Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Impacts, and Management
The Carbon Cycle: A Biogeochemical Journey
The carbon cycle is a vital biogeochemical process involving the exchange of carbon between Earth’s spheres: the hydrosphere (water), biosphere (living organisms), lithosphere (ground), and atmosphere (air). Carbon exists in various forms, including:
Forms of Carbon
- Atmospheric gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)
- Oceanic carbonates: Calcium carbonate in corals and shells, bicarbonates dissolved in water
- Organic materials: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins
- Non-
Understanding Different Types of Cracks in Concrete Structures
What is a ‘Crack’?
Basic Types
Describe complete or incomplete separation of structure into two or more parts produced by breaking.
- Active: Any crack for which the mechanism causing the cracking is still at work
- Dormant: Any crack not likely to become active in the future or whose movement is of such magnitude that a repair won’t be affected
- Structural crack: Caused by dead loads, applied forces, or other external forces
- Non-structural crack: Not the result of external forces and has no effect on structural
Metals, Wood, and Stone: Properties, Applications, and Treatments
Metals:
- Gangue and ore:
In any mineral can distinguish two parts:
- The Ganga: ferrous substances that are mixed with the mineral and must be removed.
- The Mena: all bodies are combined with the metal.
- Properties of metals:
- Mechanical:
- Strength: tensile, compression, bending and shear.
- Deformability, elasticity, plasticity, etc.
- Tenacity.
- Hardness, from: striped, penetration and cutting
- Weldability.
- Electrical: electrical conductivity.
- Thermal: thermal conductivity, expansion.
- Chemical: Oxidation corrosion (especially
Evolution of Earth’s Structure and Plate Tectonics
First World Atlas – 1570, Abraham Ortelius
North America and Europe can be fitted together. Biblical Flood.1600, Francis Bacon
An ancestral continent.
Mobilism – mountains made by shifting continents.
Permanentism – Continents are fixed in position connected by land bridges which sink to create oceans.
1858, Antonio Snider Pellegrini
Earth’s plan -Continents move as sheets by tidal centripetal forces.1910, Frank Taylor
Continental drift and Pangea
Used distribution of coal mines and glacial deposits, match
Formation and Types of Volcanoes: A Comprehensive Overview
Volcanoes generally form along the edge of the tectonic plate which prevails over a subduction zone. Cracks in the crust caused by the instability of the overlying plate allow magma to move towards the surface and form a magma chamber. Further cracks in the crust allow magma to be ejected from the chamber and form a volcano.
Lava can be divided into three general groups: basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolithic. Basaltic lava contains 48% – 58% silica, is basic and is very fluid, with a temperature of
Read MoreUnderstanding Soil Degradation and Desertification
Salinization and Leaching
Salinization: salt is drawn upwards from deep layers of soil, creating a thin layer of salt on top of the soil. Leaching: substances such as minerals, nutrients, or contaminants are washed out or carried away from the topsoil.
Soil Composition
Triángulo 50 Clay 30 Silt 20 Sand (LOAM): What’s the balance of clay, silt, and sand for loam? Primary Productivity: The capacity of soil to supply nutrients and water for plant growth.
Impact of Deforestation
How does cutting down trees
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