Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Ecotourism and Responsible Travel

Ecotourism is a type of sustainable tourism that emphasizes conserving nature and improving the lives of local people in rural and wilderness areas. When we visit beautiful places, it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments. Responsible travel is about more authentic holiday experiences that enable you to get a little bit more out of your travels and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people. All holidays have positive and negative impacts locally. Responsible travel maximizes the benefits and minimizes the negative effects of tourism.

Costa Rica: A Popular Ecotourism Destination

Costa Rica is a very popular spot for ecotourism. It combines... Continue reading "Sustainable Tourism: Ecotourism Destinations and Impacts" »

What is economic activity?

Economic activities are all the processes used to obtain the goods and services that people need. The three phases of economic activity are:

• Production → is all the goods and services which are created as a result of an economic activity.
• Distribution → is the process of moving goods and services from the place of production to the consumer.
• Consumption → is all the goods and services that people buy to satisfy their wants and needs.

History of payment

• Barter → direct exchange of goods
• Natural coins → valuable natural items, with an agreed value like shells, cocoa, salt, furs
• Metal coins → the first metal coins were made in Lidia (present-day Turkey) in the 7th century BC
• Paper money → notes first appeared in

The Rise of Industrialization

Between 1750 and 1850, industrialization revolutionized Britain. The lives of its citizens changed drastically during these years, a period known as the Industrial Revolution. Industrialization is the process in which a society adopts a mechanized system of production and way of life. The importance of industry became crucial as the economy shifted from raw materials to manufactured goods. Industrialization brought new job opportunities and a new division of social classes. But how and why did this happen?

Population Growth and Early Changes

In Britain, the main catalyst was a significant population increase, spurred by technological and health advances that led to a lower mortality rate. This population boom created... Continue reading "Industrial Revolution in Britain: Key Factors and Impacts" »

The Spanish Empire

Political Structure

Empire: A state that governs different territories with inhabitants of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Composite Monarchy: A set of territories united under a single monarch, with each territory maintaining its own institutions.

Capital: The seat of government.

Parliament: The most powerful institution in each state of the kingdom, composed of the high nobility, high clergy, and high bourgeoisie.

Concejos: Collegiate institutions that advise the king on territorial, thematic, and state matters.

Governor, Viceroy, Corregidor: Officials who govern a territory or city on behalf of the king.

Audiencias and Chancelleries: Courts of justice.

Justicia de Aragon, Generalitat de Catalunya: Institutions that defend the laws... Continue reading "The Spanish Empire: A Comprehensive Overview" »

Indian Coal Types, Formation, and Uses

1. Coal Types in India

   Describe the qualities of four different types of coal found in India. How is coal formed?
   • Peat: Low carbon and high in moisture.
   • Lignite: Low-grade brown coal, soft and with high moisture content.
   • Bituminous Coal: High carbon and low moisture content, the most popular coal for commercial use.
   • Anthracite: The highest quality hard coal.

   Coal is formed due to the compression of plant material over millions of years. Most coal was formed during the Carboniferous period.

2. Renewable Energy Resources

   What are renewable resources? Why has it become necessary to use renewable energy resources?

   The resources which can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical, or mechanical processes are known as

A New Historical Period

The Modern Age is the historical period from the 15th to the 18th century. The year in which this period began is a subject of debate amongst historians. The most widely accepted dates are either the capture of Constantinople by the Turks (1453) or the discovery of America (1492). Its conclusion is marked by the French Revolution (1789). The Modern Age is often divided into a number of sub-periods which have more or less homogeneous features: the 16th century or Renaissance period, the 17th century, or Baroque period; and the 18th century, or Enlightenment and Absolutism.

Changes in the 15th and 16th Centuries

From the mid-15th century and over the course of the 16th century, Europe underwent transformations that affected... Continue reading "Historical Shifts: The Dawn of the Modern Age" »

Hydroelectric energy is generated by flowing water that turns a turbine. This movement creates a current, and this current is converted into energy using turbines and generators.

Hydroelectric Energy in Bizkaia

In Bizkaia, Alstom Hydro in Bilbao is part of the largest global industrial and technology group related to hydroelectric energy, boasting over 100 years of experience.

How Hydroelectric Energy Works

This energy works because water accumulates in one place, then passes through a turbine. The turbine moves, converting the water's movement into energy.

Historical Evolution of Hydroelectric Power

In the past, a wooden wheel was used in the middle of a river. It had a chain of wood that spun over the river, taking water to generate electricity.... Continue reading "Hydroelectric Power: A Clean Energy Source" »

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

pilgrimage route which continue existing, it became a major pilgrimage route in 11th century because of the invasion of Europe.

PRE-ROMANESQUE ART

period in European art, which emerged from Carolingian Renaissance in the late 8th to 11th century.

RENAISSANCE OF URBAN LIFE

began in the 11th century, the population grew and new population centers developed in ancient Roman cities or in new cities.

BOROUGHS

new neighborhoods for craftsmen and merchants, they were also surrounded by walls, these new parts or cities appeared since the 11th century.

BOURGEOISIE

people who live in the borough and became a new social group, formed by aristocracy and traders.

URBAN ARISTOCRACY

the route of the richest families in a medieval city, they belonged... Continue reading "Medieval Urban Development and Cultural Movements" »

Genetically Modified Foods: The Controversy

Genetically Modified (GM) foods are controversial because scientific perspectives often differ from public opinion. Key arguments for and against GM foods include:

• Advantages:
  • Enhanced resistance to pests and adverse weather conditions.
  • Faster growth rates and increased crop yields.
  • Potential for introducing beneficial nutritional traits for human health.
• Disadvantages:
  • Concerns about their "unnatural" nature.
  • Uncertainty regarding long-term health consequences.
  • Potential for unforeseen environmental impacts and changes to ecosystems.

Basque Quality Denomination of Origin Products

Several products carry the prestigious label of Basque Quality Denomination of Origin. Examples include:

• Beans from Tolosa
• Green Peppers

Energy Consumption Evolution: 1900-2050

Description: This graph shows the evolution of energy consumption from 1900 to 2050. It illustrates the use of the following energy sources:

• Renewable: Solar, geothermal, wind, hydroelectric
• Non-Renewable: Nuclear, natural gas, crude oil, coal

Source: Deutsche Shell

Analysis

• 1900: Coal (due to industry) and biomass (wood) were the primary energy sources.
• 1950: Coal, natural gas, and oil (non-renewable) began to grow. Nowadays, their use accounts for 75% to 80% of total energy consumption.
• 1970: Alternative energies (renewable) started being used due to the oil crisis of 1973. Forecasts until 2050 predict that alternative energies will grow in importance, and non-renewable sources will decrease.

Solutions to Prevent