Vegetation and Population Dynamics Glossary

Vegetation Glossary

Native Vegetation

Species that develop naturally in an area without human intervention, adapting to past or present environmental conditions.

Biodiversity

A set of interdependent living organisms coexisting in an ecosystem.

Forest

A set of interdependent plant communities with a specific structure, density, and flora, whose combined operation forms the basis of its stability. The dominant species is the tree.

Deciduous Forest

Vegetation formation of the Eurosiberian region with annual

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Argentina’s Diverse Landscapes: A Comprehensive Overview

Puna

The Puna is a high plateau located in the Andes Mountains of Argentina. It is characterized by its wide temperature range and high altitude, with elevations reaching up to 3,500 meters. The Puna is home to a variety of mineral resources, including tin, gold, copper, and antimony. The region is also known for its salt flats and salt marshes.

Eastern Cordillera

The Eastern Cordillera is a mountain range located in the eastern part of Argentina. It is formed by high mountains and narrow valleys,

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Spanish Urban Systems and Migration Patterns

1. Urban Relations in Spain

1.1. City System Dynamics

Cities within Spain’s urban system are interconnected through economic flows (goods, capital, investment), people, and other factors (political, administrative, cultural). Key characteristics of these relationships include:

  • Madrid’s strong ties with all other cities, particularly Barcelona.
  • Barcelona’s comparatively weaker influence, though significant in the eastern mainland and Balearic Islands.
  • Strong integration in the northeast quadrant, with
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Urban Environmental and Social Challenges in a Globalized World

Urban Environmental Challenges

The Urban Heat Island Effect and Air Pollution

Most cities experience a heat island microclimate, with temperatures typically 1-4°C higher than surrounding rural areas. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

  1. Heat emission and reflection from buildings (residential and industrial).
  2. Heat absorption and radiation by cement, bricks, and asphalt.
  3. Sunlight reflection from building windows.
  4. Pollutant emissions (from industries, vehicles, heating systems) creating smog,
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Spain: Climate, Geopolitics, and Territorial Organization

1. Climate of Spain

1.1. Precipitation

Precipitation levels differentiate dry and wet climates:

  • Dry: Less than 200mm of rainfall.
  • Sub-humid: 200-800mm of rainfall.
  • Wet: More than 800mm of rainfall.

Thermal amplitude increases with distance from the equator.

1.2. Climate Types

Three main climate types can be distinguished:

  • Cold: Average temperature below 10°C.
  • Warm: Average temperature above 18°C.
  • Temperate: Average temperature around 18-20°C, with the coldest month’s average temperature around 10°C.

1.3.

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Exploring Farming Methods and Land Management

Intensive and Extensive Agriculture

Intensive agriculture seeks maximum performance, while extensive agriculture aims for maximum returns with minimal capital, labor, and lower yields.

Estates

Large properties exceeding 50 hectares, often underexploited due to absentee ownership, resulting in low yields and extensive grazing. Common in Andalusia.

Raw Materials

Basic products used in industrial processes to manufacture consumer goods.

Minifundio

Small farms under 10 hectares, typically run by families for

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