Seismic and Volcanic Risks: Prediction and Prevention
Seismic Risk
Earthquake Dynamics
An earthquake occurs when built-up tension within the Earth’s crust is suddenly released. This energy radiates from the hypocenter as P and S waves, traveling through the Earth’s interior. Upon reaching the epicenter, these waves generate surface waves, which are the primary cause of destruction.
Measuring Earthquakes
Two key concepts are used to assess earthquakes:
- Seismic Intensity: A qualitative measurement using the Mercalli scale (MSK) to categorize the observed
Sedimentary Rocks: Formation, Types, and Composition
Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks
Denudation: A phenomenon in external geological processes where agents (wind, water, ice) destroy rocks near the surface with existing relief on Earth. Erosion leads to sedimentation basins where materials are deposited as sediment, ultimately forming sedimentary rocks.
Sediments and Sedimentary Processes
Sediment: Preexisting rock fragments of various sizes, loose minerals, crystals of substances dissolved in water and precipitated, and the remains of animals and plants.
Read MoreCatalonia’s Geography, Climate, Resources, and Cultural Heritage
1. Territory and Natural Resources
1.1 Territorial Configuration
Catalonia, characterized by a 552km Mediterranean coastline and a complex 31,130 sq km terrain, presents a diverse landscape. From coastal plains to mountainous regions with altitudes exceeding 5% above sea level, the territory features a mix of plains, plateaus, cliffs, depressions, hills, and old alpine massifs. The proximity of mountains and sea creates a rugged coastline, leaving narrow coastal plains. The sea plays a crucial role
Read MoreSpanish Relief: Characteristics, Formation, and Lithology
Item 2: General Characteristics of Spanish Relief
Main Features of Peninsular and Insular Relief
The Geographical Area of Spain: Spain is a medium-sized European state located in the temperate northern hemisphere. It comprises a peninsula, the Mediterranean archipelago (Balearic Islands), the Atlantic archipelago (Canary Islands), Ceuta, and Melilla (in North Africa).
Peninsular Relief: Spanish relief configuration has three basic features:
The massive form is given by the great width of the peninsula
Read MoreUnderstanding Ecological Concepts and Environmental Dynamics
Tema 6:
Population: Group of individuals of a species that live in an area.
Community: Set of populations.
Biotope: The physical environment where organisms live.
Habitat: The conditions necessary for organisms to live, including:
- Biosyn: The consequence of the presence of living beings.
- Abiotic: Non-living factors that affect living organisms.
Temperature: Varies preferentially by day, season, altitude, and latitude.
- Ecotone: Temperature depends on external sources.
- Endotherms: Organisms that control their
Natural Resources: Extraction, Exploitation, and Environmental Impact
5. What is OPEC? Where and when was it founded? List member countries. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an international economic organization based in Vienna. Created in August 1960 in response to lower official oil prices set unilaterally by large distribution companies, its purpose is the unification and coordination of member states’ petroleum policies. Founded in Baghdad in 1960, its member countries include: Angola, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Ecuador, United Arab
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