Ecology: Understanding Ecosystems and Their Impact
Ecology: Understanding Ecosystems
Ecology is the science that studies the interactions between living organisms and their environment.
Types of Ecology
- Individual Ecology: Compares the life cycle, migration, and size of two or more species.
- Behavioral Ecology: Studies the behavior of a species in its habitat.
- Population Ecology: Studies the population of one species.
- Community Ecology: Studies the interaction between two or more species.
- Ecosystem Ecology: Studies two or more species within the ecosystem.
Atmospheric Dynamics, Energy Efficiency, and Aluminum Production
Atmospheric Dynamics
Horizontal atmospheric circulation, driven by surface winds, is called viento. Divergent and convergent winds form anticyclones and cyclones (anti borrascas). When highs and lows are near each other, surface wind blows from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area. High-altitude winds flow in the opposite direction. Wind paths are not straight; terrain can amplify or create eddies. The Coriolis effect also influences wind trajectory.
The Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis force,
Read MoreEffective Recycling Methods for Various Waste Materials
Recycling of Various Materials
Paper and Paperboard Recycling
Recycling paper and paperboard constitutes 20-25% of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). A considerable portion ends up as waste or is incinerated, which is environmentally and economically undesirable.
Paper, due to its high cellulose content, should be considered a raw material for manufacturing new paper. The cost of recycled paper production is lower, requiring less water and energy than production from wood. Technically, obtaining paper from
Read MoreSpanish Landscapes: Ocean, Mountain, Mediterranean & Canary
Ocean Landscape
Topography:
- The mountainous character of the Galaico-Leonese Massif and the Cantabrian Mountains is present.
- The Cantabrian coast is steep and straight.
- The Galician coast features estuaries.
Climate:
- Oceanic or Atlantic climate: Characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year and low thermal amplitude, with cool summers and mild winters. Rainfall is abundant and regular, with a minimum in summer.
Hydrography:
- Rivers belong to the Norte watershed. They are short rivers with abundant
Geological Events, Dating Methods, and Fossilization
Geological Events and Dating
Sequence of Events
To order past geological events chronologically, we use the principles of horizontality and superposition of strata. Another approach is the principle of cross-cutting relationships. This principle states that anything that affects geological materials and structures is post-dated to them. Because it establishes the order in which events unfold, it’s also called the principle of succession of events.
Geological Dating Methods
Radioactive Isotopes
Each chemical
Read MoreVentilated Facades: Benefits and Design
Advantages of Ventilated Facades
Ventilated constructions offer thermal, aesthetic, and waterproofing benefits to buildings. They prevent overheating in summer, provide water protection, and allow vapor diffusion from the inside to the outside. This ensures optimal moisture regulation and makes it easy to adapt to current and future energy standards. Ventilated facades also offer endless design possibilities.
Air Gap
The air gap should be a minimum of 25mm and as much as necessary, provided there
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