Sand Disappearing from the Earth
Crisis, there is no sand.
Summer has ended. Did you go to the beach? Make a sand castle while basking in the sun on the seaside, maybe it will not be possible in the future!
Researchers are aroused by the recent Science magazine that we are wasting sand disappearance by wasting human resources. However, as sand and gravel have become the most harvested resources in the world, restricting the use of sand is very difficult.
"As a result, the sand shortage is becoming a new problem with social politics, economics, the environment," and it is written in the paper of Science magazine.
Regarding concerns about the lack of sand, it is not a sudden beginning, in fact, the NY Times has already picked up about the lack of sand as of 2007. Sand and gravel throughout the earth are collected at 470 - 59 billion tons per year, of which 68 - 85% is consumed.
Because sand is necessary for the manufacture of glass, electric equipment etc., this proportion is rising rapidly. In the paper, it is stated that the collection of sand produces many adverse effects such as loss of species, the conflict between humans and habitat reduction.
How serious is this problem all along? In fact, scientists seem to think that the damage caused by the tsunami in Sri Lanka could have been greater thanks to the Sumatra Earthquake that occurred in 2004 due to lack of sand. Also, due to serious water shortages have also taken of sand in the Mekong Delta area has been cited. The illegal collection of sand by Mafia and its profit is 17 million dollars a month.
According to the UN report of 2014, the amount of sand and gravel that we collect on the earth in one year is 40 billion tons.
Sampling place is taken from quarry, river, and recently also along the coast. The report says " This is twice the amount of annual flowing sediment carried by all rivers in the world ". The use amount of sand and gravel has exceeded the natural update rate.
Also, in the Science magazine, "This sand shortage problem is a problem in areas where research has not progressed". "Sand is considered a scarce resource in many parts of the world, but not know what will happen if sand demand exceeds supply". Scientists seem to think that countries around the world are thinking that the calculations of the sand on the earth are solid, the sand is effectively used, and it is necessary to reuse it.
Looking at your feet is full of sand, it is true that sand will run out. I think, all things will disappear someday if you use too much resources.
