The climate in the Northern Hemisphere temperate zones is primarily determined by the position and interaction of the Polar Front and the Polar Front Jet Stream. These features represent the boundary between cold polar air masses and warm tropical air masses.

Key Atmospheric Factors

The Polar Front Jet Stream

The polar jet is described as "a swift river of wind that surrounds the Earth like a snake biting its tail, at altitudes of the tropopause. Its direction is from West to East" (Mariano Medina). This high-altitude current plays a crucial role in steering weather systems.

The Polar Front

The Polar Front is formed by a series of warm, cold, and occluded fronts that collectively surround the Earth, creating a continuous boundary. It is an imaginary... Continue reading "Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Phenomena" »

Orogen: geological structures originally larger d is due to internal heat molded by external agents.

Meander: Curves in the path of a river where erosion occurs on the outside and sedimentation on the inside.

Dolina: Subsidence in the ground caused by the dissolution in the subsurface.

Loess: Extensive clay deposits transpote wind up thousands of miles

Morrenas: are deposits of sediment is called till, which is transported by glaciers

Domain Mediterranean: are temperate climates are dry and rainfall in spring and autumn floods. Streams and wadis are dry all year round except when it rains. The sediment-laden water flows for this reason the presence of alluvial fans in the valley bottom end their tour the streams and ravines. Vegetation is... Continue reading "Key Geological Terms and Weathering Factors" »

Study Methods of Earth's Interior

Several methods are used to study the Earth's interior:

• Probes and Mines: Direct observation is limited by depth (radius ~6371 km, probes go as deep as 13km).
• Study of Rocks: Natural phenomena like erosion and volcanic eruptions expose deeper rocks.
• Meteorites: Provide information about the primordial materials of the solar system, including Earth.
• Seismic Methods: The most effective method. Analysis of seismic waves from earthquakes that travel through the Earth's interior, providing data via seismographs.

Inner Layers of the Earth

The Earth's internal layers are distributed in order of increasing density, separated by seismic discontinuities.

Compositional Layers

• Crust and Mantle: Composed of rocks, with the less

Earth's Structure and Landforms

The Lithosphere

Earth was formed 4.6 billion years ago. Its internal structure consists of:

• The Core: The center of Earth.
• The Mantle: Surrounds the core.
• The Crust: A thin layer of solid rocks.

The external structure includes:

• The Lithosphere: Composed of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.
• The Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth.
• The Atmosphere: The gaseous layer surrounding Earth.

Continents

Continents are large expanses of dry land surrounded by oceans and seas, covering 29% of Earth's surface. The majority are located in the Northern Hemisphere:

• Asia
• America
• Africa
• Antarctica
• Europe
• Oceania

Islands

Islands are smaller masses of land surrounded by water, often located near the coast of continents. Some islands are grouped... Continue reading "Earth's Structure, Landforms, and Climate Zones" »

Transportation

The eroded materials produce waste that can be classified into three types: ions, small particles, and clasts or fragments of different sizes. Depending on their size, detrital or clastic sediments are classified as gravel or ridges, coarse and fine sand, silt, and clay. The sediments are transported to lower areas by conveyor agents. The most important agent is water, followed by wind and glaciers.

In some cases, such as with particles dissolved in water, all transported materials are alike. However, in most cases, the lighter particles reach farther than the heavier ones, which are usually larger. This is known as selective transport, resulting in a selection of materials by size. Transport occurs in three basic ways: in solution,... Continue reading "Sediment Transport and Deposition Processes" »

Continuation Vertical Dykes

Phases in the construction of dams with floating caissons:

Construction, launching, towing, positioning, anchoring, filling, building superstructure.

Factors to Consider in Building:

1. Previous studies
2. Quarry selection
3. Execution control

Previous Studies:

• Geological studies
• Climate studies
• Bathymetric studies
• Organization and valuation
• Execution

Works for Berthing and Mooring:

That perform the following functions: Contact land-sea, surface crossing of goods, creating a terminal area of transportation systems and storage area of goods.

Types:

Dock: A structure with two vertical planes where vessels are attached to a horizontal plane through which the manipulation of goods is done.

Pontoons and platforms: Areas or pathways through which... Continue reading "Dam Construction & Port Infrastructure: Phases, Factors & Types" »

Solid Waste Classification by Composition

Solid waste, in terms of its composition, can be classified as follows:

Organic Wastes

This includes all waste of biological origin that was once alive or part of a living being. It is biodegradable, meaning it decomposes naturally and quickly. Examples include leaves, twigs, shells, food scraps, and fruit and vegetable remains.

Inorganic Wastes

This category comprises all non-biological waste. Due to their chemical characteristics, these materials undergo natural decay very slowly. Many are natural but not biodegradable, such as plastic containers, glass, and cans.

Hazardous Waste

This refers to any waste, whether organic or inorganic, that constitutes a potential hazard (e.g., flammable, toxic, reactive,... Continue reading "Solid Waste Classification and Management Strategies" »

Evaporator: The Cooling Component

The evaporator is the facility that produces the cooling effect. It's a heat exchanger where heat from the chamber transfers to the refrigerant, causing it to boil. The material must be a good heat conductor for efficient heat transfer. It doesn't necessarily have to be installed inside the enclosure being cooled.

Types of Evaporators

Flooded Evaporator

• The refrigerant is primarily in a liquid state.
• High-performance due to constant temperature difference between fluid and cooling medium.
• Typically uses float level regulators for expansion.

Finned Tube Evaporator

• Smaller size achieved due to increased surface area from fins.
• Fins come in various shapes (circular, square, etc.).
• Attached to the tube mechanically.
• Air circuits

Wood Properties and Characteristics

Physical Properties of Wood

• Anisotropy: Wood exhibits different physical and mechanical properties depending on the direction relative to the grain.
  • Axial: Parallel to the tree's growth.
  • Radial: Perpendicular to the axis.
  • Tangential: Perpendicular to the other two.
• Structure: Conifers typically have a homogeneous structure.
• Density: Mass at 0% moisture is termed anhydrous basis; mass at 12% moisture is termed normal mass.
• Other properties include color, brightness, texture, toxicity, and hygroscopicity.
• When wood has a moisture content higher than its environment, it loses water, leading to shrinkage and potential losses.

Mechanical Properties of Wood

• Compressive Strength: Highest when force is applied parallel to the

Continuation Works: Berthing and Mooring

Design Parameters in Dock Works:

• Direction: Related to winds and currents in the area.
• Draft: Necessary consideration in low-water situations, the vessel's draft, and allowable agitation charge.
• Coronation: The elevation of the dock.
• Efforts: To be considered when calculating the spring's resistance: hydrostatic drive, effort and wave agitation, interstitial pressures in the extrados of the spring, efforts at the berth by the throw of ropes and fenders.

Groundwork for Docking:

• Land and compacts: Good and rocky, incompressible.
• Lots of low compressibility: Loose sand or gravel suitable for the construction of gravity docks.
• Heterogeneous Land: Different layers with alternative materials and sometimes changing