Earth’s Interior: Structure, Composition, and Dynamics
Study of the Interior of the Earth
Direct Methods: The study of the geosphere is based on the analysis of material extracted from boreholes or mining polls. Max depth achieved: Kola borehole (Russia) 13km. Earth’s radius: 6371 km.
Indirect Methods: It is believed that meteorites, originating from other destroyed planets, provide information about the chemical composition of the core, mantle, and crust. They are classified as:
- Siderite or iron meteorites: Composed of 80% to 90% iron and nickel.
- Siderolites
Understanding Plate Tectonics: Benioff Zones, Continental Drift, and More
Understanding Plate Tectonics
Benioff Zones
The Benioff zone is a seismic area along the Pacific coast of North America, organized in a specific way. Earthquakes originate at varying depths, with shallower events occurring near the coast and deeper events further inland, forming an inclined plane. This plane is referred to as the Benioff surface.
Ocean Floor Dynamics
Area
Openings of only a few millimeters are observed. Seismic analysis indicates that not only the crust is moving, but the entire Lithosphere
Read MoreUnderstanding Landforms and Atmospheric Phenomena
Landforms and Atmospheric Phenomena
Alpine Orogeny: This occurred in the Tertiary period and formed the main ridges of the Hercynian terrain.
Hercynian Orogeny: An intense mountain-building movement involving folds, fractures, and uplifts, primarily during the Carboniferous period.
Malpais: Barren karst lands, a landform caused by the weathering of rocks like limestone.
Peneplain: A plain at a high elevation, formerly a mountainous region.
Climate and Weather
Climate: A succession of weather patterns.
Read MoreEarthquakes and Hazards: Impacts and Responses
1. Types of Hazards
- A – Earthquake – It happens really fast and short, and will only affect a certain small area.
- B – Hurricane/Volcano – It lasts for a very days or weeks, and affect few areas.
2. Earthquake Distribution and Plate Tectonics
The distribution of earthquakes is affected by plate boundaries and plate tectonics. Plate boundaries are where two plates meet, and plate tectonics is the movement of the plates. An earthquake occurs along the boundaries of the tectonic plates that make
Read MoreUnderstanding Water Properties, Pollution, and Purification
Water Properties
Capillary Action
When a glass tube with a small inner diameter (capillary tube) is placed in a container of water, the water rises within the tube. This occurs because the adhesive force between water molecules and the glass is stronger than the cohesive force between water molecules.
Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of a liquid’s resistance to flow. A higher viscosity means the liquid flows more slowly. Viscosity decreases with increasing temperature because viscosity is directly
Read MoreArchitectural Elements: Masonry, Arches, and Structures
Rigging Irregular Cyclopean Stones
Large Tamna irregular masonry: uncut stones of irregular size. In Classical and early Medieval architecture, ashlar refers to finely worked stones, typically smaller, used in a rough way.
Elements of Architecture
Flat lintels are supported elements, or in parts, architraved. In Classical architecture, the entablature is formed by the architrave (based on the horizontal band of the column), the frieze (horizontal element above the architrave, often with sculptural
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