Ellipsoid and Geoid Datums Geodetic and Vertical Global and Local

Ellipsoid and Geoid

Ellipsoid:

- Imagine the Earth is shaped like a slightly squished ball. An ellipsoid is a smooth, math-based shape like this that we use to help map the Earth.

- Different ellipsoids fit the Earth in slightly different ways, like picking the best-fitting ball for different parts of the world.

Geoid:

- The geoid is like the shape of the sea level if it was extended all around the Earth, even under the land. It's a wavy, bumpy surface because gravity pulls differently in different places.

- We use the geoid to measure heights, like how tall a mountain is above sea level.

Datums

Datums:

- A datum is like a starting point or baseline for measuring places on Earth. Think of it as a fixed reference point from which we measure.

- There are two main types:

- Geodetic (Horizontal) Datums: These are like a grid we lay over the Earth to measure positions (latitude and longitude).

- Vertical Datums: These help us measure heights (elevations) above sea level.

Geodetic and Vertical

Geodetic:

- Geodetic refers to the system we use to measure exact positions on the Earth's surface. It includes latitude, longitude, and sometimes height.

- These measurements help us understand where things are located precisely on the globe.

Vertical:

- Vertical measurements tell us how high or low something is compared to sea level.

- This is useful for things like building roads, measuring mountain heights, and flood planning.

Global and Local

Global:

- Global systems cover the whole world. They provide a way to measure things consistently no matter where you are on Earth.

- Examples are the systems used by GPS satellites.

Local:

- Local systems are designed for specific regions or countries. They are very accurate in their area but might not work well globally.

- For example, a local system might be used just for North America or just for Great Britain.

In summary, these concepts help us map and measure the Earth accurately, whether we're looking at the whole world or just a small part of it.

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Heat balance. Water budget

The concepts of heat balance and water budget are crucial in understanding the Earth's climate and the distribution of water resources. Here's an explanation of each: 1. Heat Balance: The Earth's heat balance, also known as the Earth's energy budget, refers to the equilibrium between the incoming solar radiation (energy from the Sun) and the outgoing terrestrial radiation (heat radiated back into space). This balance determines the temperature and climate of our planet. Here's how it works: - Incoming Solar Radiation (Insolation): The Sun emits energy in the form of sunlight, including visible and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This solar energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere and surface. - Absorption and Reflection: When sunlight reaches the Earth, some of it is absorbed by the surface (land, water, vegetation), warming the Earth. Some of it is also reflected back into space by clouds, ice, and other reflective surfaces. - Outgoing Terrestrial Radiation: As the Ea

Watershed. Catchment. Basin

A watershed, also known as a river basin or drainage basin, is a fundamental concept in geohydrology and hydrology. It refers to a specific geographic area or region of land where all the surface water, including rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff, drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Here's an explanation of each term: 1. Watershed: A watershed is essentially a natural hydrological unit defined by the topography of the land. It represents the entire area from which all precipitation and surface water flow eventually gathers at a single point. This point is typically where the main river or stream within the watershed exits into a larger body of water, such as an ocean. Watersheds come in various sizes, from small ones that encompass a few square miles to enormous ones that cover entire continents. 2. River/Drainage Basin: A river basin or drainage basin is another way to describe a watershed. It's the land area that collects and channels water into a river

Water cycle. Hydrological cycle.

Water cycle. Hydrological cycle. Usgs

What is Water and how it is a Resource

Water: 1. Chemical Composition: Water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, with the chemical formula H2O. 2. States of Matter: It can exist in three main states - liquid, solid (ice), and gas (water vapor) - depending on temperature and pressure. 3. Universal Solvent: Water is an excellent solvent, meaning it can dissolve a wide range of substances, making it essential for various chemical reactions and biological processes. 4. High Heat Capacity: It has a high heat capacity, which helps regulate temperature and climate patterns on Earth. 5. Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules exhibit cohesion (stick together) and adhesion (stick to other surfaces), crucial for capillary action in plants and the transport of nutrients. 6. Surface Tension: The surface tension of water enables insects like water striders to "walk" on its surface due to the cohesive forces between molecules. Water as a Resource: 1. Life Sustenance:

Geography of Water Resources. Scope.

1. Distribution and Availability : Study of how water is distributed across different geographic regions, including its presence in oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers. 2. Hydrological Cycle : Examination of the movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and groundwater recharge. 3. Water Quality : Analysis of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, addressing issues like pollution and contamination. 4. Water Scarcity : Exploration of areas where water supply is insufficient to meet demand, often due to factors like population growth, climate change, and mismanagement. 5. Water Management : Study of strategies to conserve, allocate, and regulate water resources, including infrastructure like dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems. 6. Water-related Ecosystems : Understanding the influence of water on various ecosystems, such as wetlands, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. 7. Human Impact : E

Vineesh V, Geography

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