Abstract This essay will argue that, as was the case with the descriptions of Pytheas, perceptions of the Arctic and Antarctic are governed by a mingling of the imaginative and the economic. In general, the economic perception tends to dominate with the closer proximity to the pole. Thus, it will be argued that European and Canadian views of the Arctic have historically been dominated by a mingling of economic and imaginative factors. In contrast, the distant (from Europe) Antarctic has been a realm dominated by the imagination as much, or more so, than by economic interests.
Abstract This paper will examine misperceptions of the Arctic and Antarctic landscapes as cognitive constructs. These misperceptions will be analysed as constructs of two different cultures: European and Aboriginal. It will be argued that the Arctic and Antarctic landscapes have, over the centuries, functioned as a geographical equivalent of a psychological Rorschach test; vast white landscapes upon which we (or rather, white male explorers) have imposed readings that reveal more about ourselves than about the geographic realities of the spaces. In contrast to this, the views of peoples indigenous to the Arctic may be seen as a more valid perception of this forbidding environment.
Abstract This research paper examines the Antarctic Treaty and what it has meant to the uninhabited continent. The paper goes over the current situation, as it has been outlined by the treaty, and examines how the United Nations is taking an active role in preserving the integrity of this region of the planet. A variety of issues that have arisen in Antarctica and what has been done to rectify them is examined as well as how tourism is affecting the environment and threatening the natural geography of the continent. In addition, the paper goes over the history of Antarctica and looks at how the continent was discovered and how the various land claims can into fruition.
From the Paper "The United Nations eventually decided that a treaty was needed in order to assure that the region would not become a battlefield, as a variety of different countries had laid claim to different areas, some of which overlapped. Therefore, one of the most important parts of this treaty is that there shall be no military involvement in the area, even if it is just for testing or for practicing military operations. Also, since changes in climate have already caused pieces of the continent to break off and more are expected to follow, there will be a new value placed up the resources of Antarctica in the future. This is because Antarctica has more fresh water than anywhere else in the world. With the world's depleting water resources becoming a global issues, it is important for the United Nations to keep control of this area, in order to prevent any violence from erupting in the future as a result of these valuable resources."
An examination of why interest in Ernest Shackleton increased dramatically in about 1995, focusing on the 2001 film "The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition."
Abstract This paper discusses the enduring popularity of Ernest Shackleton who was involved in a legendary Antarctic expedition. It particularly focuses on why interest in Ernest Shackleton increased dramatically in about 1995 and lasted until 2003. It discusses the expedition and looks at the film "The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition," that The Burke Museum of Natural History at the University of Washington showed in 2001.
From the Paper "With the release of the new information, there followed a wide range of materials dealing with Shackleton. These included two biographies suitable for elementary students (Marcovitz; reviewed by Ching; Calvert, reviewed by McLoughlin), and two others suitable for middle school students (Plimpton, reviewed by Cohen; reviewed by Jones; Johnson, reviewed by Engberg, and reviewed by Gawron). At the same time, there has been a remarkable general revival of interest in all things from these expeditions. Captain Scott's snow goggles were recently sold at auction for more than L20,000, and a biscuit recovered from that expedition went for a remarkable L4,000 (Smith 50)."
Abstract Antarctic expeditions became the symbol of ordeals, especially during the Heroic Age of Exploration when Ernest Shackleton capably led a pack of 27 officers, scientists and seamen for almost two years in a trapped, stranded and then crushed expedition ship named Endurance. The paper shows that polar explorers of the time were held up as heroes, often tragic ones, by the people for their unusual sacrifices. Shackleton earned the praise and recognition to a superior degree for the way he managed his team and the daring he exuded during the 1914-1916 British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The paper shows that these 27 men and millions will always remember how he placed his crew's total well-being above all other considerations in those most trying and nearly desperate times in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea. The paper presents a thorough look at Shackleton's leadership skills.
From the Paper "Shackleton's objective was to cross the Antarctic content from coast to coast through the South Pole with a distance of approximately 1800 miles from the Weddell Sea, south of South America, a completely un-explored region of Antarctica. From there, he and his crew would proceed to the South Pole and into the Ross Sea south of New Zealand. They were on board a newly constructed ship intended for tourist cruises in the Arctic shipyard in Norway. Despite Shackleton's warning, applications from volunteers poured in. Funding even first became a problem and Shackleton desperately sought money while recruiting and preparing those he selected. Funding was finally secured by July 1914."
