Gothic Architecture: Cathedrals, Monasteries, and Innovations
Gothic Architecture: Cathedrals and Monasteries
In the mid-12th century, Romanesque buildings began to be replaced by large and slender European churches in cities. These Gothic cathedrals were financed by nobles and abbots of the great monastic orders. The groups involved in building these cathedrals were linked to the new social group: the bourgeoisie. The Gothic building style appeared around 1140, coinciding with the construction of monasteries, reflecting the influence of monastic life and thought
Read MoreGeological Processes and Landform Evolution
Geological Processes
External Geological Processes
Weathering
Weathering is the disintegration of rocks due to external agents. It alters geological fractures and minerals. There are two main types:
- Gelifraction (Frost Wedging): Water expands upon freezing, widening cracks within rocks.
- Thermoclastia: Rock rupture due to intense sunlight exposure.
- Decompression: Expansion and fracturing of rocks formed at great depth.
Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering is the disintegration of rocks due to chemical
Read MoreWater Resource Uses and Sustainable Management Strategies
Water Resource Base
Urban Uses
Civil, commercial, or public use. An increase in these water uses can be an indicator of an increased population or improved quality of life. The quantity of water used for purposes such as domestic needs (e.g., bathrooms) represents a significant part of consumer demand.
Industrial Uses
In this case, water demand is generated by different industrial processes: as a raw material, as a refrigerant, as a waste receiver, for transporting materials, and as a cleaning agent.
Read MoreSpain’s Climate Diversity: Factors and Regional Types
Spain’s Climate Diversity
Climate Factors
Key aspects influence Spain’s climate:
Geographic Factors
- Latitude: This causes Spain to experience four distinct seasons.
- Situation: Being located between the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and two continents (Europe and Africa) allows different air masses to influence the region.
- Influence of the Sea: The effect of the sea is reduced by coastal mountain ranges, but Spain’s position facilitates the entry of air masses and moderates high temperatures.
Thermodynamic
Essential Geography and Meteorology Terms Glossary
Geographical Features and Landforms
Archipelago
A group of islands clustered in a relatively extensive area of the sea.
Bay
A coastal inlet smaller than a gulf.
Range
A series of connected mountains.
Sedimentary Basin
A zone of depression filled with sediments.
Fault
A fracture or zone of fractures separating two blocks of rock, allowing them to move relative to each other.
Littoral
Pertaining to the shore or sea coast.
National Topographic Map
A map representing the physical and human elements of a significant
Read MoreAlmohad Architecture: Koutoubia, Hassan Mosque & Giralda
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
(Also known as the Mosque of the Booksellers)
Architectural Features
- Style: Almohad
- Arches: Pointed horseshoe arches are prevalent. The most elaborate, adjoining the qibla nave, are lambrequin (polylobed) arches. The arch of the axial nave is a slightly pointed horseshoe arch with a scalloped effect (similar to lambrequin arches).
- Decoration: Includes scalloping and tracery. Plaster decoration on the arch intrados features networks of diamonds (sebka).
- Mihrab: Inspired by the