Natural resources that are nonrenewable are characterized by what attribute?

Nonrenewable natural resources are defined by their existence in finite amounts, meaning that once they are consumed, they cannot be replaced within a human timeframe. These resources, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and certain minerals, are formed over millions of years through geological processes. Once extracted and used, they cannot be replenished, making them inherently limited and contributing to concerns regarding sustainability and energy security. This characteristic underscores the need for careful management and consideration of alternatives, especially in the context of environmental impacts and future resource availability.