Understanding Water Runoff, Infiltration, and Evapotranspiration
Runoff and Infiltration
Water that falls as rain or snow can evaporate, drain, or infiltrate. This depends on:
- Rate of precipitation (intensity and duration)
- Soil water content (soil capacity)
- Slope and vegetation
Runoff
Runoff is the flow of water from precipitation to rivers located at a lower elevation. This occurs when the capacity of soil infiltration is exceeded. It also refers to water leaving a drainage area.
Types of Runoff
Infiltration
Infiltration is the absorption and downward movement of water
Read MoreSlope Stability: Causes, Types, and Prevention
Slope stability is a critical aspect of understanding and managing the movements of materials on slopes. These movements are induced by gravity and can lead to instability. This document explores the causes, types, and prevention of slope movements.
Factors Influencing Slope Stability
Several factors influence slope stability, including:
- Gravitational forces: The primary driver of slope movements.
- Weathering: The process of breaking down rocks and materials.
- Slope geometry: The angle and shape of the
Environmental Challenges in Spain and the Canary Islands
Environmental Challenges in Spain
The main environmental problems in Spain may be of geological, geomorphological, and atmospheric origin (droughts and floods). As for those of geological origin, we must mention earthquakes. Spain’s position at the boundary between the African and Eurasian plates means earthquakes are common, though most are of limited magnitude. The most affected areas are primarily the southeast peninsula and, to a lesser extent, the Pyrenees.
On the other hand, we cannot forget
Read MoreEarth’s Atmosphere: Composition and Layers
Earth’s Atmosphere
Origin of the Atmosphere
There are different scenarios. According to the planetesimal theory, the atmosphere was formed by gases emitted by volcanoes as the Earth grew in size and could retain them by the force of gravity. The primitive atmosphere, composed of hydrogen and helium, gradually changed. The current atmosphere formed slowly as our planet cooled, with gases from volcanoes, geysers, and fumaroles. Oxygen was produced by the great primeval forests.
Layers of the Atmosphere
- Troposphere:
Energy Sources: Fossil Fuels and Renewables
What is Energy?
Energy is the ability to do work.
What is an Energy Source?
An energy source is a material that provides energy.
What is the Main Source of Energy? Why is it Important?
The Sun. It makes life possible on our planet.
Energy Classification
Based on availability:
- Renewable: Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal.
- Non-renewable: Oil, natural gas, coal.
Which Energy Resources are Used the Most?
Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal).
What is a Fossil Fuel?
Fossil fuels are not renewable sources of energy in
Read MoreEarth’s Dynamic Systems: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere
Earth’s Dynamic Systems
The Earth is a dynamic planet with an atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The composition of the atmosphere has changed greatly over Earth’s history and continues to do so. Nitrogen makes up 78%, and oxygen a significant percentage, with minority gases also present. Some gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, control the climate and are essential for life as greenhouse gases. The hydrosphere and atmosphere continually exchange matter and energy through
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