Abstract This essay looks at the consequences of climate change in Antarctica. The causes of climate change are examined. The impacts of climate change on the environment of the Antarctic are analyzed. Furthermore, some impacts that would result from climate change in the Antarctic, but would have global consequences mainly as the result of global warming, are also examined.
From the Paper "The Earth's climate is changing and there is more and more evidence of global warming. This essay looks at these climate changes and its consequences, focusing in particular on Antarctica, as it is a very sensitive region yet of vital importance to the overall global climate. The Earth's climate has always oscillated, but unlike previously climate change in the last decades, has mostly been due to human activity also outlined in the essay. The changes are particularly drastic in a fragile environment such as the Antarctic and Arctic."
Abstract The essay "Of Cannibals" is a narrative prose by 16th Century French writer, Michel de Montaigne, describing the culture of a South American tribe (Native Americans). In it, Montaigne compares the Native American tribe's society and culture with that of Western society. This paper discusses and enumerates these comparisons between the two societies, as well as describes in detail the different social customs and lifestyles of the cannibalistic group. A comparison and analysis of the differences between the two societies in Montaigne's point of view is made for further understanding of the author's objective, that is, to criticize Western society of its conservative and strict compliance to dogmatic beliefs that continually plague the people from Western societies. Thus, Montaigne analyzes "barbarism" and "civilization" in context of the two societies.
From the Paper "The act of war and cannibalism in this tribe is one important comparison of Montaigne to the Europeans. The author justifies the tribe's barbarism and cannibalism through several explanations. According to him, barbarism, or the act of war popular among tribes people, is one of the two important articles taught in their society, that is, valor towards their enemies or "resolution in war." Cannibalism is said to be done not "for nourishment", because cannibalism for the tribes people is an "extreme form of vengeance." Montaigne justifies this "barbarous horror of so cruel an action" by comparing the tribe's cannibalism with that of "cannibalism" in Western society. For him, the tribe's cannibalism is much more honorable and just, since the prisoner is killed first and only eaten when he was already dead. The Western society, on the other hand, practices a more "barbarous" act of cannibalism because, as Montaigne had described, "[I] conceive there is more barbarity in eating a man alive, than when he is dead... in tearing a body limb from limb by racks and torments... among neighbors and fellow-citizens... under color of piety and religion...""
Tags: skepticism, humanist, movement, Antarctic, France, Polygamy
Abstract The growing population of humans on Earth has led to some undesirable outcomes, namely a population of industrial producers. This paper looks at some of the scientific data that supports the idea that the Earth's temperatures are rising. The paper shows how greenhouse gases produced by humans can be held accountable for at least some of these drastic changes to the environment. Today global warming is one of the most discussed and debated environmental concerns. Global warming concerns every life form on earth, and can cause major ecological disruptions. The paper discusses how the ozone layer forms and breaks up continuously and how there are several pollutants that can cause ozone to breakup more rapidly than it does naturally. It shows how the most drastic changes in the ozone layer are visible over the Antarctic continent, where a hole in the ozone has formed.
From the Paper "Planet Earth is able to support life with the help of trapped radiation from the sun. Known as the greenhouse effect, radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface warming the oceans and land. Varying season to season, the sun heats the Earth creating sustainable temperatures for life. This sustainability has developed an overabundance of life, and helped human population soar. The growing population of humans on earth has led to some undesirable outcomes, namely a population of industrial producers. There is much scientific data that supports the idea that the Earth's temperatures are rising. Greenhouse gases produced by humans can be held accountable for at least some of these drastic changes to the environment."
Abstract This paper explores various issues in political geography: the world systems theory and the Vietnam War, the centripetal and centrifugal forces in Pakistan, Argentina's core areas, the Antarctic Treaty System, and Bamako, Mali.
Abstract This paper examines the recent interest in life on Mars. Since the discovery of an asteroid of Martian origins with potentially organic fossils in it in the Antarctic in 1996, this theory has been revived. Scientists now cast doubt on this theory but five missions to Mars are still planned for 2003.
