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

Hominization Findings in the Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is an area where we see the evolution from prehistoric hominids to modern humans. The excavations in the **Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos)** have discovered a set of human remains from the age of **1,200,000** years. It was a new species named *Homo Antecessor*, and it is considered an ancestor of *Homo sapiens*. These are the oldest remains found in Western Europe. Also in **Atapuerca (Sima de los Huesos)**, bones of *Homo heidelbergensis* (**350,000 years old**) were found. These two species belong to the **Lower Paleolithic**. Many remains of *Homo Neanderthalensis* are preserved from the **Middle Paleolithic**. The arrival in Europe of modern *Homo sapiens* (**Upper Paleolithic*... Continue reading "Ancient History of the Iberian Peninsula: Hominids and Pre-Roman Peoples" »

Spain: Rural and Urban Settlements

Rural Settlement Types

• The dispersed settlement is typical of the northern peninsula.
• The predominant type of settlement in rural areas of the peninsula is concentrated.

Spanish Rural Houses

• Stone houses (predominantly in the mountainous periphery).
• Mud houses (interior peninsular, Valencia, and Murcia orchards).
• Buildings of mixed wood (wood, stone, or clay) are in rural areas of the Basque Country, the Central System, and the Iberian System.

Transformations in the Rural World

• Rural mountainous interiors of the peninsula were affected by the rural exodus.
• Rural communities located in coastal areas experienced a radical transformation.
• Rural populations close to large urban cities have taken office.

Urban Settlement in

The Problems of the Spanish Countryside

The Spanish countryside in the 20th century was marked by unequal land ownership. Large estates coexisted with smallholdings, impacting agricultural yields and hindering modernization. Landowners of large estates displayed risk aversion and limited interest in efficient cultivation, leaving the rural population near subsistence. This disparity in living conditions fueled social conflict and peasant protests, often exacerbated by poor harvests and food shortages. As farmers organized, they demanded land reform to access and cultivate underutilized land held by absentee owners.

In regions like Galicia, smallholdings, while producing high-quality crops, struggled with limited land, hindering profitability... Continue reading "Spanish Countryside in the 20th Century: Inequality and Reform" »

Urban Infrastructure

• Infrastructure: Urban infrastructure includes water and energy utilities, and city parkland for managing large quantities of water. Major problems related to water supply are scarcity and quality. Urban cores consume energy at various rates.
• Transportation: In large cities, passenger and cargo transportation causes significant problems, including pollution. Urban centers experience a high density of vehicular traffic, especially during peak hours, known as "rush hour". To resolve such problems, bypasses are built around cities, and public transportation is promoted.

Types of Rural Settlements

The dispersed settlement is characteristic of the north of the peninsula. It is customary for houses to be grouped together to form villages,... Continue reading "Urban and Rural Settlements in Spain: Challenges and Solutions" »

What is Absolute Monarchy?

During the 17th century, the bourgeoisie did not accept that all the world's power rested in the hands of the absolute monarchy and aristocracy. King Louis XIV of France was a model of an absolute monarch. In the 17th century, European monarchs concentrated all powers: government, taxation, foreign policy, heading the army, elaborating laws, and acting as supreme court judges.

What is a Parliamentary Monarchy?

During the reign of Isabel II, Spain definitively became a parliamentary monarchy. The constitution of 1837 established national sovereignty, the separation of powers, and the recognition of individual rights of citizens. Democratization took a step forward during the Democratic Sexennium, and the First Republic... Continue reading "Absolute vs. Parliamentary Monarchy & Rise of Industrialization" »

HSBC Main Building Hong Kong: Foster's Icon

Design and Construction

The HSBC Main Building in Hong Kong was designed by renowned architect Norman Foster and built by Wimpey Construction between 1979 and 1985. Its construction occurred shortly before Hong Kong's handover to the People's Republic of China. The bank was originally founded to finance the growing trade between China and the United Kingdom.

It is said that HSBC leadership, potentially anticipating changes associated with Hong Kong's union with the communist regime, commissioned a building designed so it could be dismantled if necessary.

Architectural Features

This iconic structure stands 180 meters tall, featuring 47 floors above ground and 4 basement levels. Key architectural elements... Continue reading "HSBC Main Building Hong Kong: Norman Foster's Architectural Icon" »

Argentina's Diverse Climate

Main Climate Types

Argentina's climate is categorized into four main types: warm, temperate, arid, and cold. The country's varied terrain and elevation contribute to the diversity within each type.

Warm Climates

• Subtropical without Dry Season: This climate covers Misiones, Corrientes, northern Entre Ríos, and eastern Chaco. It is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round.
• Tropical with Dry Season: This climate encompasses parts of Salta, western Formosa and Chaco, eastern Tucumán, most of Santiago del Estero, and northwestern Santa Fe. It shares similarities with the previous type but experiences a dry period lasting up to six months.
• Tropical Highland: This climate is found in the northwest,

1. Consequences of Independence in Latin America

Eight countries emerged and became independent around 1816. Independence had several significant effects.

Social Consequences

The social consequences were mixed. The big winners were the Creoles, who gained political power. Black slaves also benefited, as slavery was largely abolished.

Political Consequences

The new countries adopted the republic as their form of government, but then turned against each other. Military commanders were imposed on civilians, which led to frequent coups.

Economic Consequences

Economic dependence on Spain was replaced by dependence on England and the U.S.

2. Demographic Revolution and its Impacts

The demographic revolution had consequences in two main areas:

Industrial Development

It... Continue reading "Latin American Independence & Industrial Revolution: Social and Economic Impacts" »

The proposed map shows the different agricultural and agricultural land uses in designated portions of the Iberian Peninsula. The mixed farming with livestock referred to in the first question is for northern regions, i.e., Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, along with the western part of Leon and Zamora. Also included in this group is a large part of Portugal. The main reasons are:

• Weather: This is the domain area of the Atlantic climate, with abundant and regular rains throughout the year, and smooth annual temperatures without large oscillations. This type of climate is ideal for the development of meadows and forests, and therefore, for cattle.
• Relief: This is a mountainous area of broken relief, with little flat land suitable