Supercontinent Theory The physical geology of the earth consists of a Core (inner and outer), the mantle, the asthenosphere and the lithosphere. The lithosphere is the crust and upper mantle of the earth that is the hard and rigid layer in which humans live. This portion of the earth reacts to the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere through erosion and weathering, resulting in the soil forming process (Johnson, 2006). These layers of the earth are constantly in motion, giving us the Plate Tectonics, or Continental Drift, theory. Briefly, the theory states that the continents move across the molten plate of the earth -- drifting over time based on the rotation of the earth. The early evidence for this, of course, was that the eastern part of South America and Western Part of Africa fit together quite well. However, studies after 1958 show that there are three major reasons why the "drift" theory is likely incorrect: 1) floating masses on a rotating ball tend to collect at the equator and remain there; 2) masses floating like icebergs should be in balance with gravity and buoyancy whereas measurements show this is not the case, and; 3) why were some parts of the Earth solid while other parts are fluid. Thus, Plate Tectonics agrees that the earth's lithosphere is in movement,...
Several forces drive this theory: friction (motion between layers); gravitation -- sliding at higher elevation of plates and bulging at lower; 3) external forces (tidal friction of the moon). Plate tectonics is less random, and accepts that there are several forces acting in opposition to cause change and movement (USGS, 2009).
Geography Oceanography is the field of geography that studies the origin and development of the oceans, including how they move, the life forms within it, and how to use its resources wisely and safely. It'd an interdisciplinary field of study that by necessity combines geography with biology, meteorology, chemistry, physics and even mathematics (College Board, 2005). Those who study oceanography must have a broad-based education in the sciences. The physical properties of
Physical Geography According to the information presented in Chapter 8 "Weather ," thunderstorms and tornadoes are two types of severe weather. Compare and contrast the two types of violent weather. Why is Arizona a good place to study (or "chase") thunderstorms and the Midwest a good place to study (or "chase") tornadoes? Both thunderstorms and tornadoes are fueled by the same kind of conditions most notably: dry hot weather that is coupled
National Public Radio, "Scientists Debate Shading Earth As Climate Fix" talks about the importance of reengineering, a concept that has been explored at a National Academy of Sciences meeting, to potentially help halt global warming. To potentially stop global warming, climate researchers have proposed to release aerosols into the stratosphere that would cool the earth- similar to how volcanoes cool the Earth after they erupt. Though there are hesitations
physical geography. There is one reference used for this paper. Physical geography is used in a variety of aspects throughout the world today. It is important to answer some questions about physical geography in order to better understand it. Questions About Geography The major themes and ideas in physical geography before 1950 were "Uniformatarianism, Evolution-Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, Exploration and Survey, and Conservation (http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/contents.html)." After 1950, "Quantitative Revolution and the study
Geography's Role The existence of geographical features profoundly influences a nation's development. One geographical feature that determines a nation's development is the presence or absence of natural resources. Consider how the presence of natural resources impacts the nations of Japan and Portugal. Natural resources are typically defined as land or raw materials; they occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by man, in a natural form. Japan has very few mineral
Topography of Louisiana Louisiana encompasses an area of 51,844 square miles, and is the 31st largest state. The elevations of Louisiana range from 8 ft below sea level at New Orleans to a maximum of 535 ft at Driskill Mt, with a mean elevation of 100-ft (Buchanan, W.C., 1957, pp1-6). Along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana's coastline is 397 miles long. All of Louisiana lies within the Gulf Coastal Plain.
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