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

The Causes of Imperialism

Key: Europe. The enormous technological development in Europe, led by the Second Industrial Revolution, imposed its economic model, its ideals, and its culture on much of the planet. Between 1873 and 1890, there was an economic crisis, which originated in an agricultural crisis. Wheat from the United States and Russia reduced domestic cereal prices and triggered a general decline in agricultural and industrial prices. Soon, a crisis of overproduction began in all sectors. Reserves of products accumulated, prices declined even more, and many industries closed.

The industrial world emerged from the crisis by greatly expanding its markets. The imposition of protectionist policies made it imperative to find markets and resources... Continue reading "Causes of Imperialism: Economic, Political & Ideological Factors" »

References Own Building

• Plan of facade: Vertical planes above the ground separating the built-up area inside the edifice. It does not contain all the elements of the elevation of the building constructed, with the exception of authorized outgoing elements that are considered (balconies, terraces, eaves, cornices, etc.).
• Semi-detached or party wall facade: A common parameter of a building with an adjoining construction or building in contact with it, or detached buildings that separate a parcel of adjoining buildings. When facades could not fully assemble, so that fragments of this stand out, treaties should pay attention to their aesthetic.
• Building Line: Intersection of the planes of the ground floor facade of a building site.
• A fence located

Spain's Geographical Contrasts

The geographical contrasts in Spain arise from its location, relief configuration, large size, and geological and human history. These contrasts can be grouped into two main categories: natural contrasts and human contrasts.

Natural Contrasts

Lithological Contrasts

From a geological perspective, Spain features three distinct lithological domains:

• Siliceous Iberia: Primarily in the western part of the peninsula, characterized by granite, gneiss, slate, and quartzite.
• Limestone Iberia: Includes the Cantabrian mountain range (to Asturias), the Subbetic System, and the Iberian mountain ranges.
• Clay Iberia: Dominated by clay loams and casts, found in the Ebro and Guadalquivir depressions.

Geomorphological Contrasts

Spain's... Continue reading "Spain's Diverse Landscapes: A Study in Geographical Contrasts" »

Understanding Spain's Transport System

Definition: The transport system encompasses the set of means that facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Interaction with Land and Territory:

• Transport reflects spatial imbalances in population distribution and economic development, and can significantly alter the territory. It is a key factor for regional development.
• Transport networks form the backbone of the territory, connecting different locations for the movement of goods and people.

Characteristics of the Spanish Transport System

• The physical environment is often unfavorable, characterized by challenging terrain (e.g., steep slopes) and climatic factors.
• Ground (road and rail) and air networks are predominantly radial, centered in Madrid with routes

Understanding Ecosystem Carrying Capacity

The carrying capacity of an ecosystem refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that the ecosystem can sustainably support without degradation. This concept extends to the development of technology and its impact on the carrying capacity of our planet. Humanity utilizes its technological capabilities to alter environmental conditions to its advantage, but it must not forget that it is part of a living biosphere and remains subject to its inherent limits.

Impacts of Fossil Fuel Consumption

Fossil fuels have significant environmental impacts, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, and habitat destruction from extraction. Furthermore, they are characterized... Continue reading "Key Concepts in Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management" »

Historic Urban Districts

Restored districts with historic buildings, cathedrals, palaces, and government buildings. These are primarily residential with limited amenities and services.

19th and 20th Century Suburbs

Originally built for the bourgeoisie with low-rise apartments and courtyards. Now service areas as wealthier residents moved.

Outlying Areas

Working-Class Neighborhoods

Often dormitory cities with high-rise flats built in the mid-20th century for immigrant workers. These areas have poor planning, materials, and services.

High-Standard Neighborhoods

Planned suburban areas with 2-3 story buildings or single-story houses with gardens, resembling garden city models.

Since the 1970s, many European cities have seen population shifts to metropolitan... Continue reading "Evolution of Spanish and Catalan Urban Areas" »

Geographical Discoveries and Their Impact

The Geographical Discoveries: In the Middle Ages, European trade flowed through the Silk Road (Central Asia-Mediterranean-Constantinople). Europeans had to find new sea routes to access certain luxury goods.

Progress of Navigation

Portolan charts were maps that detailed maritime ports and coasts. The astrolabe and the compass guided ships with more accuracy and allowed for better orientation.

The Discoverers

During the 16th century, the Portuguese had a monopoly on the trade of silk and spices to Europe. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa discovered a new, very peaceful and quiet ocean, and he confirmed that America was a new continent. Fernando de Magallanes named the Strait of Magellan, linking the Atlantic and Pacific... Continue reading "Geographical Discoveries & Impact on Civilizations" »

Globalizing Cities and Population Shifts

The Transformation of Urban Economies

The late twentieth century witnessed a significant transformation in the urban economy, leading to the emergence of global cities. These cities, such as New York and Tokyo, are privileged sites due to their focus on international exchanges and production centers.

Urban Transformations

Global cities adapt to new global functions through the construction of new infrastructures, including transport and telecommunications networks. This often leads to strong price rises. Megacities are simple territorial agglomerations of human beings, characterized by social and regional differences.

• Privileged Areas: Inhabited by people with higher incomes.
• Marginalized Areas: Often found

Climate Change and Global Warming

13) Climate Change/Global Warming: Yes, it is the result of the increasing greenhouse effect, caused by rising emissions of greenhouse gases. These, in turn, result from the combustion of hydrocarbons. This leads to thawing that could raise sea levels, causing the disappearance of islands and coastal areas.

Energy Sources and Environmental Concerns

International Agreements

14) Kyoto Protocol: A commitment where signatory countries pledge to reduce or not increase their CO₂ emissions.

Energy Types

16) Traditional Sources: Wood, Coal, and later Oil and Natural Gas.

17) Nuclear Energy: Based on enriched uranium used as fuel. It generates hazardous radioactive waste that is difficult to treat. Radioactive waste can alter... Continue reading "Climate Impacts, Energy Choices, and Sustainable Futures" »