Textbook: Natural Resources – Air, Water and Land | General Science Class 6 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


1
Observe the picture alongside and 
answer the questions.
1. Where do we see the birds ?
2.  Where is the cow grazing ?
3.  Locate the trees and the road. 
4. Where does the river come from ?
 How does it flow ?
5.  Where is the aeroplane ?
6.  Where are the fish seen ?
7.  On what is the sailboat floating ?
You can see that some things in the picture are 
in water, some on land, and some in the sky, that is, 
in the air. Thus, all things on the earth are associated 
with air, water and land. Air, water and land are 
called the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere and  
lithosphere, respectively. Moreover, different living 
things occupy these three spheres of the earth. 
These living things and the parts of the lithosphere, 
hydrosphere and atmosphere which they occupy are 
together called the biosphere. These spheres have 
formed on the earth naturally. We have learnt all 
this in the previous standards.
The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds 
the earth. The surface of the earth comprises water 
and land, that is, the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Of 
these, the hydrosphere occupies a much larger part 
than the lithosphere. Figure 1.2 shows the proportion 
of land and water on the earth’s surface.
We also look upon these natural components in  
solid, liquid and gaseous form as resources.  In other 
words, we use them to fulfil our requirements. Let us 
now study all these three components in detail.
1.1 : Spheres of the earth
1.2 : Proportion of land and water
Land 29%
Water 71%
Air, water and land are  
the factors important  
for sustaining the living 
world on the earth  
and for fulfilling their basic 
needs. They are called 
natural resources.
Natural resources
Natural Resources – Air, Water and Land 1.
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Observe.
Page 2


1
Observe the picture alongside and 
answer the questions.
1. Where do we see the birds ?
2.  Where is the cow grazing ?
3.  Locate the trees and the road. 
4. Where does the river come from ?
 How does it flow ?
5.  Where is the aeroplane ?
6.  Where are the fish seen ?
7.  On what is the sailboat floating ?
You can see that some things in the picture are 
in water, some on land, and some in the sky, that is, 
in the air. Thus, all things on the earth are associated 
with air, water and land. Air, water and land are 
called the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere and  
lithosphere, respectively. Moreover, different living 
things occupy these three spheres of the earth. 
These living things and the parts of the lithosphere, 
hydrosphere and atmosphere which they occupy are 
together called the biosphere. These spheres have 
formed on the earth naturally. We have learnt all 
this in the previous standards.
The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds 
the earth. The surface of the earth comprises water 
and land, that is, the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Of 
these, the hydrosphere occupies a much larger part 
than the lithosphere. Figure 1.2 shows the proportion 
of land and water on the earth’s surface.
We also look upon these natural components in  
solid, liquid and gaseous form as resources.  In other 
words, we use them to fulfil our requirements. Let us 
now study all these three components in detail.
1.1 : Spheres of the earth
1.2 : Proportion of land and water
Land 29%
Water 71%
Air, water and land are  
the factors important  
for sustaining the living 
world on the earth  
and for fulfilling their basic 
needs. They are called 
natural resources.
Natural resources
Natural Resources – Air, Water and Land 1.
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Observe.
2
Air
What are the five layers of the atmosphere ?
1.3 : Proportions of the various 
gases in the air
Nitrogen
78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon 0.9%
Other constituents 
of air 0.07%
Carbon dioxide
0.03%
•  Nitrogen – Helps living things 
to build the necessary proteins. 
It is useful in the production of 
ammonia and in airtight packaging 
of foodstuffs.
•  Oxygen – Necessary for respiration 
in living things and for combustion.
•  Carbon dioxide – Plants use it for 
producing their food. Used in fire 
extinguishers. 
•  Argon – Used in electric bulbs.
•  Helium – Used for obtaining low 
temperature and also for generating 
lift in airships.
•  Neon – Used in decorative lights 
and for street lighting.
•  Krypton – Used in fluorescent 
tubes.
•  Xenon – Used in flash photography.
Some uses of gases in air
The air in the atmosphere around the earth contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, 
six inert gases, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and dust particles. The 
troposphere contains about 80% of the total mass of gases in the air, while this proportion 
is about 19% in the stratosphere. Further, in the mesosphere and ionosphere, the proportion 
of the mass of gases goes on decreasing. Gases are not found in the exosphere and beyond.
