Environment (other)
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Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances, including minerals, salts, metals, and other compounds, dissolved in a liquid—usually water. These particles are so small that they pass through a typical water filter, distinguishing them from suspended solids...
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A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, a fundamental metric for predicting changes in the weather. While they may be less common in homes than they once were, barometers are still vital pieces of equipment to help assess atmospheric conditions. In this article from thedailyECO,...
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The various types of global climates are categorized by different factors and systems. These can be dependent on their ecosystem type, location, altitude and other determinants. The continental climate is a category of climate which is determined by the Köppen climate classification. This is a system based...
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A mountain climate is the localized climate of a mountainous area. Due to the greater altitude, the atmospheric conditions are altered, resulting in lower temperatures and significant climate variability. Temperature and precipitation patterns change significantly at different altitudes. For this reason,...
Atmospheric pressure, the force exerted by the weight of the air above us, plays a crucial role in weather patterns, aviation, and even our daily lives. Measuring this pressure helps scientists and meteorologists predict weather changes and understand atmospheric behavior. But how exactly is atmospheric...
The Earth's atmosphere is in constant motion, driven by the uneven heating of the planet's surface by the sun. This dynamic movement, known as general atmospheric circulation, shapes global wind patterns, influences climate zones, and affects weather systems around the world. Understanding these circulation...
Hot springs can be found all around the world, with notable concentrations in Latin American countries, as well as in Europe and Asia. These natural formations are popular tourist attractions due to the numerous health benefits they offer. he warm, soothing waters of hot springs help to relax both the...
Examining the concept of an endorheic basin is important for understanding how water is distributed and used in different regions of the world. This is very important for geographical and hydrological studies. An endorheic basin is defined as a region in which rainwater and river water have no outlet to...
Bodies of water, ranging from expansive oceans to winding streams, are crucial elements of our planet. They are categorized by their size, origin, and physical properties, and play a fundamental role in sustaining life on Earth. These bodies of water are integral to ecological health, human well-being, and...
Monsoon climates are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons driven by seasonal wind shifts. This climatic pattern is prevalent in regions near the equator, particularly in South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and parts of Australia. Monsoon climates have a profound impact on agriculture, as the...
Hydrology is the scientific discipline that studies the water cycle on Earth, including its distribution and movement, as well as its physical and chemical properties. This discipline covers the analysis of precipitation, water runoff, soil infiltration, river currents, aquifer recharge, evaporation and...
Hydrography is the science responsible for the study and mapping of the Earth's bodies of water, both above and below the Earth's surface. This science provides essential data for navigation, resource management and prevention of natural disasters. Its findings are not only used by experts, but it helps...
Air might seem like a simple, invisible blanket around our planet, but it's actually a fascinating mix of gases that play a crucial role in keeping us alive and shaping the Earth. Mostly made up of nitrogen and oxygen, air is not just essential for breathing; it also helps regulate temperature, protects...
For millennia, humanity has cast its nets into the ocean's bounty. Early fishing practices were small-scale and focused on meeting immediate needs. However, with population growth and technological advancements, the impact on fish stocks became increasingly evident. In this sense, the Industrial Revolution...
The threat of desertification to ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. During this process, fertile lands are transformed into arid, unproductive terrain, largely due to climate change and unsustainable human activities such as deforestation,...
Unlike car exhaust fumes that dissipate quickly, ozone is a hidden danger lurking in our air. This gas isn't directly emitted, but rather forms when pollutants react under specific conditions, like sunshine. The result? Ozone, which can travel long distances and pose a significant health risk. According...
The climate of a certain area is its long-term weather patterns which are established over time, as opposed to weather which changes regularly. Desert climate is the long-term weather patterns of desert areas, geographical ranges which are defined by having little precipitation and subsequent harsh living...
There are various different types of watercourse, meaning the way in which water flows through a channel of land. This manner in which the water flows is a stream, but this definition can be complicated by the fact there are many different types of channels through which water can flow. For example, we may...
The study of bioclimates is essential to understanding the distribution of climatic conditions on Earth. A bioclimate is the set of climatic conditions that determine the type of flora and fauna which can survive in a given geographical area. It is this geographical area which we can refer to as a bioclimatic...
The ocean depths hold some of the most enigmatic and unexplored landscapes on Earth. Among these mysteries lie the abyssal plains, vast underwater stretches cloaked in eternal darkness and immense pressure. These regions, far from the reach of sunlight, have long remained a source of fascination and intrigue...
Hygrometers are devices used to measure the relative humidity of air or solid materials. Many of us associate them with monitoring or predicting the weather, but these instruments are used in a variety of applications. Such applications include indoor climate monitoring, agriculture, meteorology and the...
Erosion is the process by which the outermost layer of land is gradually worn away. The land which is worn down is usually in the form of rock or soil. Land erosion is caused by the abrasive action of physical agents which exert force on the geographical material. These agents can be in the form of water,...
Also know as the Peru Current, the Humboldt Current is an oceanic current in the Pacific that extends from Chile to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands. Its origin lies in the combined effects of the Earth's rotational movement and the centrifugal force exerted by the oceanic water masses of the equatorial...
While commonly associated with flowing streams and pristine lakes, the majority of readily accessible freshwater (excluding polar ice caps and glaciers) resides underground as groundwater. Half the world's inhabitants rely on groundwater for primary or secondary water, making them a significant contributor...
You may have heard the common idiom or some variation which claims a red sky at night is a sailor's delight, but a red sky at morning is a sailor's warning. This is a piece of conventional wisdom which relates to how the sky can indicate potential weather patterns. Not all conventional wisdom is accurate. Although...
