The Geographic phenomena Are those drastic and observable changes that take place in nature. They can occur abruptly and are capable of transforming the environment, so that, after these phenomena occur, a new reality arises.
Geographic phenomena are complemented by Geographical facts , Which refer to elements that are stable and whose variations are perceived over longer periods.
Then, in the nature is part of a geographic fact. Then a phenomenon that generates an abrupt variation in the environment is generated, and the new reality that is generated later becomes a new geographic fact.
Geographic phenomena can be classified according to the elements from which they occur. This classification includes three types: physical, biological and human.
Characteristics of geographical phenomena
Physical geographic phenomena
Physical geographic phenomena refer to those that are generated without involving any living organism.
These drastic changes usually occur as a result of climatic, physical or chemical elements, among others, naturally generated.
Within physical geographic changes can be hurricanes, cyclones, torrential rains and earthquakes, among others. The physical geographic changes that are generated are able to transform the landscape and generate a new reality.
Examples of physical geographic changes can be:
- Rivers overflow
A river can overflow as a result of different natural causes. Some of the possible causes may be the following:
- As a result of heavy rains and sustained in a short time
- Consistent rainfall for a long time
- Obstruction of channels by landslides
- Ascent of sea level
- Thaw
When a river overflows, it can generate lasting changes in the landscape. It is possible for the river to permanently expand its channel, to inundate surrounding plant species, and if there are human communities nearby, it is possible that it may collapse with houses, buildings, roads and other constructions.
- Volcano eruption
The eruption of a volcano is generated by the Movement of tectonic plates , Or by the accumulation of pressure of the magma (molten rock that exists in the depths).
In either case, the eruption of a volcano is considered a physical geographic phenomenon because it occurs without the intervention of living individuals.
When a volcano erupts, it can have definite consequences on its environment, in which they stand out:
- The destruction of fauna as a result of the lava
- Devastation of flora by the action of ash
- Generation of forest fires
- Even if the rash is very large, it can increase the greenhouse effect As a consequence of the absorption of heat from the ejected ash out of the atmosphere.
You may be interested The 30 Most Important Active Volcanoes in the World .
Biological geographical phenomena
Biological geographic phenomena are those that are generated by living beings, excluding humans.
Within this classification are the geographic variations produced by plants, animals, insects and microorganisms.
Some examples of biological geographic changes can be:
- Plague deforestation
The appearance of pests can destroy large areas of flora. Pests can appear, for example, as a result of an imbalance in fauna; If there are no natural predators, a species can become a pest.
Pests especially affect plants located on land with few nutrients, which can lead to deforestation of entire regions and altering the environment completely.
Pests can also greatly reduce the amount of animal organisms in an area.
- Species extinction
It is possible that a species disappears by natural causes, without the intervention of the human being. For example as a result of physical phenomena, such as droughts, fires or floods, among others.
The extinction of a species can permanently alter the entire ecosystem of which it forms part. The cycles of nature can vary, as can the structure of food chains.
You may be interested 50 Animals in Danger of Extinction Around the World .
Human Geographical Phenomena
These phenomena are the most obvious and, in many cases, invasive that can be found on the planet. Human geographic phenomena are caused exclusively by the action of man in his environment.
Like physical and biological phenomena, human geographic phenomena alter the environment in a lasting way. As a result of these transformations, positive and, in many cases, negative consequences can be generated.
Some examples of human geographic phenomena:
- Construction of roads
As a result of the need to expand its communication channels, human beings have transformed their environment. This has involved the construction of roads and roads that intervene openly in the environment.
The construction of this type of structures has been beneficial for the development of the human race, allowing to extend the interaction between the men and to generate a more effective communication.
However, in some cases the intervention has been detrimental to nature, because some Ecosystems Have been affected.
As a consequence of this type of constructions, entire species of flora and fauna can disappear, or deviations of water courses can be generated, among other manifestations.
- Construction of dams
Hydraulic dams are structures, made of walls and containment elements, whose main function is to store or divert water from a river to serve different purposes.
Among the functions of a water dam are the regulation of water supply in a particular region, the storage of water for irrigation or energy production.
When constructing a dam, the human being intervenes to a great extent in the nature. These constructions generate positive consequences for human life, such as renewable energy production, flood control in certain areas and facilitating access to water for human consumption.
On the other hand, the construction of dams is considered a geographical phenomenon because it transforms the environment permanently:
- Generates stagnant water, which can bring disease
- Block the passage to different marine species, affecting migratory movements
- Promotes the extinction of whole colonies of organisms, which make life in the rivers.
You may be interested The 10 Most Common Causes of Environmental Deterioration .
References
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- Taylor, J."What causes a volcanic eruption?"In eHow in Spanish. Retrieved on 17 August 2017 by eHow in Spanish: ehowenespanol.com.
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- "The State of Food and Agriculture 2001"in Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved on 17 August 2017 from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: fao.org.
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