Understanding Earth’s Surface, Regions, and Movements
The Field of Study
The series of phenomena that take place within the Earth’s surface. The interaction of human actions and nature creates a variety of natural and cultural landscapes.
General Geography
Studying the laws, principles, relationships, and overall distributions of cultural and natural phenomena that occur on Earth’s surface.
Geography Branches
- Mathematical Geography
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
Regional Geography
Studied to specify the differences and similarities between different regions
Read MoreUnderstanding Seismic, Volcanic Hazards & Land Relief
Internal Activity Hazards
Seismic Hazard
Earthquakes mainly develop at plate boundaries.
Constructive and passive boundaries are usually under sea level, thus they have a minimum seismic hazard degree. However, they may produce tidal waves (tsunamis).
Destructive boundaries develop many powerful earthquakes, and this often occurs in highly populated areas. That’s why these zones have the highest seismic hazard (fire belt).
Volcanic Hazard
The volcanic hazard depends on the magma viscosity (which, in turn,
Read MoreChilean Ecosystems: Flora, Fauna, and Soil Composition
The accumulation of organic material in the A horizon can incorporate agricultural activity, especially fruit farming.
Shrubland Ecosystem
Flora: Shrubland, with xerophytic species such as goat’s horn and Brad.
Fauna: Rodents, such as opossums and chinchillas, and birds such as swallows and seven-colored tanagers.
Steppe Region: Arctic Spring (Blooming Desert)
Located in the central depression between Inca de Oro and Vallenar (approximately 27° to 29° South Latitude).
Vegetation: Developed with winter
Read MoreEarth’s Dynamics: Continents, Oceans, and Atmosphere
Continental Drift and Internal Forces
Continental Drift: The theory of continental drift posits that approximately 200 million years ago, Earth had a single supercontinent called Pangaea. This landmass subsequently broke apart, with the fragments (tectonic plates) gradually moving to their current positions.
Internal Forces: The Earth’s internal forces are responsible for phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
- Earthquakes result from vibrations or seismic waves within the Earth.
- Volcanoes are
Key Figures and Events in 19th Century Spain
Desamortización (Disentailment)
A legal concept that implied that a set of goods ceased to be amortized. It was one of the reform processes that formed part of the 19th-century agrarian reform and allowed the privatization of assets, both rustic and urban, belonging to the Church and municipalities, through sale by auction.
Mutiny of Aranjuez
It was a popular uprising triggered by the deployment of Napoleon’s troops in Spain and the growing unpopularity of Manuel Godoy. On the night of March 17, 1808,
Read MoreEarth’s Internal Heat: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Plate Tectonics
Earth’s Internal Heat
The Earth’s internal heat was formed by:
- Meteorite impacts
- The collapse of iron, which generates heat by friction
- Radioactive decay of elements like Uranium and Plutonium, emitting energy as radiation
Manifestations of Internal Heat
The Earth’s internal heat manifests in several ways:
- Volcanism: Magma rises to the surface from deep within the crust.
- Earthquakes: Sudden, jerky movements of the Earth’s crust.
- Continental Drift: Horizontal displacement of continents.
- Isostasy: Slow