Abstract This paper argues that installing solar collectors on rooftops and insulating homes in America will not provide citizens and businesses with the energy needed to keep American strong; therefore, it is paramount that the U.S. continues to use fossil fuels. The author stresses that the green movement offers an alarmist misuse of statistics; distressing techniques have been used to calculate atmospheric temperatures above the oceans of the world have resulted in a 40% exaggeration of 'global warming' according to an international study by scientists. The paper relates that the sea levels are rising around the planet but not in any uniform fashion; it is a natural phenomenon in between ice ages.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The U.S. Government Should NOT Turn Away From Fossil Fuels
Nuclear Power, Wind Power and Hydro Power are NOT the Ultimate Answer
Global Warming Myths Exposed
Global Warming is NOT Occurring
Greenhouse Gases are NOT the Cause for Global Warming
Sea Levels are NOT Rising as Indicated by Environmental "Experts"
Temperatures are NOT Rising as Fast as Some Environmentalists Say They Are
Oil is the Best Choice for Reliable Energy for America
The Antarctic Ice Sheets (Polar Ice Caps) are NOT Melting
Animal Species and Sea Life will NOT become Extinct in Massive Numbers
Solar Energy is a Good Idea but it is NOT Practical at this Time
From the Paper "Nuclear power is extremely dangerous and nuclear plants can get out of control: The Chernobyl nuclear accident in Russia in 1986 caused an estimated 4,229 deaths in the Ukraine, and unknown number of cancers throughout Europe, according to Dr. Richard Smart, Department of Nuclear Medicine at St. George hospital in Kogarah Australia. World renowned radiation expert Dr. Helen Caldicott - founder and president of Physicians for Social Responsibility - explains that plutonium, a by-product of nuclear fission, is "so carcinogenic that hypothetically half a kilo even distributed could cause cancer in everyone on earth." Also, five kilos of plutonium in the hands of a terrorist can make a sizable nuclear weapon; currently, there over 1,200 tons of plutonium are stored around the world near nuclear plant sites. Additionally, reprocessing spent fuel "causes deadly radiation releases into the environment that are a threat to public health." "
Abstract This paper presents facts about global warming and the effect it has, and will have, on the oceans and the delicate marine life and habitat. The discussion involves the melting of polar caps and the effects resulting from such devastation. The paper examines how warmer temperatures will destroy marine life and concentrates on the delicate coral reef system which is already feeling the effects of the warmer ocean temperatures. The temperature rise and ocean rise are discussed, along with ideas on halting the progression of dangerous toxins contributing to higher climate temperatures.
From the Paper "As the coral reefs die, so do many other species of fish, crab and several other species. Large increases in the volumes of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are already apparent. At current rates of change, carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere will double by the end of the next century (2100 AD). Calculations indicate that this rate of change in carbon dioxide alone will may result in a warming of between 1.5 and 4.5?C. The most likely effect of sustained global warming will be a melting of the polar ice caps, and a rise in sea level, while on land the deserts will expand."
Abstract This paper describes the migratory patterns of the Arctic Tern and the Canadian Goose. The Canadian Goose is a wetlands-dwelling species inhabiting regions of arctic Canada, Alaska, Siberia and, more recently, continental Europe. The Arctic Tern migrates from nesting grounds in the Arctic south to the Antarctic and back. The paper also explores aspects of the life cycle of the Canadian Goose within five areas of habitat, and the remarkable migration pattern of the Arctic Tern.
From the Paper "The Canada Geese forage in flocks and feed on plant material, seeds, berries and aquatic plants. They primarily inhabit wooded lakes and ponds, bays and marshes but have recently begun to adapt to urban sites such as golf courses and parks that offer a similar ecology. Since the geese exploit areas of low and tender vegetation, their migratory habits are largely influenced by the short summer season in their northernmost regions. In addition, the breeding period extends for more than two months, making the high-arctic breeding areas unsuitable. In addition, the geese rely on the accumulation of fat reserves during the winter season for their long migration flights."
Abstract This paper explains the overall structure of the ozone layer and how chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs destroy the ozone molecules. The paper discusses how ozone depletion has spread from the Antarctic to various areas around the globe. The paper explores what the world is doing to combat this problem of ozone depletion.
From the Paper "To begin with, the ozone layer is a band of, well, "ozone" located in the upper atmosphere. More specifically, ozone itself is made up of three atoms of oxygen instead of the much more common two. This band of atypical oxygen molecules is found about 10-50 kilometers above the earth's surface - the numbers apparently vary depending upon the source consulted (Gleason para.2) - and shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation ("Ozone Layer" sec.1-4). The creation, the production, of this band of ozone is complex for those not well-acquainted with chemistry. Be that as it may, it can be said that ozone is mostly produced by ultraviolet light hitting oxygen molecules containing two oxygen atoms."
