Chile’s Geomorphology and Natural Hazards
Regional Geomorphology of Chile
Chile’s regional geomorphology can be broadly categorized into five main units:
- Andes Mountains
- Precordillera (Foothills)
- Intermediate Depression
- Cordillera de la Costa (Coastal Range)
- Coastal Plains
- Andes Mountains:
- Average height generally does not exceed 2000 meters.
- Some volcanic peaks reach 3000 meters, including Chillán and Antuco volcanoes.
- Characterized by bulky and plateau-like forms, with some acute or prominent low-profile features.
- Features valleys formed by the
Almohad Mosque of Seville: History & Architecture
Almohad Mosque of Seville: A 12th-Century Legacy
This mosque replaced an earlier one from the Caliphate period (9th century), located at the site of the present Church of the Savior. Little remains of the original structure, as it was destroyed in the 15th century to make way for a Gothic cathedral. The current riwaqs (porticos) corresponding to the orange trees are remnants of the earlier mosque.
Construction Phases and Architects
Construction of the Almohad Mosque began between 1172 and 1176 under
Read MoreUnderstanding Weathering, Diagenesis, and Sedimentary Rocks
Weathering: Alteration of Surface Rocks
Weathering is the alteration of surface rocks in contact with air and water.
Physics of Weathering
The physical aspect of weathering involves the disintegration or division of rocks into fragments without modifying their chemical and mineralogical composition. Living organisms also play a role.
Gelifraction (Freeze-Thaw)
Gelifraction occurs when water penetrates cracks in rocks, freezes, and expands, increasing its volume and causing fractures.
Haloclastia (Salt
Read MoreArgentina’s River Systems: A Comprehensive Look
Argentina’s River Systems
Types of River Systems
Argentina has three main types of river systems:
- Exoreic: Rivers flow into the ocean through a main collector.
- Endorheic: Rivers flow into inland lakes or lagoons.
- Arreic: Water is lost through evaporation or seepage.
Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic
The rivers flowing to the Atlantic Ocean are extensive and form the most important basin, the Plata Basin. Its principal collectors are the Paraná, Uruguay, and Paraguay rivers, which converge to form the Río
Read MoreUnderstanding Climate Change, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis
What Climate Models Predict
Climate models predict that the average global temperature of Earth will rise between 1.4 and 6 ºC by the end of the 21st century. The sea level is expected to rise between 20 and 80 cm above the current level by the end of the century. Extreme weather events will become more pronounced.
Environmental Effects
- Loss of biodiversity
- Alteration of seasonal variations of species
- Disappearance of humidity and other vulnerable ecosystems
Health Effects
Tropical diseases could spread
Read MoreNatural Disasters and Relief in Andalusia
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are openings or cracks in the Earth’s crust through which molten materials escape. A volcanic eruption involves the expulsion of magma through a vent, often a crater, on the surface. Active volcanoes are currently erupting, while dormant volcanoes may erupt after many years. Eruptions can change the landscape, as expelled materials accumulate to form volcanic cones. Sometimes, eruptions can even create volcanic islands.
Earthquakes
Seismic events, or earthquakes, are sudden tremors
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