You can see that air is a mixture of 
several gases and is the chief constituent 
of the earth’s atmosphere. Besides these 
gases, air also contains water vapour 
and dust particles. The amount of the 
gases in the air is the greatest near the 
surface and decreases as we go higher 
and higher from the surface. That is, air 
becomes rarer at higher altitudes.
The proportions of the constituents 
of air and some of their uses are given 
here.
The living world on the earth is sustained due to the balance between various 
gases and other constituents of air. The atmosphere is a very important filter. It 
allows the light and heat of the sun to reach the earth, which is necessary for 
life. But it prevents the harmful elements from reaching the earth. It is in the 
atmosphere that fog, clouds, snow and rain are produced.
Can you recall ?
Always remember...
Page 3


1
Observe the picture alongside and 
answer the questions.
1. Where do we see the birds ?
2.  Where is the cow grazing ?
3.  Locate the trees and the road. 
4. Where does the river come from ?
 How does it flow ?
5.  Where is the aeroplane ?
6.  Where are the fish seen ?
7.  On what is the sailboat floating ?
You can see that some things in the picture are 
in water, some on land, and some in the sky, that is, 
in the air. Thus, all things on the earth are associated 
with air, water and land. Air, water and land are 
called the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere and  
lithosphere, respectively. Moreover, different living 
things occupy these three spheres of the earth. 
These living things and the parts of the lithosphere, 
hydrosphere and atmosphere which they occupy are 
together called the biosphere. These spheres have 
formed on the earth naturally. We have learnt all 
this in the previous standards.
The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds 
the earth. The surface of the earth comprises water 
and land, that is, the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Of 
these, the hydrosphere occupies a much larger part 
than the lithosphere. Figure 1.2 shows the proportion 
of land and water on the earth’s surface.
We also look upon these natural components in  
solid, liquid and gaseous form as resources.  In other 
words, we use them to fulfil our requirements. Let us 
now study all these three components in detail.
1.1 : Spheres of the earth
1.2 : Proportion of land and water
Land 29%
Water 71%
Air, water and land are  
the factors important  
for sustaining the living 
world on the earth  
and for fulfilling their basic 
needs. They are called 
natural resources.
Natural resources
Natural Resources – Air, Water and Land 1.
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Observe.
2
Air
What are the five layers of the atmosphere ?
1.3 : Proportions of the various 
gases in the air
Nitrogen
78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon 0.9%
Other constituents 
of air 0.07%
Carbon dioxide
0.03%
•  Nitrogen – Helps living things 
to build the necessary proteins. 
It is useful in the production of 
ammonia and in airtight packaging 
of foodstuffs.
•  Oxygen – Necessary for respiration 
in living things and for combustion.
•  Carbon dioxide – Plants use it for 
producing their food. Used in fire 
extinguishers. 
•  Argon – Used in electric bulbs.
•  Helium – Used for obtaining low 
temperature and also for generating 
lift in airships.
•  Neon – Used in decorative lights 
and for street lighting.
•  Krypton – Used in fluorescent 
tubes.
•  Xenon – Used in flash photography.
Some uses of gases in air
The air in the atmosphere around the earth contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, 
six inert gases, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and dust particles. The 
troposphere contains about 80% of the total mass of gases in the air, while this proportion 
is about 19% in the stratosphere. Further, in the mesosphere and ionosphere, the proportion 
of the mass of gases goes on decreasing. Gases are not found in the exosphere and beyond.
You can see that air is a mixture of 
several gases and is the chief constituent 
of the earth’s atmosphere. Besides these 
gases, air also contains water vapour 
and dust particles. The amount of the 
gases in the air is the greatest near the 
surface and decreases as we go higher 
and higher from the surface. That is, air 
becomes rarer at higher altitudes.
The proportions of the constituents 
of air and some of their uses are given 
here.
The living world on the earth is sustained due to the balance between various 
gases and other constituents of air. The atmosphere is a very important filter. It 
allows the light and heat of the sun to reach the earth, which is necessary for 
life. But it prevents the harmful elements from reaching the earth. It is in the 
atmosphere that fog, clouds, snow and rain are produced.
Can you recall ?
Always remember...
