Earth’s Surface and Internal Processes
Earth’s Surface Processes
Weathering
Weathering is the alteration of rocks and minerals on Earth’s surface due to atmospheric agents. There are three types of weathering:
- Physical/Mechanical Weathering: Common in extreme climates (e.g., cold deserts) with minimal liquid water. Examples include frost wedging, thermal expansion and contraction, salt crystallization, and root action.
- Chemical Weathering: Involves chemical reactions between rock and fluids, prevalent in wet areas.
- Biological Weathering:
The Tertiary Sector: Energy Sector Composition
Energy Sector Overview
The energy sector is a complex set of productive activities that are difficult to classify using conventional methods. It encompasses extractive activities (e.g., coal mining), industrial processing (e.g., refineries, power plants), and service activities (e.g., transmission, distribution, marketing).
Within the energy sector, a distinction is often made between “fuels” (coal, oil, natural gas) and electricity. It’s important to distinguish between primary energy sources (coal,
Read MoreUnderstanding Health, Diseases, and Treatments
Health and Sickness
The Decline of Infectious Diseases
The decline of infectious diseases is primarily due to the availability of clean drinking water, effective sanitation networks, and good nutrition. Life expectancy in developed countries has doubled in the last 80 years due to advancements such as antibiotics, vaccines, and other medical and health achievements.
Personal Conditions for a Good Old Age
- Consume alcohol in moderation
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain a stable partner
- Engage in physical exercise
- Stay
Tectonic Plate Dynamics: Deformations & Earthquakes
Tectonic Plate Dynamics
Efforts and Deformations
The dynamics of tectonic plates create high pressure, known as tectonic forces, which produce significant changes in rocks called tectonic deformations.
Tectonic Forces
Rocks can be subjected to three types of forces:
- Compressional
- Extensional
- Shear
Tectonic Deformations
Tectonic forces produce two types of permanent rock deformation:
- Plastic Deformation: Occurs when rocks exhibit ductile behavior and fold due to their plasticity. These are continuous deformations,
Geological Evolution and Relief of the Iberian Peninsula
1. Characteristics of the Iberian Peninsula Relief
Solid Form
The Iberian Peninsula’s solid form is characterized by its significant width from west to east coasts and relatively straight coastlines.
High Average Elevation
The high average elevation results from the presence of high mountains and an extensive central plateau (Meseta Central).
Peripheral Mountainous Provision
The plateau’s inland location, away from the sea’s influence, creates a stark contrast between the coastal and inland areas.
2. Morphostructural
Read MoreBuilding Materials Guide: Types, Properties & Uses
Building Materials
Rocks
Mineral particles that are aggregates of appreciable size and indeterminate.
Types:
- Eruptive or Igneous Rocks (Igneous rock of crystal structure / vitreous igneous rocks)
- Sedimentary Rocks (Siliceous rocks / Limestones / Clayey rocks)
- Metamorphic Rocks (Slate / Marble)
Clays and Derivatives
One of the varieties of sedimentary rocks, consisting primarily of hydrated aluminum silicates that form microscopic crystalline lamellae.
Process to Obtain:
- Preparation of Raw Materials
- Molding
- Drying
- Cooking
- Storage