In the realm of fluid dynamics, a thermocline emerges as a distinct layer in a body of water where there is a rapid change in temperature with depth. This invisible boundary acts as a barrier, separating warmer, sunlit waters from the cooler, deeper layers. The presence of a thermocline plays a crucial...
Deep ocean currents are driven by a thermohaline circulation, a phenomenon that regulates the global distribution of heat and nutrients in the world's oceans. This complex system of marine currents arises from variations in water temperature and salinity, factors that affect its density. In the polar regions,...
Glacial erosion – a relentless geological process – has shaped the land across vast swathes of our planet. From the Himalayas' towering peaks to Patagonia's expansive plains, its signature remains etched in U-shaped valleys, polished rock surfaces, and dramatic glacial landforms. Understanding this powerful...
The halocline is zone within a body of water which has a highly pronounced salinity gradient. It is characterized by having an abrupt change of salinity as we go deeper into the body of water, creating distinct transition zones which affect water density and stratification. Since these characteristics...
A snowfield is an accumulation of snow that persists throughout the year, even during warmer periods and the absence of snowfall. The snow falls on top of ice, partly why it is able to remain even in these more temperate periods. While some may see them simply as a field of snow, these geographic features...
Also known as salt pans, salt flats are large areas of ground which are covered in salts due to evaporated water. These are naturally occurring areas which are usually in the form of shallow water basins. The water in these basins need to be saline, meaning they naturally contain a lot of salt. This means...
Soil science is the study of soil, a complex natural system that plays a vital role in agriculture, environmental protection, and human health. Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, air, and water that supports plant growth and provides habitat for a wide range of organisms. Soil scientists study...
Glacial moraines are large deposits of debris which are left over from the movements of glaciers. However, they are not simply waste byproducts created by glaciers. When we observe the structure and form of glaciers, we can see they are divided into various parts. The moraine is a fundamental part of this...
Geographical space is a term used in the field of geography to describe the particular way in which a society is organized within a physical space. This means that it is a concept which is important to both human and physical geography. We can understand this concept best by looking at how societies...
The salinization of aquifers is when these freshwater groundwater reservoirs become saline, i.e. water that has more dissolved salts than fresh water should contain. Aquifers contain much of the world's water resources since they often contain salt water which we can use for drinking and many other purposes...
All types of aquifers are important for the water cycle below the Earth's surface, but the different types affects their function. For this part of the water cycle, rainwater infiltrates the ground, occupying pores and cracks in the subsoil, giving rise to underground runoff. Water is stored in aquifers...
Water resources are the natural sources of water which are useful to human society. While this water will be important for all life on the planet, it is sometimes not directly accessible to other forms of terrestrial animals. This means these water resources need to be extracted. While there is an abundance...
Geodiversity encompasses a variety of geological and geographical elements which make up our planet Earth. This includes the various types of rock formation which are themselves made up of composite minerals which interact in fascinating ways. We can see such geodiversity in soils which not only vary...
Understanding the difference between organic and inorganic compounds is a fundamental principle in chemistry. Essentially, the difference between inorganic vs. organic matter is to do with the presence of carbon. Although this is important on a molecular level, it is a topic which has a great impact on ecology....
Landslides are the downward movement of a mass of soil, rock, debris, or a combination of these materials along a slope or hillside. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and human activities such as deforestation and road construction....
Floods are a natural disaster that can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural meteorological phenomena, human-induced construction and activities, and climate change. While some floods are uncontrollable and unpredictable, others can be prevented or mitigated with proper planning and management.
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Aquaculture is a set of activities, techniques and knowledge on the cultivation of aquatic plant and animal species. Different areas will have their own specialized crops and livestock depending on their requirements. As a farming model, aquaculture provides many advantages such as reducing the overexploitation...
The world's seas and oceans are currently facing significant environmental challenges, including pollution, which have a notable impact on fisheries. One of the most pressing issues in recent years is overfishing. It is not only a concern in marine environments but also affects terrestrial ecosystems due to activities...
Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are natural or human-induced infernos that ravage vast expanses of wooded areas, leaving destruction and ecological impacts in their wake. These fires are a formidable force of nature, capable of spreading with astonishing speed and intensity, fueled by the abundance...
Mid-ocean ridges (MORs) are geological formations found at the bottom of oceans. At first glance, they may appear to be simple seamounts (underwater marine mountains), but their composition is both more complicated and more impactful on the ocean ecosystems in which they are located. Mid-ocean ridges, are long...
The exposome is a concept that refers to the cumulative environmental factors to which an individual person is exposed throughout their lifetime. This refers to the time period between birth and death. While it is helpful to understand the negative environmental factors which can harm the human organism,...
Soil formation takes a long time and is generated in a process which results in layers of varying composition, consistency, texture and color. These layers are known as the different soil horizons. When we look at how these different soil horizon layers are arranged, we can see what is known as the soil...
In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, biotic factors play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of life. An ecosystem comprises a delicate balance of both biotic and abiotic factors, with biotic factors representing the living organisms and the intricate relationships they form. When we think of biotic...
Sea waters, also known as ocean waters, encompass the vast bodies of saltwater found on Earth. They are a significant component of the hydrosphere, comprising about 97% of the planet's water. The distribution of ocean waters is extensive, covering approximately 70.8% of the Earth's surface. These expansive...
The enchanting rise and fall of ocean waves has always stirred our imagination. But behind their serene beauty lies a powerful force of nature that shapes and reshapes the intricate contours of our coasts. This force is known as coastal or marine erosion, a fascinating geological process that shapes the...