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

Non-Conventional Power Plants

The environmental problems caused by conventional power plants have led to the creation and development of non-conventional or alternative energy power plants. These include:

• Wind farms
• Solar power plants
• Geothermal power plants
• Biomass power plants
• Ocean power plants

Combined Cycle Power Plant

Electricity is generated as the result of two combined cycles. In the first cycle, a mixture of air and gas is used to heat the water in the boiler, similar to a conventional thermal cycle. The combustion gases from the first cycle are then transported to another boiler, where they transfer their energy.

Nuclear Power Plants

This type of plant includes a nuclear fission reactor that produces heat to generate the pressurized steam... Continue reading "Alternative Energy Power Generation Methods" »

Energy Resources

Nonrenewable Energy

Nonrenewable energy is a source of energy that exists in limited quantities and, once used, cannot be replaced except over millions of years.

Examples:

• Coal (fossil fuel)
• Oil (fossil fuel)
• Natural gas (fossil fuel)
• Uranium (rock)

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is a source of energy that can be replaced in a relatively short period of time.

Examples:

• Hydroelectric
• Solar
• Geothermal
• Wind
• Biomass
• Nuclear fusion (potentially in the future)

Most renewable energy originates from the sun.

Fossil Fuels

Oil, natural gas, and coal are known as fossil fuels because they were formed underground from the remains of once-living organisms. Fossil fuels are relatively inexpensive and are usually readily available, but their use creates... Continue reading "Renewable & Non-Renewable Energy Resources: A Comprehensive Guide" »

The Hydrosphere

Definition

All the water that exists on our planet is collectively known as the hydrosphere. This includes water found on the ground, surrounding us, and underground.

Forms of Water

• Solid: Ice, glaciers, snow, and ice caps.
• Liquid: Rivers, seas, oceans, and rain.
• Gas: Steam and water vapor.

Distribution of Water

• Planet: 71% water
• Marine Water: 97%
• Fresh Water: 3%

Water Uses

Water is essential for various purposes, including agriculture, industries, homes, public services, energy production, transportation, and recreation.

Waters of Mexico

Mexico's water resources include marine and fresh water, with diverse classifications, uses, and locations.

Marine Water

Mexico has a vast coastline with access to the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California,... Continue reading "Understanding the Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, and Climate" »

Radioactive Decay: Principles and Equations

If the decay rate is equal to λ, the probability that a given nucleus will decay in a small time interval dt is λdt. Therefore, if at any time we have P parent nuclei, the number that decay in the next moment is P(λdt).

The rate of change of parent nuclei (dP/dt) is proportional to the number of parent nuclei present:

dP/dt = -λP

This differential equation can be solved as follows:

• Separate variables: dP/P = -λdt
• Integrate both sides: ∫(dP/P) = -λ∫dt
• Resulting in: ln(P) = -λt + C

The boundary condition is found because we know that when t = 0, P = P₀ (the initial number of parent nuclei). Therefore, C = ln(P₀), and we can write the equation as:

ln(P) = ln(P₀) - λt

Rearranging this equation:

• ln(P)

Coastal Dynamics: Waves and Marine Erosion

Waves are fundamental forces shaping our coastlines. Their interaction with the shore involves two primary movements: swash and backwash.

Understanding Wave Dynamics

Swash and Backwash: The Basics

• Swash: When water rushes up the beach.
• Backwash: When water drains back down the beach.

Destructive Waves: Shaping Coastlines

Destructive waves are powerful forces that remove material from the beach. They are characterized by a weak swash and a strong backwash, pulling sand and pebbles back down the beach as the water retreats.

• Often steep, high waves that are close together.
• Crash down onto the beach.
• Come in very quickly, at a rate of 10 to 15 waves per minute.
• Also known as plunging waves.

Constructive Waves: Building

Climograma

Un Climograma é un gráfico no que representamos simultaneamente os valores da temperatura media mensual, mediante unha liña, e os de precipitación media mensual, mediante barras verticais, dos doce meses do ano. No eixe vertical esquerdo situaremos as frecuencias de temperatura en oC (Graos Centígrados), tendo en conta se hai temperaturas inferiores a 0oC, pois nese caso haberá que deixar un espazo para representalas. As temperaturas medias mensuais están unidas por unha liña vermella 1.No eixe vertical dereito representaremos as precipitacións (en mm), tendo en conta as proporcións que debemos utilizar en función do total, sabendo que será necesario indicar o dobre do valor empregado no eixe vertical esquerdo. A diferenza... Continue reading "Climograma and Pollution: Environmental Impact in Spain" »

Abnormally Pressured Shallow Formations

Abnormally pressured shallow formations can result from upward fluid migration due to:

• Leaky fault
• Leaky cement or casing
• Improperly abandoned underground blowout

Steps Not Included in Well Drilling

Steps in well drilling do not include: building drilling equipment.

Drilling Rig Power System Selection

To select the power system of a drilling rig, one needs to consider the weight of the drill string.

Formation Fracture vs. Pore Pressure

Is formation fracture pressure always higher than formation pore pressure? Yes.

Causes Excluded from Abnormal Pore Pressure

Causes of abnormal pore pressure do not include: drilling.

When Not to Use Oil-Based Drilling Fluids

We would not use oil-based drilling fluids to increase safety,... Continue reading "Essential Principles of Petroleum Well Drilling" »

Celestial Mechanics & Timekeeping

Time Definitions and Earth's Motion

• Solar Day: The time from one local noon to the next; Earth rotates slightly more than 360° relative to the Sun.
• Sidereal Day: The time for a distant star to appear in the same position in the sky; approximately 4 minutes shorter than a solar day.
• Earth's Precession: A slow wobble in Earth's rotational axis, completing a cycle approximately every 26,000 years.

Moon Phases, Tides, and Orbit

• First Quarter Moon: Rises around noon, sets around midnight.
• Third Quarter Moon: Rises around midnight, sets around noon.
• Spring Tides: Occur during full and new moons, resulting in the highest tidal range.
• Neap Tides: Occur during first and third quarter moons, resulting in the lowest tidal

Understanding Earth's Diverse Climate Zones

Earth's varied landscapes are shaped by distinct climate zones, each with unique temperature, precipitation, and vegetation patterns. From lush jungles to arid deserts, these climates dictate the ecosystems and life forms found across the globe.

Equatorial Climate: Lush Jungles

Equatorial climates are characterized by temperatures near 25°C (77°F) and high rainfall, leading to lush vegetation that grows in distinct layers. These zones experience high levels of humidity and abundant water, with rivers often having a high discharge. A wide variety of insects, reptiles, and birds thrive in these vibrant jungle ecosystems.

Tropical Climate: Expansive Savannahs

Tropical climates feature high temperatures... Continue reading "Earth's Major Climate Zones Explained" »

Verticalist Theories and Fixism

Verticalist theories propose that movement in terrestrial materials is primarily vertical. These are considered fixist theories.

Key Aspects of Verticalist Theories

• Movement in terrestrial materials is vertical.
• They are fixist theories.
• Some related phenomena occur in the Earth's crust, such as Eustatic changes and Isostasy.

Understanding Eustatic Changes

Eustatic changes refer to global changes in sea level of greater amplitude than normal tides.

Causes of Sea Level Variation

These variations are driven by two main factors:

1. Variation in the volume of water in the oceans:
   • Glaciations: When ice sheets form, water is locked up, causing sea level to fall.
   • Thermal Contraction or Dilation: Changes in ocean temperature cause