Types of Plain
There are several types of plains, including coastal plains, interior plains, and floodplains. Coastal plains are formed by sediment deposition along coastlines, while interior plains are created by tectonic activity or erosion. Floodplains are low-lying areas adjacent to rivers that are subject to periodic flooding and are rich in nutrients for agriculture.
Types of Plateaus
Plateaus are elevated uplands with level surfaces that descend steeply to the surrounding lowlands. While all highlands are subjected to erosional processes, plateaus can be classified into three types based on their mode of formation and physical appearance. Tectonic Plateaus These plateaus are formed by earth movements that cause uplift and are typical of considerable […]
Latitude and Longitude
Longitude refers to the angular distance of a point on the earth’s surface, in degrees, along the equator, either east or west of the Prime Meridian, as illustrated in Figure 1(a). The lines of longitude, also known as meridians, are depicted as a series of semi-circles that run from pole to pole and intersect the equator.
The Earth’s Sphericity: Debunking the Myth of a Flat World
Long ago, sailors were hesitant to venture far into the ocean as they thought that the earth was flat like a table. They feared that if they reached the edge of the earth, they would fall into the endless ocean and die. However, this is not true. We now know from years of accumulated knowledge, […]
Causes of Climate Change
Causes of Climate Change A climate change indicates a change in the general circulation of the atmosphere on which climate ultimately depends, but the climate does not include the atmosphere only but also consists of the hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and cryosphere. The climatic system is also subjected to extra-terrestrial influences particularly, that of the Sun. […]
Desertification: Concept, Causes, Impact and Prevention
Concept Desertification refers to the extension of desert or desert like conditions into adjacent areas that is initiated by natural environmental change, by human degradation of marginal environments, or a combination of both. Most modern approaches to the definition of desertification recognize the combined impact of adverse climatic conditions and stress created by human activity. […]
Soil Profile
The vertical face of the horizontal layers of the entire soil system located between the earth’s surface and base rock is collectively called the soil profile. The soil profile represents the vertical distribution of soil components.
The Rock Cycle: A Journey Through Time and Change
The rock cycle is a continuous process that is driven by plate tectonics, weathering, and erosion, and because of heat and pressure within the Earth’s crust. For example, when a sedimentary rock is buried deep within the Earth’s crust, it may be subjected to the heat and pressure of overlying rock strata that transforms it into a metamorphic rock.
Structure of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere has a great thickness around the earth’s surface. Its thickness or height above the earth’s surface is not still well known. However, based on information from sounding, balloons, radar, satellites, rocks- etc., the altitude of the atmosphere is estimated up to 10,000 km from sea level.
Composition of the Atmosphere
Earth’s atmosphere consists of different types of materials such as solids, liquids, and gases. These elements in the atmosphere have their definitive share in the composition of the atmosphere and play an important role in controlling human activities on planet Earth.
Significance of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere: Meaning The atmosphere is a multi-layered gaseous cover that surrounds the earth and is an important component of the natural environment and Biospheric ecosystem because it contains all the necessary gases, heat, and water for the existence of all living beings in the biosphere. This multi-layered gaseous cover is hanging near to the surface […]
Metamorphic Rocks
How metamorphic rocks are formed? Metamorphic rocks are formed as a result of the change of form of other rocks. The word transformation metamorphic has been derived from ‘metamorphose’ which means a change in form. Thus, metamorphic rocks are formed due to changes either in the form or composition of sedimentary rocks and igneous rocks. “Metamorphic rocks […]
Sedimentary Rocks
Introduction A ‘sedimentary’ rock is formed as a result of the accumulation and compaction of sediments. The term sedimentary is derived from the Latin word ‘sedimentum’ which means-‘setting down’. Sedimentary rocks are also known as ‘layered’ or stratified rocks because they are characterized by different layers or strata of different types of sediments. The debris […]
Igneous Rocks
Introduction The materials of the earth’s crust or lithosphere are called Rocks. The word ‘rock’ included all the materials of the crust, whether it is hard or soft. Rock can be hard like granite and sandstone, soft like clay and sand, porous like chalk and limestone or it can be impervious like slate. Generally, rocks are composed […]
Mountain
Mountains are the relief of the second order on the earth’s surface. They are 1,000 m higher than the adjacent areas and characterized by a lateral steep slope and narrow summit. Mountains whose height is less than 1,000 m are called hills. The top or the highest part of a mountain or hill is called […]