Flood Dynamics: Hazards, Risks, and Prevention
Understanding Flood Risks and Causes
Floods are a destructive geological phenomenon within the geosphere. Their causes can be geological, climatic, and anthropogenic, originating from events like hurricanes, heavy rainfall leading to river overflow, channel obstructions, and more.
Types of Flood Events
Flooding in continental watercourses (avenidas) can be categorized into two main types:
Torrential Floods
These originate in streams or dry riverbeds carved by water on steep slopes. Water flows sporadically
Read MoreMountain Ranges and Relief of Spain
The Edges of the Meseta Central
The massive Galician-Leonese Massif, Cantabrian Mountains, Sierra Morena, and Iberian System form the edges of the Meseta Central (with protruding reliefs from folding). A massif is a relief or flat plateau formed during the Primary or Paleozoic era. Rocks are formed by very rigid materials; when there are Earth’s movements, they fracture into blocks rather than folding. In contrast, in reliefs of folding, younger materials tend to fold due to pressures caused by orogenic
Read MoreKey Concepts in Science, Sustainability, and Technology
Paradigm
Context, commitments, principles, and practices that define a scientific discipline at a given time. A scientific revolution occurs when a paradigm shift happens.
Sustainable Development
Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Agenda 21
A comprehensive work plan for government institutions to create a framework for sustainable development.
Ecological Footprint
An indicator measuring the impact of human activities on Earth.
Biocapacity
The
Read MoreDiverse Natural Landscapes of Spain: Climate and Vegetation
The natural landscapes of Spain are diverse and rich in ecological significance. Below is an overview of the various landscape areas:
Oceanic Landscape Area
- Location: North of the peninsula, including Galicia and the Cantabrian coast.
- Relief: Hilly slopes of mountains with few flat surfaces.
- Climate: Oceanic, characterized by abundant and regular rainfall, and low temperature thermal amplitude influenced by the sea.
- Waters: Rivers owned by wholesalers on the Cantabrian side.
- Vegetation: Deciduous beech
Industrial Production: Evolution, Impacts & Location Factors
Changes in Industrial Production
- Incorporation of electronics.
- Industrial design using computer programs.
- Robotization of assembly lines.
Environmental Consequences of Industry
Negative Effects
- Industries modify their environment. Discharges and industrial waste dumped into rivers and seas have provoked major problems of water pollution.
- The atmosphere around some industrial zones has a large number of particles in suspension from the emission of fumes and gases. These substances produce phenomena like
Earth’s Layers, Seismic Waves, and Plate Tectonics
Earth’s Compositional Layers
Crust: Composed of less dense rocks rich in silicon and aluminum.
Mantle: Made up of denser rock rich in peridotite and magnesium.
Core: Principally made up of iron.
Earth’s Physical Layers
Lithosphere: The rigid surface layer.
Asthenosphere: The area of the lithosphere where the mantle is ductile and partially molten.
Lower Mantle: Solid but flexible and ductile.
Core: Consists of a molten outer layer and a solid inner part.
Seismic Waves
Primary Waves (P): The fastest waves,
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