Understanding Key Environmental Issues: A Comprehensive Look
Energy Resources
The economic system and our way of life depend on the growing consumption of energy in all human activities. This energy dependence faces two basic problems: the depletion of nonrenewable energy sources and the impacts of widespread energy use. Energy is divided into renewable and nonrenewable types.
Environmental Impact
An environmental impact is a positive or negative effect produced by an activity on the environment, although the term often has a negative connotation.
Deforestation
Forests
Read MoreEcosystems, Human Impact, and Environmental Challenges
In general, human action on ecosystems produces an effect of simplification or reduction of immature ecosystem states, resulting in decreased diversity. According to a general environmental law, this results in a decrease in stability. The most important effects of this action are the extinction of species, destruction of natural ecosystems replaced by social ecosystems, and pollution. These events have further highlighted the need for holistic approaches and integrated science as ecology because
Read MoreKinetic Theory, Atomic Structure, and Bioelements Explained
Kinetic Theory of Gases
The kinetic theory of gases states that gases are formed of very small particles separated from each other, moving constantly. Gases occupy the entire volume of the container. Gas pressure is exerted on the walls of the container due to the constant collisions of the gas particles with the walls.
The more rapidly the particles move, the higher the temperature. Solids do not expand or compress easily, maintaining a constant volume and shape. Their particles are strongly united
Read MoreIberian Peninsula: Factors Influencing Climate
Factors Influencing the Iberian Peninsula’s Climate
Geography:
Latitude: The Iberian Peninsula is located in the temperate zone, which results in two clearly marked seasons and two transitional seasons. Its position in southwestern Europe means it is affected by the zonal circulation of the West.
Maritime Influence: The location between two seas influences temperature regulation, helping to create mild climates with lower temperature ranges. The Mediterranean Sea has higher temperatures than the Atlantic,
Read MoreKey Geological Terms: Relief, Rocks, and Tectonic Processes
Geological and Geographical Definitions
- Appalachian Relief
- A type of folded structure rejuvenated by erosion that highlights hard materials and depresses soft layers (e.g., Montes de Toledo).
- Germanic Relief
- Relief where the hardness of materials led to fracturing or faulting. Characterized by horsts and grabens (rifts).
- Jurassic Relief
- A type of folded structure formed by anticlines and synclines.
- Saxon Relief (or Fold-Fault Relief)
- A mixed relief type involving both folding and fracturing.
- Igneous Rock
- Rocks
Geological Processes: Faults, Folds, Metamorphism, and More
Geological Processes: An Overview
Faults and Fractures
Faults: Fractures with displacement of blocks. Without displacement, they are called jointing.
Elements of a Fault:
- Fault Plane: Fracture separating displaced blocks.
- Hanging Wall: The block above the fault plane.
- Footwall: The block below the fault plane.
- Slickensides: Scratches caused by friction.
- Fault Throw: Vertical displacement between blocks.
Types of Faults:
- Normal Fault: Hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall.
- Reverse Fault: Hanging