An argument presenting both sides of the global warming issue, focusing on whether it is a real issue or merely a hypothesis concocted by scientists to prevent environmental pollution.
Abstract The following paper examines both sides of the global warming issue. The writer discusses the first issue, by making reference to ecological perspectives that claim that certain human activity such as population growth, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning, have lead to increasing solar radiation or heat in the earth's atmosphere, thus increasing the natural temperature of the earth. The paper also deals with the reverse argument which questions whether humans are really increasing the earth's temperature at a alarming rate, or whether humanity is just a ripple in the earth's pool of history, and warmth is simply nature taking its course.
From the Paper "Global warming is a very important environmental issue concerning the world today and the future of humanity. The issue with global warming is certain human activity such as population growth, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning, have lead some scientists to hypothesize that humans are increasing solar radiation or heat in the earth's atmosphere, thus increasing the natural temperature of the earth. Some greenhouse gases are naturally produced in the Earth's atmosphere from water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The earth's history also shows how the overall temperature of the earth's surface has fluctuated throughout its existence. A problem that arises with the global warming debate is weather patterns have only been traced back to about one hundred and fifty years; therefore it is hard to predict the outcome of the future with such a short past. Another argument surrounding global warming is, are humans really increasing the earth's temperature at a alarming rate, or is humanity just a ripple in the earth's pool of history, and this warmth is nature taking its course? The answers to these questions depend on who you ask, or your view of nature's role on earth."
A paper which discusses the issue of global warming and explores the reasons behind the argument that carbon dioxide emissions are most likely the cause of the global warming.
Abstract A paper which examines the arguments that refute that it is not accurate to mainly attribute the problem of global warming to the increasing carbon dioxide emission caused by human activities. The paper discusses the issue of global warming and explores the reasons behind the argument that carbon dioxide emissions are most likely the cause of the global warming. This paper provides the necessary information needed to support the argument presented, as well as discusses and analyzes the opposing arguments that are given in light of this controversial environmental issue. In the last part of the paper the author contends that despite opposing claims refuting the main argument, increased carbon dioxide emissions are still the primary reason why global warming has been prevalent over the years.
From the Paper "There are significant effects in the health of human beings and the environment due to global warming. Human health is threatened because too much heat in the atmosphere causes certain deadly diseases to propagate. Malaria is an example of this disease, which propagate under local climates (hot and humid climates). Excessive heat also result to respiratory ailments and death. Heat strokes attack many people especially when they encounter heat more than their body temperature can take or adapt to. Environmental elements such as water resources dry up due to excessive evaporation. Climate changes occur when excessive precipitation happens because of uncontrollable conditions in the atmosphere. Different landforms become barren and dry, making it impossible for plants to thrive. When this happens, animals that live in their habitats will leave, and may not survive. All of these effects in the environment contribute to the imbalance in ecological diversity."
Tags: Greenhouse, effect, US, Environmental, Protection, Agency, United, Nations
Abstract This paper deals with both the scientific and political details of global warming. The author describes how global warming is a disturbing and controversial trend that has received increased attention in recent years and how politics often come into play when dealing with international global warming issues.
From the paper:
"Global warming has been a topic of scientific research and debate for decades. In recent years there has been a significant increase in public and political concern over the issue. Many people wonder if global warming is nearly as bad as scientists claim it is. Some question its very existence, insisting that the world is wasting its time and money researching the effects of global warming. Although many people believe that global warming is not a problem, it is an important issue because there are international complications, there is sufficient evidence of its existence, and it is a potentially dangerous situation."
Abstract This paper explains how a hurricane forms, looks at the special and unlikely circumstances which led to the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew, and describes the damage caused in various states and why faulty building techniques were partially to blame.
From the paper:
"David Fisher's book on hurricanes describes a Category 5 hurricane as the ?scariest place on Earth, and Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane when it hit both south Florida and Louisiana.
