Exploring Earth’s Dynamic Systems: Climate, Geology, and Hydrology
Geo-Astronomical Areas and Solar Radiation
The sun’s rays fall perpendicularly on the land located north and south of the Equator.
Heat Transfer
Driving transmits heat through contact.
Circular Winds and Low Pressure
Cyclones are circular winds around low-pressure areas.
Roraima Group Formation
The Roraima group was formed during the third tecto-thermal event.
Internal Hydrosphere Movement
Tsunamis are an internal cause of hydrosphere movement.
Low-Level Condensation
Mist occurs when condensation happens at low altitudes.
Regional Atmospheric Conditions
Climate refers to the set of atmospheric conditions specific to a region or country.
Causes of Surface Currents
Surface currents are caused by wind and temperature.
Seawater Salinity
The salinity of seawater is a function of temperature.
Climate with High Temperatures and Precipitation
Rain weather is characterized by high temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Atmospheric Convection
Convection is an atmospheric phenomenon where cold air, drawn by gravity, forces warm air upwards.
Seawater Surface Currents
Surface currents are caused by seawater temperature and winds.
Warm Front Characteristics
A warm front is characterized by continuous drizzle, fog, and a temperature drop.
External Hydrosphere Movement
Drift currents represent an external cause of hydrosphere motion.
Atmospheric Phenomenon in Venezuela
The Intertropical Convergence Zone affects weather patterns in Venezuela.
Rock Weathering Processes
Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of rocks. Other processes include biological and physical weathering.
Rock Wear by Wind
Corrasion is the wear of rock caused by wind carrying sand.
Soil Formation Phenomenon
Translocation is a soil formation phenomenon where horizon 2 forms from materials from horizons 1 and 3.
Venezuelan Soil and Wet/Dry Periods
The Llanos region soil is influenced by alternating wet and dry periods.
Clay Soil
Clay soil is soft to the touch, stains fingers, and feels wet and sticky.
Internal Planetary Movements
Diastrophic movements are internal movements affecting the planet.
Epirogenetic Movements
Epirogenetic movements are characterized by vertical motion.
Earthquake Epicenter
The epicenter is the surface location where an earthquake occurs with the greatest intensity.
Fault Definition
A fault is a fractured surface.
Drift Current Formation
Drift currents give rise to marine terraces.
Endogenous Agents and Vertical Movement
Epirogenetic movements are endogenous agents causing vertical ascent and descent affecting large regions.
Intrusive vs. Extrusive Rocks
Intrusive rocks, unlike extrusive rocks, do not form from lava.
Erosive Effect on Soil and Rock
Wind is the main erosive agent that cracks and removes particles adhering to soil and rock.
Metamorphic Rock Characteristics
Metamorphic rocks result from the action of pressure and temperature.
External Agents Modifying Land Relief
Temperature and plants are external agents that modify land relief.
Occluded Front
An occluded front occurs when three air masses interact (two cold and one warm), typically at the final stage of a cyclone.
Planetary Energy Balance
Solar energy reaches Earth as shortwave radiation. Clouds and the surface reflect about half back into space. The remaining heat warms the air and is returned to space at night as longwave radiation. Certain gases reflect some of this radiation back to the surface.
Hydrological Cycle
Evaporation: Deep-sea water molecules rise to the surface due to water movement. The sun’s energy increases water temperature, leading to evaporation. This process depends on solar energy, atmospheric pressure, temperature, and air currents.
Condensation: Winds carry water vapor to higher latitudes where it cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals.
Precipitation: Further cooling causes these droplets or crystals to fuse and fall as precipitation due to gravity.
Air Mass Formation
Air masses are large volumes of air with uniform thermodynamic properties, primarily temperature and humidity.
Ocean Currents as Energy Regulators
Similar to atmospheric circulation, warm ocean currents from low latitudes move towards high latitudes, cool, and flow back. This movement redistributes heat, making ocean currents important energy regulators.
Climate as an Expression of Geosphere Interactions
The latitudinal climate pattern is primarily determined by the angle of solar incidence and day length, which affect the energy received by different parts of Earth’s surface. This energy influences air movement, atmospheric humidity, and its distribution.
El Niño Effect
El Niño reduces trade winds, causing a strong westward current from Australia towards Peru and Ecuador. This increases sea temperatures, leading to evaporation and rainfall in these areas, while causing drought in Oceania.
Inland Waters
Precipitation forms surface currents that can create streams, creeks, and rivers. Rainwater can also flow freely down slopes, creating uncontrolled waters that drain and circulate on the Earth’s surface.
Surface Ocean Current Formation
Surface ocean currents are caused by wind and temperature differences between low and high latitudes. Energy flows from warm to cold water, driving these currents.
Climate as Energy and Moisture Distribution
Climate is the pattern of weather in a given area. Climate and humidity distribute energy globally, primarily through air and rainfall. Climate influences how energy and moisture are distributed across the planet.
Front Formation
Fronts form when air masses displace from their origin and encounter other air masses with different properties.
Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering alters the chemical composition of rocks.
Volcano Formation
Volcanoes originate from magma chambers, areas beneath the Earth’s surface with high temperatures and pressures.