Most Salient Landscape Features - Essay Example

? Geo Lab Questions Geo Lab Questions Question 3 According to geographical studies, the landscape comprises of visible features, which are found in a piece of land. In most instances, the landscape of an area entails landforms and other living elements. In Southern California, the general landscape is flat and hilly. According to geology studies, Southern California has suffered numerous earthquakes since it is located at the border line between two plates. In addition, Los Angeles is irregularly shaped; since, the landscape of the area is both flat and mountainous (McWilliams, 2009). Some of the most salient landscape features found in Los Angeles include mountains, rivers and beaches. In fact, the landscape of Los Angeles has created geologic instability in the area. The main types of rocks that influence the landscape of Southern California are the sedimentary rocks located in the region. Research asserts that the Southern California region has numerous petroleum fields which are mainly formed as a result of sedimentary rocks (U.S Department of State, 2012). McWilliams, C. (2009). Southern California: An island on the land. (9th ed.). New York: Peregrine Smith Press. U.S Department of State. (2012). Minerals. Retrieved from http://countrystudies.us/united-states/geography-5.htm Question 4 A plate boundary is defined as the region found at the edge of the lithospheric plates. According to the discipline of geography, there are three types of plate boundaries. They include convergent, transform and divergent boundaries. Transform or conservative boundaries are formed when two plates slide past each other along transform faults. In addition, convergent or destructive boundaries are formed when two plates move towards each other. Lastly, divergent or constructive boundaries are formed when two plates move away from each other (Condie, 2009). The movement of these plates always leads to the formation of certain physical landmarks. For example, Iceland is continually separating along the Mid-Atlantic ridge. These divergent forces are attributed by the American and Eurasian plates. This separation has led to the formation of a new crust. However, researchers claim that soon enough Iceland will be separated into two land masses because of the broadening of the crust (Harden, 2011). Condie, K. (2009). Plate tectonics. United States: Butterworth-Heinemann Press. Harden, D. (2011). California geology. New York: Prentice Hall Press. Question 5 According to experts in the field of geography, there are several types of features that are formed through either wave or wind action. Research proves that there are both soft and hard features that are formed along the coastline (Jervis, 2009). The aspect of softness or hardness of a physical feature formed at the coastline mainly depends on certain phenomenon. For example, a spit can be identified as a soft feature that is mostly found at the coastline. In most cases, spits are located at regions with shallow waters whereby there is a diversion in the direction of a coastline. A spit is normally formed when deposition occurs at the shallow area. As deposition of finer material continues, the spit bulges outwards into the sea and is more visible. In addition, an example of a hard feature is a headland. A headland is formed through wave action whereby the force of the water hits the shore forming a land mass. In some instances, the formation of a headland is also boosted by the chemical content that is contained in the sea water (Haslett, 2009). Jervis, P. (2009). Physical features. United States: Folen Press. Haslett, S. (2009). Coastal systems. New York: Routledge Press. Question 6 It is factual that hot air balloons operate on the certain physical principles. When the amount of lift in the balloon surpasses gravity, then, it moves upwards. According to most physical theories, hot air balloons are supposed to be launched in the morning. This is because the stable winds allow the balloon to operate effectively. Since balloons move with air, most pilots choose to launch the hot air balloons in the morning based on the calm nature of the atmosphere. When the balloon is being launched, an engine-driven fan is used to inflate the envelope using cold air. When the envelope is partially filled, the burner is used to warm the cold air that is contained in the envelope (Hot Air Balloons, 2009). Further heating enables the balloon to gain lift force that opposes gravity hence; the balloon launches. When the balloon is in the air, the wind is mainly used as the steering mechanism. Hot Air Balloons. (2009). Hot air balloons. Retrieved from http://www.hotairballoons.com/hot_air_balloon_faqs.asp#1 Rey, H. (2011). Curious George and the hot air balloon. Hamburg: HMH Press. Question 7 The local weather of a region significantly affects the local climate of the region. This is because weather and climate are closely related. Weather can be defined as the atmospheric changes that are recorded in a period of twenty four hours, while climate is defined as the weather patterns that are witnessed over a long period. Therefore, variation in the weather patterns causes a significant change in the climatic condition of the region. According to research, most of the man-made features significantly influence the local weather. In fact, man-made features create a microclimate in the neighboring region (Epstein & Ferber, 2011). In addition, some of the man-made features that affect the weather conditions of an area include greenhouses, reservoirs, dams and urban centers (Adams & Lambert, 2007). For example, reservoirs may attract rain through the water cycle process. In this region, there is a man-made reservoir that has substantially changed the weather patterns entirely. The reservoir that has been built recently in order to generate electricity has increased the amount of rain received in the region. In the long run, this local weather will significantly affect the local climate. Adams, S., & Lambert, D. (2007). Earth Science: An illustrated guide to science. New York: Chelsea House Press. Epstein, P., & Ferber, D. (2011). Changing planet, changing health: How the climate crisis threatens our health and what we can do about it. California: University of California Press. Question 8 The solar system mostly comprises of heavenly objects including the sun, stars, asteroids and planets among other bodies. The study of the solar system is a significant aspect in the survival of human beings (Spencer, 2008). Therefore, it is necessary for scientists to study the whole solar system in order for the world to get information regarding survival. Through the studies that are conducted by the scientists, human beings are able to learn about the structure of the earth (Spencer, 2008). For instance, scientists recently discovered that there were numerous processes of faulting in mars. Furthermore, the scientists are yet to prove a planet apart from earth which supports life. This information is of significant importance to ever individual globally (Spencer, 2008). This is another major reason why scientists have to continuously study the solar system and its reactions. Backman, D., & Seeds, M. (2010). The solar system. (7th ed.). Southern Arizona: Brooks Cole Press. Spencer, W. (2008). Our amazing solar system. Retrieved from http://creationanswers.net/astron/AMAZSS.HTM Read More