Earth’s Tectonic System and Isostasy

Tectonic System

The tectonic dynamic system is closely tied to the internal structure of the Earth and the physical characteristics of the planet.

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This system is responsible for the major features of the land surface, such as continents and ocean basins. In turn, on the continents, major structural features are shields, platforms, mountains or fold mountains, and on the ocean floor are mid-ocean ridges, abyssal plains, seamounts, trenches, and continental margins.

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The tectonic system is the dynamic

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Sedimentary Environments and Structures

Sedimentary Environments

Sedimentary environments are areas of the Earth’s surface where sediments accumulate. These environments have certain physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. Depending on where sedimentation occurs, the environments can be:

  • Continental (glaciers, wind farms)
  • Transitional (beaches, lagoons, deltas)
  • Marine (from platform edges to slopes and the ocean floor)

Types of Sedimentary Environments:

  • Glacier: Ice produced by the accumulation of snow leaves deposits of materials,
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Earth’s Interior: Structure, Composition, and Dynamics

Study of the Interior of the Earth

Direct Methods: The study of the geosphere is based on the analysis of material extracted from boreholes or mining polls. Max depth achieved: Kola borehole (Russia) 13km. Earth’s radius: 6371 km.

Indirect Methods: It is believed that meteorites, originating from other destroyed planets, provide information about the chemical composition of the core, mantle, and crust. They are classified as:

  • Siderite or iron meteorites: Composed of 80% to 90% iron and nickel.
  • Siderolites
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Understanding Plate Tectonics: Benioff Zones, Continental Drift, and More

Understanding Plate Tectonics

Benioff Zones

The Benioff zone is a seismic area along the Pacific coast of North America, organized in a specific way. Earthquakes originate at varying depths, with shallower events occurring near the coast and deeper events further inland, forming an inclined plane. This plane is referred to as the Benioff surface.

Ocean Floor Dynamics

Area

Openings of only a few millimeters are observed. Seismic analysis indicates that not only the crust is moving, but the entire Lithosphere

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Understanding Landforms and Atmospheric Phenomena

Landforms and Atmospheric Phenomena

Alpine Orogeny: This occurred in the Tertiary period and formed the main ridges of the Hercynian terrain.

Hercynian Orogeny: An intense mountain-building movement involving folds, fractures, and uplifts, primarily during the Carboniferous period.

Malpais: Barren karst lands, a landform caused by the weathering of rocks like limestone.

Peneplain: A plain at a high elevation, formerly a mountainous region.

Climate and Weather

Climate: A succession of weather patterns.

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Earthquakes and Hazards: Impacts and Responses

1. Types of Hazards

  • A – Earthquake – It happens really fast and short, and will only affect a certain small area.
  • B – Hurricane/Volcano – It lasts for a very days or weeks, and affect few areas.

2. Earthquake Distribution and Plate Tectonics

The distribution of earthquakes is affected by plate boundaries and plate tectonics. Plate boundaries are where two plates meet, and plate tectonics is the movement of the plates. An earthquake occurs along the boundaries of the tectonic plates that make

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