A hurricane is a giant heat pump (Fisher, p. 61). Both the heat of the sun and the heat generated as evaporated moisture condenses contribute to the development of the hurricane. As the spinning winds contract, they speed up, much as a skater speeds up by pulling her arms in more tightly to her sides. Organization of the storm also requires an upper level high over a lower-level low, which allows the tropical depression to organize into a well formed, rotating tropical storm. If these conditions persist, the tropical storm may strengthen into a hurricane."
An examination of the Gaia theory which maintains that soon after the formation of life, organisms began to change the environment, as well as adapt to this environment.
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 42.95
Abstract Gaia and the plate tectonics; is the Earth alive?
This paper examines the Gaia theory that has emerged concerning the earth, its formation, and the living and non living creatures that adorn it. The paper also examines plate tectonics, living organisms, formation of water, etc.
Tags: earthquakes, plate, tectonics, earth, gaia, water
Abstract The factors responsible for the reef devastation are directly attributed to human actions. This paper looks at the questions surrounding this destruction and offers many examples of why and what is causing the reef's destruction. In the end, the author recommends ways in which the destruction may be halted.
From the Paper "For the last fifty years marine biologists have chronicled the deterioration and destruction of corals on reef systems worldwide. Coral reefs provide sanctuary for over a fourth of the world's marine fish species and consist of as much biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, both are now disappearing at an astounding rate"
Abstract An examination of the climatic global changes taking place. The author discusses the types of climatic changes occurring and their effects on certain geographical areas and on the environment. Also, a look at their long term impacts on society as a whole.
From the Paper "Since the mid-1970's, scientists reported, the average global surface temperature has increased at a rate of about 3.5 degrees per century -- about the same rate estimated for the 21st century if emissions of waste industrial gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are not reduced. By comparison, the world has warmed by 5 to 9 degrees since the depths of the last ice age, 18,000 to 20,000 years ago."
Abstract This is a case study about the damage oils spill can cause to society. The author discusses the economic, ethical and legal implication of oil spills. Furthermore, he introduces Kant's and Rawls? philosophical theories on ethics and provides an example of Ashland official behavior during oil spills to support his argument.
From the Paper "Balancing profit and ethical behavior is one of the hardest things that a company has to try to do. In the case of Ashland, company officials failed to act with sufficient care, thoughtfulness and foresight to prevent environmental tragedy. It was this kind of deregulation that of course marked the entire Reagan era in American politics and the environmental consequences of which we are still paying for. "
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at the Galveston hurricane, the path it followed, the conditions and characteristics of the storm. The author discusses the loss of life and damage caused by the hurricane, as well as the cleanup efforts by the city and future precautions taken after the devastation in Texas.
From the Paper "On August 27th, 1900, meteorologists began to notice a small storm developing in the equatorial mid-Atlantic. Still getting organized, it drifted westward through the Greater Antilles with moderate winds and torrential rains. In Jamaica, miles of roadway, railroad tracks, and sidewalk were washed into the ocean. Cuba was submerged in over two feet of rainwater, and much of southern Florida faced the wrath of the hurricane, as well. As it crossed over the tepid waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the storm gained strength, eventually making its way to the shores of Galveston, Texas."
This paper discusses the role of the San Andreas fault in California earthquakes: Geography and geology, tectonic plates, discovery and major earthquakes.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, 1990, $ 47.95
From the Paper "This paper will be concerned with earthquakes caused by the San Andreas Fault in the state of California. There are numerous earthquake fault systems to be found throughout California; however, the San Andreas Fault is by far the largest and "most conspicuous in the state".
