Abstract This paper is about the creation of the universe, and more particularly about the earth and its early development. To date, no conclusive answer has been drawn about the events of 10-20 billion years ago when the universe came into existence. The whole idea of the 'big bang' is still a matter of debate for scholars, and this paper will attempt to do no more than touch on some of the commonly held ideas about the origins of the universe and the earth. The paper will discuss a few of the events that followed the creation of the universe and the earth, and to explain events as they are currently understood. The format of the paper will be as follows: first, it will discuss the formation of the universe; second, the earth in some detail, looking at the creation of the oceans and the atmosphere; third, it will conclude with an overview of the topic at hand.
Abstract This paper will discuss the creation of the geological formations that are called The Garden of the Gods, as well as the Manitou Springs Formation in the Colorado region of the United States. By understanding their age, by the layers of sediment that have been made from them, as well as the formations that they now represent, we can see how these natural wonders were made on a geological scale. By realizing the aging process that rock goes through in its many incarnations, the affects of the environmen and the possibilities of platectonic influence will be explained in detail. With all of these factors playing into the creation of these natural structures, we can see the many-layered world of geology forming the Earth according to patterns in nature, the Earth's core and other elements that carve the rock into these majestic land objects.
Abstract This seven-page paper on Maharashtra Earthquake gives an in depth analysis of the nature of the impact of disaster which hit the central peninsular India on 29 September 1993. This paper gives a detailed account of the help and relief provided to the inhabitant of Killari by many organizations. This paper also discusses the improvement made in the area after the greatest earthquake India has ever seen.
Abstract This seven-page undergraduate paper seeks to explain how El Nino and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are such Perturbations in general circulation of the atmosphere, which are produced by marked changes in sea-surface temperatures (SST) of the oceans, in particular in the Pacific. The paper briefly compares El Nino with its counterpart La Nina and discussed the impacts of El Nino on the Northern Hemisphere weather.
Abstract This paper examines how earthquakes produced by the San Andreas Fault in Southern California have been a topic of interest for many researchers and how limitations on conventional radiocarbon analyses impeded the research and were a major barrier to progress in paleoseismology. It looks at how, recently, newer technology and larger samples have enabled researchers to date the quakes with greater precision. It review the article, "A More Precise Chronology of Earthquakes Produced by the San Andreas Fault in Southern California" (Sieh, et al, 1989), which shows the results of one such study and outlines the major strengths and weaknesses of the latest measurements.
From the Paper "This method is much more accurate than dates previously given. Previously, typical small proportion counters and accelerator mass spectrometric analyses were used, which produced a higher year error possibility. Since the methods for radiocarbon analysis have improved with this use of counters with low background noise, the dates given in this paper are much more precise. In addition, the most recent study used larger sample sizes, longer counting time, and a more precise way to convert radiocarbon age to calendar dates. Finally, better controls were in place, as were better statistical techniques for sample extraction (Sieh, et al, 1989)."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of the land that lies beneath Staten Island, which was created over several hundred million years via the recurrent disintegration and smashing of continents. It then looks at the current geography and demography of the area, including population trends of the area.
From the Paper "Around 500 million years ago, there was nothing called the Staten Island. What had in existence had been the continental chunks and some ocean basins. One of these continental chunks was ancient North America, which was named Laurentia. At this particular juncture in the history of the globe Laurentia was situated at the equator. Other chief continental chunks that found existence at the juncture are Baltica ? ancient Europe, Gondwanaland consisting of the ancient Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and India, chunks of Asia, and a few micro continents. At the time of the previous 500 million years these continental chunks drifted around to their current geographic positions. (The Geology of Staten Island)."
Abstract This paper discusses the interaction between groundwater and seawater and thoroughly analyzes the condition of seawater intrusion in groundwater. It outlines the adverse effects of the seawater-groundwater interaction and proposes methods through which this situation can be solved. It also highlights various mathematical equations, which are used to reach analytical solutions. The trend of fresh water, seawater, and groundwater are discussed to scrutinize each water body behavior with respect to one another. The effects of seawater upon groundwater, contaminants, and soil are also judged. The paper also emphasizes some true-to-life examples of various countries that are facing these problems with their groundwater tables and taking appropriate measure ,such as implanting groundwater-replenishing systems in order to preserve their sources of water. Sources of contamination and their effects are also discussed in detail.
From the Paper "As ground waters are present almost every where, the interactions between ground waters and seawater rely greatly upon the physiographic and climatic milieu of the landscape. As a result of tidal fluctuation, ground waters and seawater are always in consistent communication with each other. This has given rise to various hydrological, engineering and environmental problems. "These include coastal aquifer parameter estimation, beach de-watering, marine retaining structures, and seawater intrusion fluctuations"."
Abstract Discusses geological and environmental aspects of the Minnesota sandy, glacial outwash plain. Cites land management concerns and strategies to make the sandplain a sustainable environment. Examines residential and commercial development of the area.
From the Paper "The Anoka Sandplain is a large sandy glacial outwash plain covering approximately 2200 square kilometers to the north of the Twin Cities Area in Minnesota...."
