Spain’s Physical Geography: Landforms and Geology
Spain’s Geographical Overview
Spain is a medium-sized European country, covering 505,990 km². Its territory comprises a mainland (97.55% of the surface), the Balearic Islands (0.99%), the Canary Islands (1.45%), and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla (0.1%).
This area exhibits significant natural diversity, characterized by a variety of terrain and climatic contrasts, as well as human diversity, reflected in an unequal distribution of wealth influenced by natural conditions, leading to diverse
Read MoreEssential Weather & Climate Terminology
Understanding Weather and Climate Basics
- Weather:
- The state of the atmosphere of a place at a particular time. It is characterized by its variability, but determined by direct observations.
- Meteorology:
- The science of weather.
- Climate:
- The average state of the atmosphere of a place. This state is caused by the usual succession of weather types at a location throughout the year.
- Climatology:
- The science of climate.
Geographical and Atmospheric Influences
- Solana:
- It refers to the sunny slopes of a mountain or
Wood Fundamentals: Structure, Varieties, and Manufacturing
Wood: A Fundamental Natural Resource
Wood is a raw material of plant origin, consisting of the woody stems (trunks) of trees and shrubs. Its structure is primarily composed of cellulose fibers, a substance that forms the structural support for plants, and lignin, which provides stiffness and hardness.
Anatomy of a Tree Trunk (Inside Out)
- Bark: The outermost protective layer.
- Vascular Cambium: A thin layer responsible for growth, producing new wood and bark.
- Sapwood (Alburnum): The living, outer wood
Understanding Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks: Formation, Uses, and Processes
Sedimentary Rocks: Formation and Composition
Detrital Sedimentary Rocks:
- Conglomerates: Composed of various sized rock fragments.
- Sandstones: Primarily composed of sand-sized grains.
- Clays: Fine-grained sediments.
Organogenic Detrital Sedimentary Rocks:
- Carbon-Rich: Formed from vegetable matter.
- Oil Shale: Contains a mixture of hydrocarbons and organic remains.
- Planktonic: Diatomite, phosphorite.
Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:
- Phosphate Rocks: Formed by phosphate precipitation.
- Siliceous Rocks: Quartz, silex.
Building Stones: Properties, Types, and Construction Uses
Stone Properties and Applications
This document outlines key characteristics and applications of various stone types in construction.
Rock Durability
A crucial feature of stone is its durability, defined as the ability to withstand weathering without altering its physical and aesthetic properties. A durable rock resists external forces without changing its appearance or structure, ensuring a long effective lifespan for the material in use. It maintains cohesion even when saturated with water.
Key Rock
Read MoreNatural Hazard Assessment & Biodiversity Conservation
1.2 Risk Assessment Fundamentals
For effective risk assessment, consider these key factors:
- The characteristics of the natural process, broadly speaking.
- The area affected by the natural process.
- The potential impact on the activities of the population.
Risk Scales and Levels
In accordance with the results of assessing risks, scales are established as follows:
- Free Zone: No Risk
- Low Risk: Acceptable
- Medium Risk: Moderate
- High Risk: Significant
- Very High Risk: Critical
1.3 Natural Hazard Classification
Natural
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