Environmental Challenges in Spain and the Canary Islands
Environmental Challenges in Spain
The main environmental problems in Spain may be of geological, geomorphological, and atmospheric origin (droughts and floods). As for those of geological origin, we must mention earthquakes. Spain’s position at the boundary between the African and Eurasian plates means earthquakes are common, though most are of limited magnitude. The most affected areas are primarily the southeast peninsula and, to a lesser extent, the Pyrenees.
On the other hand, we cannot forget
Read MoreEarth’s Atmosphere: Composition and Layers
Earth’s Atmosphere
Origin of the Atmosphere
There are different scenarios. According to the planetesimal theory, the atmosphere was formed by gases emitted by volcanoes as the Earth grew in size and could retain them by the force of gravity. The primitive atmosphere, composed of hydrogen and helium, gradually changed. The current atmosphere formed slowly as our planet cooled, with gases from volcanoes, geysers, and fumaroles. Oxygen was produced by the great primeval forests.
Layers of the Atmosphere
- Troposphere:
Energy Sources: Fossil Fuels and Renewables
What is Energy?
Energy is the ability to do work.
What is an Energy Source?
An energy source is a material that provides energy.
What is the Main Source of Energy? Why is it Important?
The Sun. It makes life possible on our planet.
Energy Classification
Based on availability:
- Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal.
- Non-renewable: Oil, natural gas, coal.
Which Energy Resources are Used the Most?
Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal).
What is a Fossil Fuel?
Fossil fuels are not renewable sources of energy in
Read MoreEarth’s Dynamic Systems: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere
Earth’s Dynamic Systems
The Earth is a dynamic planet with an atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The composition of the atmosphere has changed greatly over Earth’s history and continues to do so. Nitrogen makes up 78%, and oxygen a significant percentage, with minority gases also present. Some gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, control the climate and are essential for life as greenhouse gases. The hydrosphere and atmosphere continually exchange matter and energy through
Read MoreEarth’s Formation and Internal Structure: A Deep Dive
The Formation of Earth
The history of Earth dates back to the origins of the solar system, when it was barely beginning to differentiate as a planet. Reconstructing this complex stage is challenging due to the limited traces of the events that occurred.
[So came the Earth and its internal structure]
1The solar nebula, like all nebulae, must have been constituted of cosmic gases and dust. Initially, this process was slow.
2Under the influence of gravity, the nebula contracted, spinning more quickly and
Read MoreSpain’s Water Resources: Resources and Claims
Water Resources and Claims Management in Spain
Item 3 – RESOURCES AND CLAIMS MANAGEMENT IN SPAIN:
GROUNDWATER AQUIFER O: underground layer where they accumulate infiltrated water in quantity, usually rocky waterproof.
INPUT: the total amount of water draining a watershed year.
Endorheic AREA: that area where the water is not dumped at sea, but in lakes, ponds or rivers. Is a closed basin, characteristic of offshore areas.
CAUCE: bed of a river and canal to carry water for land.
BASIN: surface water which
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