Environmental Science: A Comprehensive Guide to Earth’s Systems
Environmental Science: An academic field offering an integrated, quantitative, and interdisciplinary approach to studying Earth’s components, their interactions, and their relationship with human systems to solve environmental problems.
Environment: The study of interactions between physical, chemical, biological, and social components of the natural world, including their effects on organisms and human impacts.
Multidisciplinary Field: Combines natural and social sciences.
Scientific Method: A planned,
Read MoreEssential Geographic Definitions
Altitude
In geography, altitude is the vertical distance of a point on Earth relative to mean sea level (MSL). This contrasts with height, the vertical distance between two points on the surface, and flight level, the standard pressure altitude measured by an altimeter above 20,000 feet MSL.
Archipelago
An archipelago is a chain or group of islands. These islands are typically located in open water, less commonly near large landmasses. They often have volcanic origins, sometimes forming ridges or hotspots.
Read MoreEarth Science: Rocks, Minerals, and Earth Systems
Earth Materials
Rocks and Minerals
Rocks are aggregates of minerals formed by geological processes. A mineral is a naturally occurring element or inorganic compound with a definite chemical composition and atomic structure.
Rock Classification
- Igneous: Formed from the consolidation of magma.
- Sedimentary: Formed from the consolidation of sediments.
- Metamorphic: Formed from other rocks within the Earth’s crust that have undergone transformation.
The Rock Cycle
The rock cycle is the continuous process of transformation
Read MoreEarth’s Surface Processes: Weathering, Erosion, Sedimentation, and Soil
External Geodynamic Processes
External geodynamic processes occur on the Earth’s surface, driven by gravitational forces and solar energy. Important geological agents include rain and wind. These processes lead to weathering, erosion, transportation, and sedimentation.
Weathering
Weathering is the set of changes experienced by materials of the lithosphere in contact with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, or biosphere.
Physical Weathering
- Fissuring: Rupture or disintegration of rocks due to tectonic stress.
Understanding Material Classification and Properties
Classification of Materials: The most general classification of materials is as follows:
a. Metal: Ferrous, Nonferrous
b. Nonmetallic: Organic, Inorganic
Ferrous Metals: Ferrous metals, as their name suggests, have iron as their main component. Their main features include high tensile strength and hardness. The principal alloys are obtained with tin, silver, platinum, manganese, vanadium, and titanium.
The main products of representatives of metallic materials include gray iron castings, malleable iron,
Read MoreWater Contamination: Sources, Effects, and Mitigation
Water Pollution: An Overview
Water pollution is the introduction of harmful materials, energy, or conditions that degrade water quality. It stems from the release of substances or energy forms that alter the natural composition of water, with the degree of contamination depending on its intended use. Water pollution is primarily caused by human activities.
Types of Contamination
Diffuse: This type of contamination has a wide area of impact and no specific point source (e.g., natural runoff).
Point Source:
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