Essential Principles of Oceanography and Marine Science
Lecture 1: Earth’s Major Reservoirs
- Major Reservoirs: Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Geosphere.
Lecture 3: Radioactive Decay and Half-Life
- Half-Life: A constant amount of time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
Lecture 4: Mantle Plumes and Volcanism
- Mantle Plumes: Places where there has been continuous volcanism for a long period of time. They do not move, but tectonic plates move over them.
Lecture 5: Plate Tectonics and Ocean Features
- Volcanoes are typically found along
Mineral Properties, Structure, and Earth Composition Facts
Mineral Properties, Structure, and Identification
Part 1: Atomic Structure and Physical Properties
- Laboratory Tools for Studying Internal Mineral Structure: X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Primary Mineral Formation Process: Crystallization.
- Mineral Formation from Gas (Volcanic Fumes): Sublimation (e.g., sulfur crystals).
- Requirement NOT Part of the Geologic Definition of a True Mineral: Ability to be duplicated synthetically in the laboratory.
- Limitation of Color in Mineral
Urban Evolution: Pre-Industrial City, Renewal, and Ensanche
The Pre-Industrial City: The Old Town
The pre-industrial city, or old town, is the urbanized core dating from the city’s origin until the beginning of industrialization (mid-19th century). It occupies a small surface area relative to the current city and holds great cultural value.
Transformations During the Industrial Era (19th Century to Mid-1960s)
The pre-industrial city underwent notable modifications resulting from industrialization between the 19th century and the mid-1960s. These transformations
Read MoreKey Concepts in Earth Science, Culture, and Global Politics
Fundamental Concepts and Definitions
Physical Geography and Earth Science
Geography
The study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on the Earth’s surface.
Topography
The combined characteristics of landforms and their distribution in a region.
Relief
The difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points in a specific area.
Uplands
Areas of high elevation, often characterized by very low mountains or hills.
Continental Divide
A line that separates river systems flowing
Read MoreCaliphate Architectural Innovations: Córdoba Mosque Minaret and Facade
Stylistic Evolution of Corinthian Capitals
The degeneration of the Corinthian capital is marked by simplification. The acanthus leaves are simple and far apart, reflecting a process of geometrization that became increasingly accentuated. This specific model is also found during the time of Al-Hakam II (mid-tenth century).
The Minaret of Abd al-Rahman III (951–952)
Abd al-Rahman III commissioned a new minaret, constructed between 951 and 952, replacing the earlier structure from the time of Hisham
Read MoreFundamental Structural Elements and Applied Forces
What Defines a Structure?
A structure is a set of interconnected elements capable of withstanding forces and transmitting them to the support points, ensuring the system is both stable and resistant.
The forces acting upon a structure are referred to as loads.
Resistant and Stable Structures
A structure must possess resistance (the stamina to withstand loads) and stability (the ability not to fall or collapse).
A structure’s resilience is determined by its capacity to safely manage and transmit the applied
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