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

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

Law 15/1999 and Law 34/2002

Law 15/1999 of December 13, Protection of Personal Data, and Law 34/2002 of July 11, concerning services of the information society and e-mail.

Hypertext Document

A hypertext document is part of a multimedia system that allows linking with another document.

Understanding Forces

Definition of Strength

Strength is an action capable of producing or modifying the state of rest or motion of a body or producing deformations. The unit of force in the International System of Measurement is the Newton (N).

Measuring Forces

To measure forces, we use dynamometers.

Mechanical Properties of Materials

The mechanical properties are those that determine the behavior of materials when one or more forces act upon them.

• Resistance: The ability

Hydrography and Water Systems

Hydrography: The branch of geography that studies the distribution patterns of drainage.

River: A natural watercourse flowing through a channel that empties into a sea, lake, or another river.

Slope: The incline of a hill or ridge where water flows due to gravity.

Riverbed: The channel through which river water flows, including the area covered by the water.

The Hydrological Cycle: The continuous process of water exchange between the sea, atmosphere, and land.

Alluvial Fans: Accumulations of material carried by mountain rivers into a depression or plain with a gentler slope.

Sandbanks: Accumulations of sand that become exposed when water levels decrease or river flow slows.

Climate and Landscape

Savanna Climate Regions:

Core Concepts in Environmental Science

Outcrop

The outcrop leads to more surface and subsurface waters rich in mineral salts (nitrates, phosphates, and silicates), which are essential for phytoplankton productivity and photosynthesis.

Bioclimatic House

A bioclimatic house involves the design of buildings that take into account climatic conditions and available resources (sun, vegetation, rainfall, wind) to reduce environmental impacts and minimize energy consumption.

Natural Purification

Natural purification is the process of water recovery following an episode of organic pollution. In this process, organic compounds are gradually diluted and processed by biochemical decomposition.

Thermal Inversion

A thermal inversion is a deviation from the normal... Continue reading "Essential Definitions in Environmental Science and Ecology" »

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

1. The Earth and a Long, Changing History

Sedimentary rocks cover most of the Earth's surface, and are found in strata. These layers often contain fossils. The history of the Earth is divided into two parts:

• Precambrian: The planet's formation, the emergence and development of life, the formation of the primitive atmosphere. It is divided into three eons: Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic.
• Phanerozoic: At this stage, the Earth remained as we know it, with the current continents and existing life forms (including humans). It is divided into three eras: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.

2. Precambrian: The Most Ancient Times

2.1. Hadean: Ancient God of Hades = Hell

The oldest rocks (3800 Ma) are magmatic and metamorphic. There was intense volcanic... Continue reading "Earth's History: From Precambrian to Today" »

Earth's Structure and Tectonic Processes

Continental and Oceanic Crust

• Continental Crust: Thickness varies between 30 and 70km. Forms the continents and is composed mainly of granite.
• Oceanic Crust: Thickness is about 10km. Forms the deep ocean floor and is composed of basalt and gabbro.

Inner and Outer Core

• Inner Core: A solid area with a radius of over 1220km.
• Outer Core: Ranges from 2900km (base of the mantle) to 5150km and is in a liquid state.

Technological Discovery: Mapping the Ocean Floor

Sonar Applications

Using sonar, the ocean floor and deep trenches were mapped, revealing reliefs over 2000m above sea level, thousands of km long, and areas with few sediments.

Magnetic Remanence

Remanence: Magnetic crystals align their orientation with Earth'... Continue reading "Earth's Crust, Core, and Plate Tectonics" »

Urban Planning and Architectural Glossary

Public Spaces and Infrastructure

• Greenwatch: Ground surface primarily for recreation or pedestrian circulation, composed of plants and complementary elements.
• Street: A vehicular route that connects to other roads, typically including sidewalks between two private properties.
• Calzada (Roadway): The portion of a path designated for vehicular transit.
• Sidewalk: The section of a street located between the curb or edge of the roadway and the property line.
• Public Space: Areas designated for national circulation, public use, and recreation.
• Passage: A path intended for pedestrian traffic, occasionally used for vehicle circulation.
• Trail: The paved portion of a sidewalk.
• Via: A space designated for transit.

Building