3
1.4 : Air pollution
All the above pictures show large scale emission 
of smoke through different agencies. This smoke 
directly mixes with the atmosphere, disturbing the 
balance between the constituents of air. This is called 
air pollution. Harmful gases are given out through 
combustion of fuels in vehicles and in big industries 
and also through incomplete combustion of fuels like 
wood and coal. As a result, air pollution is increasing 
day by day.
What is the similarity in the three pictures below ?
Harmful substances  
released in air through 
combustion of fuels
l Nitrogen dioxide
l Carbon dioxide
l Carbon monoxide
l Sulphur dioxide
l Soot 
Ozone layer – the protective shell
There is a layer of ozone (O
3
) gas in 
the lower part of stratosphere. Ozone gas is 
not directly useful for the survival of living 
things,  yet it is very important for living 
things to have this layer of ozone at a high 
altitude around the earth. The ultra violet 
rays coming from the sun are very harmful 
for living things. The ozone gas absorbs these 
rays. As a result, life on earth is protected.
The ozone layer is destroyed if chemical 
gases like carbon tetrachloride or the 
chlorofluorocarbons used in air conditioners 
and refrigerators mix with the air.
The 16th of September is celebrated 
as ‘Ozone Protection Day’ all over the 
world to make everyone aware of the 
importance of ozone. 
In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, 
Pune or Nagpur boards are displayed 
at places of heavy traffic to show 
the proportions of the various 
constituents of the air at that place. 
Due to these boards, we can see the 
amount of harmful elements in the 
air.
What would have happened if there were no air on the earth ?
Observe and discuss.
Do you know ?
Use your brain power !
Page 4


1
Observe the picture alongside and 
answer the questions.
1. Where do we see the birds ?
2.  Where is the cow grazing ?
3.  Locate the trees and the road. 
4. Where does the river come from ?
 How does it flow ?
5.  Where is the aeroplane ?
6.  Where are the fish seen ?
7.  On what is the sailboat floating ?
You can see that some things in the picture are 
in water, some on land, and some in the sky, that is, 
in the air. Thus, all things on the earth are associated 
with air, water and land. Air, water and land are 
called the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere and  
lithosphere, respectively. Moreover, different living 
things occupy these three spheres of the earth. 
These living things and the parts of the lithosphere, 
hydrosphere and atmosphere which they occupy are 
together called the biosphere. These spheres have 
formed on the earth naturally. We have learnt all 
this in the previous standards.
The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds 
the earth. The surface of the earth comprises water 
and land, that is, the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Of 
these, the hydrosphere occupies a much larger part 
than the lithosphere. Figure 1.2 shows the proportion 
of land and water on the earth’s surface.
We also look upon these natural components in  
solid, liquid and gaseous form as resources.  In other 
words, we use them to fulfil our requirements. Let us 
now study all these three components in detail.
1.1 : Spheres of the earth
1.2 : Proportion of land and water
Land 29%
Water 71%
Air, water and land are  
the factors important  
for sustaining the living 
world on the earth  
and for fulfilling their basic 
needs. They are called 
natural resources.
Natural resources
Natural Resources – Air, Water and Land 1.
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Observe.
2
Air
What are the five layers of the atmosphere ?
1.3 : Proportions of the various 
gases in the air
Nitrogen
78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon 0.9%
Other constituents 
of air 0.07%
Carbon dioxide
0.03%
•  Nitrogen – Helps living things 
to build the necessary proteins. 
It is useful in the production of 
ammonia and in airtight packaging 
of foodstuffs.
•  Oxygen – Necessary for respiration 
in living things and for combustion.
•  Carbon dioxide – Plants use it for 
producing their food. Used in fire 
extinguishers. 
•  Argon – Used in electric bulbs.
•  Helium – Used for obtaining low 
temperature and also for generating 
lift in airships.
•  Neon – Used in decorative lights 
and for street lighting.
•  Krypton – Used in fluorescent 
tubes.
•  Xenon – Used in flash photography.
Some uses of gases in air
The air in the atmosphere around the earth contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, 
six inert gases, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and dust particles. The 
troposphere contains about 80% of the total mass of gases in the air, while this proportion 
is about 19% in the stratosphere. Further, in the mesosphere and ionosphere, the proportion 
of the mass of gases goes on decreasing. Gases are not found in the exosphere and beyond.