Approximately 650 miles long, it is clearly the longest fault in the state. In addition, it is one of the deepest, dropping as far as 20 or 30 miles into the earth's crust at certain points. The San Andreas Fault varies widely in width throughout its stretch. In some sections, the fault is less than 100 yards wide. However, in other locations, the San Andreas Fault is "several hundred yards to a mile or more in width and is interlaced with any number of sub-parallel fault lines". The San Andreas Fault basically runs along the Coast Mountains which follow the ... "
Compares the three major geographic regions by climate, topography, waterways, etc. Also discusses geographical problems the country is faced with, like population density and agriculture.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 41.95
Abstract In this paper the 3 major regions of India are analyzed geographically, looking at the weather patterns, topographical regions, agriculture and climate. The impact of geography on the people of India is also looked at, primarily by looking at the geographic problems in the nation They include population density and a heavy dependence on few industries.
From the Paper "When studying the land that makes up India, it is important to realize the diversity that abounds in the different regions of the nation. There are three main sections that India can be split into: the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and the Peninsula. The Himalayan Mountain range is present in India along the northern border, and especially in the northwest corner of the country. There are numerous peaks of various sizes, but the most notable are Mount Nanda Devi and the Godwin-Austen, which lies in disputed territory. There is also an area known as the Lesser Himalayas, which serves as a transition area between the mountainous regions of the north and the central plains. The Himalayas are a key component in the weather dynamics of all of Southern Asia, and India especially depends on them. India has 4 major seasons: winter in December until February; summer from March until May; monsoons from the southwest in June until September; and monsoons from the northeast in October and November."
Abstract This paper discusses whether or not the greenhouse effect is really responsible for the earth's warming over the last century. It brings up the theory that perhaps this a part of the earth's natural cycle. This paper then discusses the Milankovitch Cycles which details the natural changes that the earth undergoes and the effect of these changes on the environment. The author feels that this theory, as presented in the article, disproves the greenhouse effect theory.
From the Paper "The same happens in reverse in a time of high temperatures.
The ocean circulation systems redistributes heat better and this accounts for the speed of the ice melting in the Antarctic.
Milankovitch Cycles are than able to explain the temperature differences noted in the Antarctic. The ice melting is a direct result of this rise in temperature. The higher temperatures effecting the ocean circulation system also adequately explains why the ice melts at a fast rate."
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 Volcanic dust is the residue that remains in the atmosphere after the eruption of a volcano. A volcano is a general term for any opening in the crust of a planet or natural satellite through which gases, lava or magma, and solid fragments are discharged. Volcanoes are typically classified as active, dormant, or extinct (Encarta, 1998).
The interior of the earth is composed of an inner solid-iron core surrounded by an iron-rich, liquid outer core. Beyond the core is the mantle, a chemically distinct silica-rich layer that extends to the earth's crust, about 4,100 miles from the center of the earth. The mantle is extremely hot, and convective ..."
From the Paper "VOLCANIC DUST
Definitions
Volcanic dust is the residue that remains in the atmosphere after the eruption of a volcano. A volcano is a general term for any opening in the crust of a planet or natural satellite through which gases, lava or magma, and solid fragments are discharged. Volcanoes are typically classified as active, dormant, or extinct (Encarta, 1998).
The interior of the earth is composed of an inner solid-iron core surrounded by an iron-rich, liquid outer core. Beyond the core is the mantle, a chemically distinct silica-rich layer that extends to the earth's crust, about 4,100 miles from the center of the earth. The mantle is extremely hot, and convective ..."
Abstract The paper presents facts supporting the theory that global warming is occurring and it then presents facts indicating that global warming is only a perception. The paper analyzes these facts and concludes that the evidence does suggest that global warming is a threat.
From the Paper "One of the main pieces of evidence global warming is based on is a rise in surface temperature over the last twenty years. The evidence for global warming according to Justus and Fletcher is based on the temperatures from 1980 to 2000, with 12 of these years being the warmest years ?since historical records have been kept.? While this may initially seem like significant evidence, closer analysis shows one major problem. The phrase "since historical records have been kept" suggests that these twenty years are being compared to a long length of time. However, in reality, these temperature records only refer to around a century of data."
Tags: temperature, weather, debate, technology, man
