient in numerous ways, they are often used to generateelectricity, providing food, and for domestic purposes among others. Not to mention that they act as source of tourist attraction.

ForestForests are the dominant terrestrial ecosystem on Earth, and are distributed across the globe.Forests account for 75% of thegross primary productivityof the Earth'sbiosphere, and contain 80% of the Earth's plant biomass.Forests at different latitudes form distinctly differenteco zones: boreal forests near the poles tend to consist of evergreens, while tropical forests near the equator tend to be distinct from the temperate forests at mid-latitude. The amount of precipitation and the elevation of the forest also affect forest composition.Human society and forests influence each other in both positive and negative ways.Forests provideecosystem servicesto humans, but also impose economic, environmental, health and aesthetic costs. Human interactions with the forest, including harvesting forest resources, affect the forest ecosystem.Trees are necessary for our survival. Through photosynthesis trees produce the gas that we cannot live without: oxygen (O2). As we breathe in, our bodies take in oxygen and when we breathe out, we release carbon dioxide (CO2).Trees are like natural air conditioners and water pumps. They cool the earth by giving shade and recycling water. By cooling the air and ground around them, the shade from trees helps cool the earths temperature overall. Trees also help moderate the earths rainfall, which also helps keep the temperature cooler.

Grassland

Grasslandsare areas where thevegetationis dominated bygrasses(Poaceae), however sedge (Cyperaceae) and rush (Juncaceae) families can also be found. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents exceptAntarctica. Grasslands are found in mostecoregionsof the Earth. For example there are fiveterrestrial ecoregionclassifications (subdivisions) of thetemperate grasslands, savannas, and shrub landsbiome('ecosystem'), which is one of eightterrestrial ecozonesof the Earth's surface.Vibrant grassland will display the following features, each of which is interconnected to the others: an abundance of various species of grass and yes, weeds bodies of water mineral cycle covered soil (no bare spots) abundant soil life such as worms, beetles and microbes insects, birds, rodents, and larger wildlife

Mountain

Amountainis a largelandformthat stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area, usually in the form of a peak. A mountain is generally steeper than ahill.Mountains are formedthroughtectonic forcesorvolcanism. These forces can locally raise the surface of the earth. Mountains erode slowly through the action ofrivers,weather conditions, andglaciers. A few mountains are isolatedsummits, but most occur in hugemountain ranges.High elevations on mountains producecolder climatesthan at sea level. These colder climates strongly affect the ecosystem of mountains: different elevations havedifferent plants and animals. Because of the less hospitable terrain and climate, mountains tend to be used less for agriculture and more for resource extraction and recreation, such asmountain climbing.The highest mountain onEarthisMount Everestin theHimalayasofAsia, whose summit is 8,850m (29,035ft) abovemean sea level. Thehighest known mountainon any planet in theSolar SystemisOlympus MonsonMarsat 21,171m (69,459ft).The mountains do not only offer fresh air, but also unique food. Depending on the season and place you will find a variety of edible fruits, vegetables and plants which grow in clean unpolluted environment.

HILL

Ahillis alandformthat extends above the surrounding terrain. It often has a distinctsummit, although in areas withscarp/dip topographyahillmay refer to a particular section of flat terrain without a massive summit (e.g.Box Hill, Surrey). Various terms for theslopeorinclineof a hill include theScots languagetermbrae.Hill has a unique spiritual significance. They are filled with magic and the only sound is the sound of nature. People have gone to the mountains to find peace throughout history. Both Moses and Muhammad spent time in the mountains to return with words that still represent a source of spiritualism and wisdom for the majority of world's population. Of course that doesn't mean you will return with a new book that will change the world, but a journey to the mountains will definitely improve your mood and fill your heart with peace and joy.If you're feeling adventurous, the mountain is the best place for you. Mountains contain very harsh and challenging environment and hold many undiscovered secrets.