Global Environmental Challenges: Pollution, Resources, and Biodiversity Loss
Environmental Impacts of Resource Use
Living Resources and Their Exploitation
Livestock and Intensive Farming Impacts
Intensive livestock farming presents major environmental problems, including the use of treated feed, reduction in biodiversity, and significant pollution caused by slurry (manure and excrements).
Marine Resources and Fishing Challenges
Environmental problems related to fishing include:
- Fishing overexploitation.
- Use of non-selective nets and drag fishing techniques.
- Impacts from climate
Spain’s Physical Geography: Landforms and Geology
Spain’s Geographical Overview
Spain is a medium-sized European country, covering 505,990 km². Its territory comprises a mainland (97.55% of the surface), the Balearic Islands (0.99%), the Canary Islands (1.45%), and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla (0.1%).
This area exhibits significant natural diversity, characterized by a variety of terrain and climatic contrasts, as well as human diversity, reflected in an unequal distribution of wealth influenced by natural conditions, leading to diverse
Read MoreEssential Weather & Climate Terminology
Understanding Weather and Climate Basics
- Weather:
- The state of the atmosphere of a place at a particular time. It is characterized by its variability, but determined by direct observations.
- Meteorology:
- The science of weather.
- Climate:
- The average state of the atmosphere of a place. This state is caused by the usual succession of weather types at a location throughout the year.
- Climatology:
- The science of climate.
Geographical and Atmospheric Influences
- Solana:
- It refers to the sunny slopes of a mountain or
Wood Fundamentals: Structure, Varieties, and Manufacturing
Wood: A Fundamental Natural Resource
Wood is a raw material of plant origin, consisting of the woody stems (trunks) of trees and shrubs. Its structure is primarily composed of cellulose fibers, a substance that forms the structural support for plants, and lignin, which provides stiffness and hardness.
Anatomy of a Tree Trunk (Inside Out)
- Bark: The outermost protective layer.
- Vascular Cambium: A thin layer responsible for growth, producing new wood and bark.
- Sapwood (Alburnum): The living, outer wood
Understanding Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks: Formation, Uses, and Processes
Sedimentary Rocks: Formation and Composition
Detrital Sedimentary Rocks:
- Conglomerates: Composed of various sized rock fragments.
- Sandstones: Primarily composed of sand-sized grains.
- Clays: Fine-grained sediments.
Organogenic Detrital Sedimentary Rocks:
- Carbon-Rich: Formed from vegetable matter.
- Oil Shale: Contains a mixture of hydrocarbons and organic remains.
- Planktonic: Diatomite, phosphorite.
Chemical Sedimentary Rocks:
- Phosphate Rocks: Formed by phosphate precipitation.
- Siliceous Rocks: Quartz, silex.
Building Stones: Properties, Types, and Construction Uses
Stone Properties and Applications
This document outlines key characteristics and applications of various stone types in construction.
Rock Durability
A crucial feature of stone is its durability, defined as the ability to withstand weathering without altering its physical and aesthetic properties. A durable rock resists external forces without changing its appearance or structure, ensuring a long effective lifespan for the material in use. It maintains cohesion even when saturated with water.