Solar Activity, Sunspots, and Stellar Snapshots
Last Friday’s Lecture (February 7th): Religion Class Assignment
- Homework assignment 3
The Sun’s Interior and Atmosphere
- The Sun’s nuclear fusion is achieved by a chain reaction, confirmed by detecting neutrinos.
- A site “thermostat” maintains a constant core temperature.
- Solar radiation is created as gamma rays. It takes a million years to reach the surface after many scatterings.
- Convection carries solar energy for the final third of its journey to the surface, causing “granulation.”
- The Sun’s “surface”
Fossil Fuels: Environmental Impacts of Carbon Emissions
Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use
Carbon Dioxide and the Greenhouse Effect
One of the most significant impacts of fossil fuel use on the Earth’s environment is the increased concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The amount of atmospheric CO2 had been stable for centuries, but since 1750, it has increased by 30%. This change is significant because it can cause a temperature increase on Earth through the greenhouse effect. Atmospheric carbon dioxide prevents longwave radiation
Read MoreUnderstanding 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