Metamorphic Rocks: Formation, Types, and Minerals
Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks are formed from other rocks in a process called metamorphism. Metamorphism never involves the fusion of the parent rock and occurs equally in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, or other metamorphic rocks. This process happens when rocks are subjected to high pressures (about 1500 bars), high temperatures (between 150 and 200°C), or a working fluid (which causes changes in the composition of the rock, introducing new substances).
Metamorphic rocks are classified
Read MoreAgriculture and Fishing: Essential Practices and Terms
Mediterranean Agriculture
Mediterranean Trilogy: These are the classic and typical yields of rainfed agriculture in Mediterranean climates: cereal, olives, and vines. Traditionally, the cereal was wheat, but today the barley acreage greatly exceeds that of wheat.
Dehesa: Land used for pasture, bounded and composed of herbaceous vegetation and scattered trees, usually oak or cork, of which acorn is usually obtained for cattle. The pasture is a consequence of human activity committed to wresting land
Read MoreCosmic Origins and Earth’s Dynamic Processes: A Comprehensive Overview
The Scientific Method
- Ask a question.
- Do background research.
- Construct a hypothesis.
- Test your hypothesis by doing an experiment.
- Analyze your data and draw a conclusion.
- Report results.
Geocentric Model
- Earth is the center of the universe.
- The universe consists of concentric spheres with Earth in the center.
- Planets have their own sphere, but stars are all in one sphere.
- All heavenly motion consists of perfect, uniform circular motion.
- Ptolemy said that the planets didn’t rotate with circular orbits but with
Stone Age to Iron Age: Evolution of Materials and Technology
Stone Age
Materials Used in the Stone Age:
Paleolithic inhabitants made their first tools from a limited variety of rocks and minerals. These materials shared certain properties: hardness, toughness, fragility, and a conchoidal fracture. The variety in composition led to compounds, in some areas, with silicon. Siliceous materials were accessible where limestone was not present. The first tools were crude, but later the technique was perfected, resulting in more complex and useful tools. Fire was discovered
Read MoreEarth’s Structure, Rocks, Minerals, and Soil Formation
The Earth: A Unique Planet
Key characteristics of the Earth include:
- Presence of oxygen
- Temperature ideal for human life
- Abundance of water
Geosphere: Earth’s Internal Structure
Crust
The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, where life unfolds. It represents only 2% of our planet’s volume. Its thickness is about 30km, and its temperature ranges from 22°C to 400°C.
Mantle
The mantle is the most voluminous layer, making up 82% of the Earth’s volume. It has a thickness of about 2870 km and is divided
Read MoreLandforms: Classification, Relief Types, and Geological Processes
Landform Classification and Interpretation
1 – When we observe a landscape, we perceive different elements simultaneously. The relief is the aspect of the Earth’s surface, regardless of biotic elements.
Descriptive Classification of Landforms
Landforms are classified by their appearance:
- Mountain: Isolated relief with a large gap between its base and top.
- Cerro: Isolated relief with little unevenness.
- Gorge or Throat: Narrow valley bottom featuring steep walls on either side.
- Plateau: Isolated, flat-topped