You can see that air is a mixture of 
several gases and is the chief constituent 
of the earth’s atmosphere. Besides these 
gases, air also contains water vapour 
and dust particles. The amount of the 
gases in the air is the greatest near the 
surface and decreases as we go higher 
and higher from the surface. That is, air 
becomes rarer at higher altitudes.
The proportions of the constituents 
of air and some of their uses are given 
here.
The living world on the earth is sustained due to the balance between various 
gases and other constituents of air. The atmosphere is a very important filter. It 
allows the light and heat of the sun to reach the earth, which is necessary for 
life. But it prevents the harmful elements from reaching the earth. It is in the 
atmosphere that fog, clouds, snow and rain are produced.
Can you recall ?
Always remember...
3
1.4 : Air pollution
All the above pictures show large scale emission 
of smoke through different agencies. This smoke 
directly mixes with the atmosphere, disturbing the 
balance between the constituents of air. This is called 
air pollution. Harmful gases are given out through 
combustion of fuels in vehicles and in big industries 
and also through incomplete combustion of fuels like 
wood and coal. As a result, air pollution is increasing 
day by day.
What is the similarity in the three pictures below ?
Harmful substances  
released in air through 
combustion of fuels
l Nitrogen dioxide
l Carbon dioxide
l Carbon monoxide
l Sulphur dioxide
l Soot 
Ozone layer – the protective shell
There is a layer of ozone (O
3
) gas in 
the lower part of stratosphere. Ozone gas is 
not directly useful for the survival of living 
things,  yet it is very important for living 
things to have this layer of ozone at a high 
altitude around the earth. The ultra violet 
rays coming from the sun are very harmful 
for living things. The ozone gas absorbs these 
rays. As a result, life on earth is protected.
The ozone layer is destroyed if chemical 
gases like carbon tetrachloride or the 
chlorofluorocarbons used in air conditioners 
and refrigerators mix with the air.
The 16th of September is celebrated 
as ‘Ozone Protection Day’ all over the 
world to make everyone aware of the 
importance of ozone. 
In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, 
Pune or Nagpur boards are displayed 
at places of heavy traffic to show 
the proportions of the various 
constituents of the air at that place. 
Due to these boards, we can see the 
amount of harmful elements in the 
air.
What would have happened if there were no air on the earth ?
Observe and discuss.
Do you know ?
Use your brain power !
4
Water
Purpose for which 
water is used
Amount of 
Water (approx.) 
in litres
- Bath
- Brushing teeth
- Washing clothes 
  and utensils
- Mopping the floor
- Drinking
- Cooking
Total use of water
Observe how much water is used and 
for what purposes it is used in your house 
for a whole day. Record it in a chart like 
the one shown here. Discuss this data 
in the class. Divide the total amount of 
water used in your house by the number 
of persons to find out how much water 
each person needs.
We cannot use all the water on earth 
because seawater is salty. Some water is 
in the frozen state. A very small quantity 
of water is available for drinking. Yet it 
is enough for all living things.
Water available on earth Percentage 
Seas, Oceans
Water available for 
drinking (fresh water)
Total
97%
2.7%
100%
You will see that it is almost 
impossible for us to spend even a single 
day without water. We need to drink three 
to four litres of water every day so that all 
our bodily functions run smoothly. Other 
living things also require water although 
the amount of water they need may vary 
according to the size of their body. Thus, 
we see that water is very important.
If hydrogen gas burns in air, it 
combines with oxygen and water is 
formed. We have learnt about some 
characteristics of water in the previous 
standards. 
In nature, water occurs in three 
states. Water does not have colour, 
taste or odour. Many substances readily 
dissolve in water. Therefore, water is a 
universal solvent.
The blood of animals and the sap 
in plants contain a very high proportion 
of water. No living thing can survive 
without water. Therefore it is said that 
‘Water is life.’
In what ways is the water in seas and oceans useful even though it is salty ?
1.5 : Distribution of water on the earth
Groundwater, ice, 
and water  
in other forms
Water available 
for drinking
S al e s
 
1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
Seas and Oceans
Try this.
Find out.
Observe and discuss.
