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

The History of Al-Andalus (711–1492)

Al-Andalus was the Muslim state established in the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. Its borders and government changed significantly over the centuries, primarily due to internal disputes between different groups.

The Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula (711–718)

In 711, a small Muslim group led by Tariq crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and defeated the Visigoths at the Battle of Guadalete. The Visigothic Kingdom was suffering an economic crisis, which facilitated the advance of subsequent Muslim armies. By 722, they controlled almost all the peninsula except a narrow strip in the north where the Hispano-Visigoths took refuge.

After conquering Hispania, the Umayyad Caliph of Damascus established the Emirate... Continue reading "Al-Andalus: Islamic Rule and Medieval Iberian Kingdoms" »

Earth Spheres and Surface Features

• Atmosphere: is the gaseous layer surrounding the Earth.
• Hydrosphere: is the whole set of waters existing on our planet.
• Lithosphere: is the solid outer part of Earth.
• Continents: are large landmasses surrounded by oceans and seas.
• Oceans: are great masses of salt water.
• Equator: the 0° parallel and the great circle dividing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Tropic of Cancer: the parallel north of the equator; it crosses parts of Africa and the Americas.
• Tropic of Capricorn: the parallel south of the equator; it crosses parts of South America and southern Africa.
• Map: is the representation of the Earth.
• Scale: maps reflect Earth's surface in a limited way according to a chosen scale.

Map Terms and Map Types

• Topographic

Agriculture in Slovakia

Agriculture, encompassing forestry, mining, and fishing, is a primary sector of the economy. It produces:

• Food for the population
• Raw materials for industry

Historical Development

• Beginning of the 20th century: 60% of the population made a living by agricultural production.
• 1949: Collectivization of agricultural production (state property).
• 1970s: Agricultural cooperatives (poľnohospodárske družstvá) were established.
• 1989: Dissolution of agricultural cooperatives – land and property began to be returned to original owners (or descendants).
• Joining the EU: European agricultural policy – quotas.

Current State of Agriculture

• Agriculture employs less than 1.5% of the workforce.
• Contributes 0.9 – 1.5% to GDP.
• Agricultural land

Slovakia's Transport Infrastructure

Types of Transport

• Road Transport: The most common mode.
• Railway Transport: Essential for goods and raw materials.
• Water Transport: Primarily via the Danube River.
• Air Transport: Supports tourism and business.
• Pipeline Transport: Crucial for energy infrastructure.

Road Network

Major Highways (D-series)

• D1: Bratislava – Košice
• D2: Connecting Hungary and the Czech Republic
• D3
• D4

Expressways

Slovakia also features a network of expressways complementing its highway system.

Economic Importance of Road Transport

• Significantly supports the automotive industry.

Railway Transport

Role in the Economy

• Primarily used for the transport of goods and raw materials such as coal and sand.

Types of Railway Companies

• ZSSK: Public passenger transport

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Today I come to talk about a very important topic, what is pollution. Today many of the products we consume and the industries that produce them generate pollution. We find air pollution in the air we breathe, in our food, in our clothes and cosmetics… Furthermore, plastic has literally flooded our lives. Pollution is not a long-term problem but it is currently affecting each one of us, for example air pollution that causes respiratory diseases, or deforestation that kills our fauna and vegetation.

The accumulated waste in our seas has become tons and tons. All of our beautiful cities, with our beautiful beaches, our incredible market stalls, could disappear. That is why we must reduce waste, nuclear energy, oil ... All this can be achieved... Continue reading "sswsss" »

Global Systems

Distinguish space from place and explain why these concepts matter to geographers
Space – The physical locations of events and phenomena. Where things can occur often represented on maps
Place – Space is organized into places often thought of as bounded settings in which social relations and identity are constituted.
- For environmental invasive projects, such as pipelines it is important to consider the place and what social relations are ongoing in that space.

Role of population, consumption (affluence) and technology as drivers of environmental change – including the consequences of prioritizing one over others

More people, more resources needed, therefore more pollutants
Consumption(Affluence) – Consumption per person

Factors Affecting Environmental Rules

Environmental rules are influenced by several key entities:

• The government structure
• Non-government environmental groups
• Individual agencies
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Religion and Environment Relationship

The relationship between religion and the environment is significant:

1. The Holy Quran frequently references animals and plants, instructing all Muslims to study and appreciate living and non-living things around them.
2. In harsh environments, such as Arabia, where weather vagaries create uncertainty, desert dwellers have had to live simply. Even during times of plenty, surplus was relative, and limited resources generally had to suffice.

Tradition and Environment Relationship

Tradition plays a role in environmental... Continue reading "Environmental Regulations and Cultural Influences" »

Panama

• Panama also has the world's second largest free trade zone, the COLON Free Trade Zone at the mouth of the Atlantic side of the canal.
• The trip through the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean will take a little less than one DAY.

Haiti and Mexico

• Haiti is classified as a(n) LOW economy by the UN.
• Mexico is classified as a(n) UPPER MIDDLE economy by the UN.

Latin America and the Caribbean

• By 2050, the population of Latin America and the Caribbean is estimated to reach about 725 million.
• Humid subtropical climates are found in areas of Brazil and URUGUAY.
• Peru has large deposits of silver, tin, lead, and COPPER.
• Coffee and maize (corn), fruit trees, and vegetables are typical crops grown in Latin America's altitudinal life zone

Industrial Revolution

Several influences fueled the Industrial Revolution: Britain's industry, wealth, labor force, a greater demand for goods, new power sources, and improved transportation.

Increased food production made it possible to feed a large population. This created an opportunity to manufacture and sell goods, and a demand for people to produce those goods.

Machines were invented for basic jobs, which introduced the idea of division of labor. One invention led to another. Other countries bought British uniforms, equipment, and weapons, particularly after the invention of a cloth-making machine. Ultimately, Britain was exporting all of this to Europe.

Workers' Rights

Workers tried to join together to protect themselves against powerful... Continue reading "The Impact of Revolutions and the Evolution of English" »

The Crown of Aragón

Institution

The Crown of Aragón was made up of the Catalan counties and the kingdoms of Aragón, Valencia, and Mallorca. Each territory maintained its own laws, institutions, and customs. The king had less power than in Castile. Each territory had its own parliament, and the king needed its approval to raise taxes or pass laws. In Catalonia and Valencia, a Generalitat had an administrative role. An official called the Justícia defended people's rights in Aragón. City councils developed considerable autonomy in the Crown of Aragón. The city council of Barcelona was especially important.

Expansion Across the Mediterranean

Aragón expanded on the Iberian Peninsula, although less than Castile.

• Alfonso I conquered the Ebro Valley.