A nonrenewable resource<span> is a </span>resource<span> of economic value that cannot be readily replaced by natural means on a level equal to its consumption. Most fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas and coal are considered </span>nonrenewable resources<span> in that their use is not sustainable because their formation takes billions of years.</span>
The ultimate source of energy that lifts and transports the atmospheric water (vapor and cloud) to its highest elevations is solar energy. It is the sun that gives enough energy to water for its evaporation.
