Natural resources are classified as renewable and nonrenewable

Nonrenewable energy resources, like coal, nuclear, oil, and natural gas, are available in limited supplies. This is usually due to the long time it takes for them to be replenished. Renewable resources are replenished naturally and over relatively short periods of time.

Renewable resources cannot be depleted over time. Non-renewable resources deplete over time. Sources. Renewable resources include sunlight, water, wind and also geothermal sources such as hot springs and fumaroles. Non-renewable energy includes fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

Renewable resources, however, can be depleted if not properly managed or conserved. Nonrenewable resources are those natural resources that are depleted more quickly than they can regenerate. Fossil fuels like oil and natural gas were formed over millions of years.