Seismology and Seismic Risk
Seismology
Earthquakes occur in fracture zones subjected to compressive and shear rifting. The slow movements of the plates cause the rocks forming their edges to deform slowly as they support the effort. This strain accumulates, releasing elastic energy abruptly when rocks break. This elastic rebound produces seismic waves.
In the seismic focus, or hypocenter, two types of waves originate that propagate through the Earth:
P-Waves
These travel at high speed and are the first ones recorded by seismographs.
Read MoreDebunking Common Myths: A Scientific Perspective
Is Astrology a Science?
Why Astrology Is Not Considered a Science
Astrology is not considered a science for several reasons. Firstly, it does not rely on empirical evidence or rigorous testing to support its claims. The authority of its founders is often cited, but these individuals were not able to detect planets like Uranus and Neptune, which are now considered important in astrological interpretations. Additionally, astrology incorporates fantastical and mythological elements associated with the
Read MoreThe Atmosphere and Climate Change
Functions of the Atmosphere
Screen Protector
The ozone layer in the stratosphere prevents ultraviolet radiation from reaching Earth’s surface. The atmosphere also avoids the impact of meteorites and other bodies from outer space that disintegrate when crossing the layers of the atmosphere.
Involved in the Water Cycle
The water vapor it contains condenses, forms clouds, and precipitates as rain or snow.
Containing Gas Requirements of Life
CO2 and O2 are used for vital processes like breathing or photosynthesis.
Read MorePlate Tectonics: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The theory of plate tectonics, or global tectonics, revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes. Emerging in 1968, it explains phenomena such as the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes, the formation of mountain ranges, and the movement of continents over millions of years.
The Basics
Plate tectonics combines the concepts of continental drift and seafloor spreading. It posits that the Earth’s lithosphere (the rigid outer layer) is divided into several large and
Read MoreSolar Energy: A Comprehensive Guide
Solar Energy
What is Solar Energy?
The Sun is 93 million miles away. The tiny fraction of the Sun’s energy which hits the Earth is enough to meet all our power needs and more. The sun provides more energy in an hour than the U.S. uses in a year. We call the energy from the sun, solar energy.
Solar energy is transmitted to the earth in the form of radiant energy. It is vital to us because it provides the world—directly or indirectly– with almost all of its energy. In addition to providing the
Read MoreTaxonomy and Biological Classification
Introduction to Taxonomy
Taxonomy, a subdiscipline of Systematic Biology, studies the kinship between organisms and their evolutionary history. It resolves the phylogenetic tree of organisms, clarifying evolutionary branches based on kinship relations. In essence, taxonomy is the science of classification, specifically the ordering of organisms into a nested hierarchy of taxa.
The Need for Classification
Despite the diversity of life, common features allow for grouping. Organisms are classified based
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