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

Rural Habitats Across the World

Rural populations across the globe total 3.4 billion people, but they are decreasing quickly, especially in emerging and developing countries.

Traditional Houses and the Environment

Traditional rural houses are characterized by their use of natural materials found in the environment, as well as by their functionality:

• Stone Houses: Durable homes which are characteristic of sedentary populations.
• Mud Houses: These are made of adobe. They sometimes have a wooden frame and often have roofs made of branches.
• Wooden Houses: These are found in forest areas, such as the equatorial forests of Africa and the Americas.
• Houses of Fur and Fabric: These can be found in areas where nomadic livestock activities are carried out.
• Cave

How has the organization of the Chinese government and society since 1949 been consistent with their dynastic history over the past 2 millenia?

Collective identity, nationalism

Compare Xi to Putin in terms of techniques of consolidating power and degree of success.

Xi

Censoring Certain Words

• • Relating to Tiananmen Square

• No Term Limits

• Sweeping Tiananmen Square under the rug

Putin

• Poisoning Journalists

• Rigged Elections

• Changing the Constitution

• Controlling Media

How is Mao enabled by the political situation in China during the time of the Civil War against the Nationalists?

In 1937, Japan invaded China, which had a major impact on the Chinese Civil War. As a response to the invasion, Chiang Kai-shek and the nationalists fled into the far SW part

Mining resources in the world and in Spain

Mining resources are raw materials that have a mineral origin, although they can also be of vegetable origin (coal, petroleum). They belong to the primary sector as they are raw materials, but they are the foundation of industry (secondary sector) because they provide the minerals and the sources of energy that the secondary sector needs.

Mining areas in the world

Coal is found in the basins next to the mountain ranges that were formed some 300 million years ago, such as the Appalachians or the Ural Mountains, and other places in China, Europe and Australia.
Oil is found mainly in the countries near the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, and other countries, and is often found in close... Continue reading "Mining and Energy Resources: Global Overview and Impact on Industry" »

Protecting Earth's Resources and Ecosystems

Water Pollution and Contamination Risks

Rivers and lakes have less water volume than the seas, making pollution a very serious threat. If there is a toxic spill, the concentration of hazardous substances can be high. These substances will affect the entire river or lake, leaving the water unusable.

Vulnerability of Groundwater Sources

Aquifers: These underground reservoirs take many years to recharge or refill with water. If a pollution incident occurs, it could take a hundred years or more before the contaminant is eliminated. During this time, the contaminated water will flow into the rivers, lakes, and wells that draw water from the aquifer.

Solutions to Water Pollution

Effective strategies involve a... Continue reading "Protecting Earth's Resources: Water, Soil, and Biodiversity Conservation" »

International Diffusion of the Industrial Revolution (1815-1914)

Asia's Urban Population

The urban population of Asia is equivalent to 2 billion people. Asia, therefore, contains the highest percentage of the world's urban population, as well as the largest cities:

• China: The urbanization process has accelerated enormously during the 21st century, thanks to the incorporation of the country into the market economy.
• Japan and South Korea: Japan is one of the developed countries with the highest percentage of urban population, and its capital, Tokyo, is the most populated in the world.
• India: India is the second most populated country in the world.
• Other Asian Countries: We should mention Karachi, Dhaka, Jakarta, and others.

Oceania's Urban Centers

In Oceania, the only cities with more than one million inhabitants... Continue reading "Urban Population Growth: Asia, Oceania, and Africa" »

The Age of Exploration: 1400-1750

The Age of Exploration, spanning from 1400 to 1750 A.D., marked a transformative period in European history. During these years, European perceptions of the world underwent a dramatic shift as explorers ventured into previously uncharted territories. Before this era, European understanding of the world was limited, with prevailing beliefs that the Earth was flat, the southern seas were boiling, and the world was smaller than it actually is. Additionally, religious motivations played a role, with the spread of Christianity against Islam being a significant factor.

The Quest for Spices

During the Middle Ages, the Crusades, religious wars between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land, fostered an exchange of goods,... Continue reading "The Age of Exploration: Discoveries, Innovations, and the Quest for Spices" »

Global Agricultural Systems Explained

Modern and Industrial Agriculture

This advanced form of agriculture is typical in "new countries" such as the US, Australia, and parts of Europe, as well as along some tropical coasts. It leverages technological, mechanization, and scientific advancements to achieve high yields with a minimum labor force. As a market-oriented agriculture, it strategically places crops to ensure profitable production for national and international markets.

Key Characteristics of Modern Agriculture

• High Production: Aims to sell produce in national and international markets.
• Technological Integration: Utilizes significant technological and scientific advancements, alongside extensive mechanization.
• Efficient Labor: Requires a minimum

The American Revolution's Influence on France

The Declaration of Independence of the US of America defended the inalienable rights of the citizen, the separation of powers, and the right to elect a government.

Enlightenment principles and the American Revolution gave the bourgeoisie new ideas. They proposed new forms of social organization and government. This led to the revolutionary cycle that began in France.

Causes of the French Revolution

• Social and Economic Crisis: 80% of poor peasants were upset with the land system, property rights, and excessive taxes.
• Financial Crisis: Price increases and financial strain caused by numerous wars.

The Revolution Begins (May 1789)

The Estates-General met in May 1789. They created the National Assembly, aiming... Continue reading "The French Revolution: Causes, Legacy, and Enlightenment Principles" »