Volcanic Structures, Activity Types, and Landforms
Volcanic Relief
Structure of a Volcano
- Crater: Orifice where volcanic products exit the surface.
- Volcanic Cone: Structure formed by the accumulation of volcanic material around the crater.
- Chimney: Tube that connects the magma chamber to the crater, where the magma exits.
- Magma Chamber: Deposit in which magma accumulates before going outside.
Volcano Types
Depending on the characteristics of the material ejected, volcanoes have different types of structures:
- Pyroclastic Cone: Small, with very steep walls,
Soil Composition, Formation, and Classification
Soil: Composition, Formation, and Classification
Soil is a cover or mantle of superficial alteration, consisting of minerals, air, water, organic debris, and living organisms. It develops in the area of interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
Composition
- Mineral Fraction: Fragments of bedrock, colloidal particles, ions, and minerals.
- Organic Fraction: Results from the decomposition of biological remains through two main processes:
- Humification: Decomposes organic remains
Environmental Challenges in the Canary Islands and Solutions
Environmental Problems in the Canary Islands and Their Solutions
Environmental problems in the Canary Islands are greater than can be solved only through environmental policies.
Main Problems:
Air Pollution
Air pollution is generated by fossil fuels used in transportation and the production of electrical energy. In the Canary Islands, the issue is intensified by the high density of vehicles and the reduced space. To solve this, it is necessary to move vehicles and reduce pollution by promoting public
Read MoreSpanish Landscapes: Climate, Relief, and Human Impact
Ocean Landscape (North)
- Area: North of the Peninsula, Cantabrian Mountains and Galicia.
- Relief: Mountains and short, uneven surfaces.
- Climate: Frequent precipitation, low temperatures, thermal influence of the sea.
- Water: Short rivers originating in mountains near the sea, regular flow.
- Vegetation: Deciduous forests (beech and oak), scrub (heather, gorse, broom), abundant meadows.
- Soil: Siliceous (brown earth, rich in humus), limestone (brown limestone soil).
Mediterranean Landscape (South)
- Area: South
Coastal Landforms, Aeolian Processes, Karst, and Glacial Features
Coastal Landforms
Sea water transports particles, driven by waves, tides, and currents. The accumulation of sediments along coastlines rapidly forms various features:
- Beaches: Formed in the interior of bays, where waves lose force.
- Coastal bars: Similar to beaches, but not fully joined to the coast, often long and visible or submerged.
- Reefs/spits: Joined to the coast at one end.
- Barrier islands: Not joined to the coast.
- Land-tied islands: Join the coast with a nearby outcrop.
- Coastal pools: Coastal lakes
Historic Mosques: Kairouan and Cordoba Architectural Marvels
Uqba Mosque: A Fortress of Faith in Kairouan
The Uqba Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Kairouan, resembles an imposing fortress. This is due to the strength of the 1.9-meter-thick rocks used to raise the walls, corner towers, and foothills that support and reinforce the structure. The mosque has an irregular ring shape. The courtyard, accessible by six side doors, is a rectangle of impressive dimensions. This vast space is surrounded by beautiful galleries formed by double arches supported
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