Page 5


1
Observe the picture alongside and 
answer the questions.
1. Where do we see the birds ?
2.  Where is the cow grazing ?
3.  Locate the trees and the road. 
4. Where does the river come from ?
 How does it flow ?
5.  Where is the aeroplane ?
6.  Where are the fish seen ?
7.  On what is the sailboat floating ?
You can see that some things in the picture are 
in water, some on land, and some in the sky, that is, 
in the air. Thus, all things on the earth are associated 
with air, water and land. Air, water and land are 
called the earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere and  
lithosphere, respectively. Moreover, different living 
things occupy these three spheres of the earth. 
These living things and the parts of the lithosphere, 
hydrosphere and atmosphere which they occupy are 
together called the biosphere. These spheres have 
formed on the earth naturally. We have learnt all 
this in the previous standards.
The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds 
the earth. The surface of the earth comprises water 
and land, that is, the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Of 
these, the hydrosphere occupies a much larger part 
than the lithosphere. Figure 1.2 shows the proportion 
of land and water on the earth’s surface.
We also look upon these natural components in  
solid, liquid and gaseous form as resources.  In other 
words, we use them to fulfil our requirements. Let us 
now study all these three components in detail.
1.1 : Spheres of the earth
1.2 : Proportion of land and water
Land 29%
Water 71%
Air, water and land are  
the factors important  
for sustaining the living 
world on the earth  
and for fulfilling their basic 
needs. They are called 
natural resources.
Natural resources
Natural Resources – Air, Water and Land 1.
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Observe.
2
Air
What are the five layers of the atmosphere ?
1.3 : Proportions of the various 
gases in the air
Nitrogen
78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon 0.9%
Other constituents 
of air 0.07%
Carbon dioxide
0.03%
•  Nitrogen – Helps living things 
to build the necessary proteins. 
It is useful in the production of 
ammonia and in airtight packaging 
of foodstuffs.
•  Oxygen – Necessary for respiration 
in living things and for combustion.
•  Carbon dioxide – Plants use it for 
producing their food. Used in fire 
extinguishers. 
•  Argon – Used in electric bulbs.
•  Helium – Used for obtaining low 
temperature and also for generating 
lift in airships.
•  Neon – Used in decorative lights 
and for street lighting.
•  Krypton – Used in fluorescent 
tubes.
•  Xenon – Used in flash photography.
Some uses of gases in air
The air in the atmosphere around the earth contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, 
six inert gases, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and dust particles. The 
troposphere contains about 80% of the total mass of gases in the air, while this proportion 
is about 19% in the stratosphere. Further, in the mesosphere and ionosphere, the proportion 
of the mass of gases goes on decreasing. Gases are not found in the exosphere and beyond.
You can see that air is a mixture of 
several gases and is the chief constituent 
of the earth’s atmosphere. Besides these 
gases, air also contains water vapour 
and dust particles. The amount of the 
gases in the air is the greatest near the 
surface and decreases as we go higher 
and higher from the surface. That is, air 
becomes rarer at higher altitudes.
The proportions of the constituents 
of air and some of their uses are given 
here.
The living world on the earth is sustained due to the balance between various 
gases and other constituents of air. The atmosphere is a very important filter. It 
allows the light and heat of the sun to reach the earth, which is necessary for 
life. But it prevents the harmful elements from reaching the earth. It is in the 
atmosphere that fog, clouds, snow and rain are produced.
Can you recall ?
Always remember...
3
1.4 : Air pollution
All the above pictures show large scale emission 
of smoke through different agencies. This smoke 
directly mixes with the atmosphere, disturbing the 
balance between the constituents of air. This is called 
air pollution. Harmful gases are given out through 
combustion of fuels in vehicles and in big industries 
and also through incomplete combustion of fuels like 
wood and coal. As a result, air pollution is increasing 
day by day.
What is the similarity in the three pictures below ?
Harmful substances  
released in air through 
combustion of fuels
l Nitrogen dioxide
l Carbon dioxide
l Carbon monoxide
l Sulphur dioxide
l Soot 
Ozone layer – the protective shell
There is a layer of ozone (O
3
) gas in 
the lower part of stratosphere. Ozone gas is 
not directly useful for the survival of living 
things,  yet it is very important for living 
things to have this layer of ozone at a high 
altitude around the earth. The ultra violet 
rays coming from the sun are very harmful 
for living things. The ozone gas absorbs these 
rays. As a result, life on earth is protected.
