Geography Fundamentals: Physical and Atmospheric Concepts
Physical vs Human Geography
Physical Geography focuses on natural systems & processes (weather, climate, landforms). Human Geography focuses on culture, population, and cities.
Atmospheric Structure
- Pressure & density decrease with height.
- Temperature pattern by layer:
- Troposphere: $\downarrow$
- Stratosphere: $\uparrow$
- Mesosphere: $\downarrow$
- Thermosphere: $\uparrow$
- Inversion: Temperature increases with height in a layer.
- Temperature $\uparrow$ means molecules move faster.
Maps & Coordinates
- Global
Geothermal Energy: Sources, Fields and Practical Uses
Geothermal Energy: Heat Within the Earth
Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored within the Earth. This heat originates mainly from:
- Residual heat from the Earth’s formation
- Heat generated by radioactive decay of elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium
Geothermal energy can be harnessed for electricity generation, space heating, industrial processes, and direct heating applications. It is considered a renewable, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy source.
2. Nature of Geothermal
Read MoreGujarat Energy Growth and Conventional Power Analysis
Energy Demand and Growth in Gujarat
1. Explain about energy demand and growth level in Gujarat state.
Energy Demand and Growth Level in Gujarat
- Present Demand
- Gujarat is one of the most industrialized states of India, accounting for about 10% of the country’s total energy demand.
- Electricity demand is high due to industries (petrochemicals, refineries, ports, textiles, manufacturing), agriculture (irrigation pumps), and urban domestic needs.
- Current installed power capacity (2024–25): about 47 GW.
Seismic Methods for Petroleum Subsurface Imaging
Introduction to Seismic Exploration
Seismic exploration is the most widely used geophysical method in petroleum engineering for understanding subsurface rock formations. It works on the principle of sending artificial seismic waves into the Earth and recording the waves that return after interacting with subsurface layers.
Because seismic waves travel at different velocities through different lithologies, fluids, and densities, they provide highly reliable information about subsurface structures,
Read MoreEarth Science Fundamentals: Biomes, Atmosphere, and Cycles
Earth’s Geography and Sustainability
There are seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Australia.
There are five major oceans: Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean.
Economic Classifications (Income Levels)
- Low-Income Economies (LICs): Less than $1,036 GNI per capita.
- Middle-Income Economies (MICs): $1,036 to $12,535 GNI per capita.
- High-Income Economies (HICs): Greater than $12,535 GNI per capita.
Sustainability refers
Read MoreGlobal Energy Systems and Power Generation Technologies
Energy Resources and Power Engineering Principles
Energy resources in the environment can be divided into renewable and non-renewable.
Classification of Energy Resources
Renewable resources include:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Geothermal energy
- Biomass energy
- Hydropower (water-course energy)
- Waves and tides energy
Non-Renewable sources are organic fuels and nuclear fuels.
- Organic fuels include hard coal, brown coal, peat coal, bituminous shales, petroleum, natural gas, and synthesis gas.
- Nuclear fuels include