Key Environmental Concepts: A Glossary
Albedo
Albedo is the percentage of solar radiation reflected by the Earth back into space. A higher albedo means more reflection and lower temperatures. Areas covered by snow or ice have high albedos.
Hydrologic Balance
Hydrologic balance refers to the equilibrium between water inputs (precipitation) and outputs (evapotranspiration and runoff) in a given area. A balance exists when inputs equal outputs. A deficit occurs when outputs exceed inputs, depleting water reserves. A surplus occurs when
Read MoreNatural Resources: Definition, Classification, and Sustainability
Natural Resources
A natural resource is any naturally occurring substance, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, that is present in sufficient quantities and is in demand for use in producing goods and services. Examples include agricultural products, raw materials like rocks and minerals, and energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear reserves.
A reserve is the portion of a natural resource whose quantity and location are known, and its extraction is technically feasible and economically viable
Read MorePast and Future Climate Change: Understanding Earth’s Climate
Past Climate Change
A) Variations in the Earth’s Climate Before the Quaternary
We know that from the early history of Earth, land and sea distribution was different, undoubtedly impacting the Earth’s climate. We know of the existence of a large continent called Pangaea. This continent would have acted as a brake on ocean currents, preventing them from reaching the middle and high latitudes, which would have remained very cold, resulting in an ice age affecting the highest mountain summits. This would
Read MoreThe Origin and Evolution of the Universe and Life on Earth
The Origin and Evolution of the Universe
Big Bang
According to the Big Bang theory, all the energy of the universe was initially concentrated in an infinitesimally small point called the cosmic egg. At this point, the temperature and density were incredibly high. The universe then rapidly expanded in all directions, and as it cooled, energy transformed, forming the first fundamental particles. The interaction of these particles produced atomic nuclei.
Protostar Formation
Gas and material within the
Read MoreWeathering, Erosion, Transport & Sedimentation: A Geological Overview
1. Weathering
1.1. Types of Weathering
1.1.1. Mechanical or Physical Weathering
The breakdown of rocks without altering their chemical composition. This process is caused by several factors:
- Ice Wedging (Cryoclasty): Water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, expands, and acts as a wedge, widening the cracks and breaking the rocks. This process thrives in cold climates with frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
- Temperature Variations (Thermoclasty): Sudden temperature changes cause successive contractions and expansions
Understanding Timber Defects: A Comprehensive Guide
Timber Defects
Wood quality can vary due to several factors that manifest as irregularities or imperfections. These imperfections, known as defects, affect the wood’s physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, ultimately determining its applications. These defects can be categorized based on their origin:
- Natural structure: Occurring during the tree’s life.
- Handling or external factors: Occurring after the tree is felled.
Structural Defects
These defects arise from wood tissue abnormalities during
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