The ozone layer is destroyed if chemical 
gases like carbon tetrachloride or the 
chlorofluorocarbons used in air conditioners 
and refrigerators mix with the air.
The 16th of September is celebrated 
as ‘Ozone Protection Day’ all over the 
world to make everyone aware of the 
importance of ozone. 
In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, 
Pune or Nagpur boards are displayed 
at places of heavy traffic to show 
the proportions of the various 
constituents of the air at that place. 
Due to these boards, we can see the 
amount of harmful elements in the 
air.
What would have happened if there were no air on the earth ?
Observe and discuss.
Do you know ?
Use your brain power !
4
Water
Purpose for which 
water is used
Amount of 
Water (approx.) 
in litres
- Bath
- Brushing teeth
- Washing clothes 
  and utensils
- Mopping the floor
- Drinking
- Cooking
Total use of water
Observe how much water is used and 
for what purposes it is used in your house 
for a whole day. Record it in a chart like 
the one shown here. Discuss this data 
in the class. Divide the total amount of 
water used in your house by the number 
of persons to find out how much water 
each person needs.
We cannot use all the water on earth 
because seawater is salty. Some water is 
in the frozen state. A very small quantity 
of water is available for drinking. Yet it 
is enough for all living things.
Water available on earth Percentage 
Seas, Oceans
Water available for 
drinking (fresh water)
Total
97%
2.7%
100%
You will see that it is almost 
impossible for us to spend even a single 
day without water. We need to drink three 
to four litres of water every day so that all 
our bodily functions run smoothly. Other 
living things also require water although 
the amount of water they need may vary 
according to the size of their body. Thus, 
we see that water is very important.
If hydrogen gas burns in air, it 
combines with oxygen and water is 
formed. We have learnt about some 
characteristics of water in the previous 
standards. 
In nature, water occurs in three 
states. Water does not have colour, 
taste or odour. Many substances readily 
dissolve in water. Therefore, water is a 
universal solvent.
The blood of animals and the sap 
in plants contain a very high proportion 
of water. No living thing can survive 
without water. Therefore it is said that 
‘Water is life.’
In what ways is the water in seas and oceans useful even though it is salty ?
1.5 : Distribution of water on the earth
Groundwater, ice, 
and water  
in other forms
Water available 
for drinking
S al e s
 
1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
3rd Qtr
Seas and Oceans
Try this.
Find out.
Observe and discuss.
5
Do other living things use 
water like we do ?
We use water in large 
quantities. We have learnt 
that water on the earth is  
regulated through the water 
cycle. The water vapour 
formed from oceans is the 
main source of water in the 
water cycle. It gets converted 
into rain, creating fresh water 
sources on earth. 
l  What is land made of ? l  Is land flat everywhere ?
l  What do you see on land ? l  Does man produce soil/land ?
l  What has man created on land ?
l  If a deep pit is dug in the ground, what do you find there?
Land
Land is seen in the form of stones, soil, big rocks. It is not flat everywhere. It is 
hilly in some places and flat in others. All terrestrial animals including man live on 
land. Some terrestrials dig burrows in the ground for shelter. This means that they use 
land for fulfilling their need. We also use land for farming and for building houses and 
roads. We make use of plants and animals in the forests that grow on land. The 
minerals, crude oil and natural gas obtained from the earth (land) are very important 
for us. It means that land is an important resource. Let us see exactly what land is 
made of. 
For which purposes is water being used ?
1.6 : Uses of water on the earth
1.  Use water sparingly.
2.  Block water, let it percolate.
3  Store water wherever possible.
4.  Reuse water wherever possible. 
Remember, stored water does not 
become stale at once.
We get water from natural sources 
such as streams, rivers, ponds, springs and 
lakes. Man also digs wells and borewells 
to lift ground water. Apart from this, man 
has also constructed bunds and dams of 
various sizes on rivers.
Due to the uncontrolled use of water 
for an increasing population, industry and 
farming, it is now in short supply. Water 
scarcity has become a serious problem.
Observe and discuss.
Can you tell ?    
Always remember...