Abstract This paper discusses how magnesium chloride has become the de-icer of choice in snowy regions such as Colorado and how supporters of the product claim that magnesium chloride is an environmentally safer option for de-icing than some of its predecessors, namely, sodium chloride. It examines how the use of magnesium chloride in liquid and modified cold-pressed form has been shown to be highly effective as a tool for de-icing in Colorado. It also looks at how supporters of the use of magnesium chloride in Colorado have stated that the de-icer has proven beneficial to the environment, while others claim the use of magnesium chloride has been shown to possibly increase electrical outages and pole fires, as well as corrosion.
From the Paper "Another environmental issue facing Coloradoans resulting from the use of magnesium chloride is corrosion. The use of sodium chloride or rock salt in the past presented a much greater problem in this respect. Magnesium chloride however, is also by nature corrosive; however proponents of its use point out those chemical agents are added to it to minimize the corrosive effects (Pavek, 2002). Highway departments in the state of Colorado have noticed that the use of magnesium chloride as a de-icer has reduced much of the major corrosion on trucks and equipment, as well as steel enforced bridges compared to sodium chloride (Pavek, 2002). However, some reports are also indicating that aluminum components and electrical components in their vehicles are actually showing increased evidence of corrosion at a more rapid rate (Pavek, 2002)."
Abstract This paper purports to investigate our greater understanding of the unified theory of plate tectonics and seafloor spreading. The structure of the earth and the traditional theory of continental drift is examined, followed by a look at the more unified theory of plate tectonics. The global ramifications of this theory is investigated by examining the damaging tectonic activity caused by seafloor spreading, specifically earthquakes as well as the hazards these earthquakes in turn generate, namely tsunamis. Case studies are provided to illustrate the damaging nature of these natural forces. Finally the paper examines whether these hazards can be predicted or prepared for given our greater understanding of their causes.
From the Paper "The Earth is a layered planet consisting of the crust, mantel and core as illustrated in Figure 1 below. Due to the intense heat during the formation of the planet, Earth was mostly molten. The more dense materials sank to the centre forming the core while the lighter materials floated to the surface and gradually formed a rigid layer called the lithosphere (Byatt 2001:18). The upper part of this lithosphere is called the crust, a layer about 80km to 40km thick (Strahler & Strahler 1989:254). The lithosphere also includes the upper part of the mantle called the asthenosphere, which is highly heated to a state that is semi plastic. The rigid, brittle lithosphere, which is broken into large fragments called lithospheric plates, has the capability of moving over the soft, plastic asthenosphere."
Abstract In the states of Wisconsin and Georgia, geographical studies have helped experts gain better knowledge of the vegetation, soil, and climate in the regions tested. In order to give an idea of the specific approach that studies have adopted, this paper considers Waycross in Georgia and Madison in Wisconsin. In assessing the climate, soil, and vegetation in these areas, the paper deciphers the similarities and differences between the two regions.
From the Paper "Roadways that are constructed or repaired in urban and suburban activity experience loss of resource at much higher rates. Research reveals that without vegetative protection erosion takes place much quicker. It is estimated that without proper vegetative cover, erosion may exceed 350 tons per acre annually in this region. Erosion at Madison isn"t as much as it is at Waycross, and hence agriculture isn"t affected negatively. Employment in the agricultural industry does not suffer the way that it does at Waycross (Arnalds, 1995)."
Abstract This paper examines why wetlands are essential for correct balance in an ecosystem. It discusses the dangers of wetlands disappearing and how this may affect the wildlife in those specific areas.
From the Paper ""Wetlands" is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas found in generally flat vegetated areas, in depressions in the landscape, and between dry land and water along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Because they are so varied, wetlands can be difficult to recognize. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, ranching, and the building of roads, dams, and towns. Yet their importance is critical."
Abstract The purpose of this case study is to perform analysis in order to recommend solutions to resolve the flooding problems from Reed's Creek in the area at the end of Park Lane and also to convince the county commissioners to develop and implement a plan to provide a solution to the problem. It provides the background related to the problem, the magnitude of the problem, what the author believes to be the cause of the problem, and what affects the problem has on the residents.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Magnitude of the Problem
Causes of the Problem
The Affects of the Problem
Analysis
Goals
How the Goals Relate to the Problem
Alternatives for Achieving Goals
Costs and Benefits of Alternatives
How the Alternatives Affect the Problem
Assumptions
Pros and Cons of Alternatives
Preferred Alternative
Conclusion
Implementation Plan
Recommendation
Plans Success
From the Paper "It is plain to see that the alternative that should be selected is allowing commercial contractors, with strict guidelines, the opportunity to develop and implement a plan for the development of a nature park that would inevitably solve the main problem of flooding in the flood plain area and subsequently solve all the other minor problems the flooding brings. The reason I choose this alternative is because the project would be fully funded by commercial contractors and the project would be implemented quickly with the long-term goals being reached in a relatively short amount of time. There is no reason to place this tax burden on the residents of Columbia County when there are viable alternatives such as commercial development."
Abstract During the Ice Age, a great deal of the northern part of North America was engulfed in glaciers. As the climate warmed, these great ice caps advanced and receded many times, creating a complex and diverse geography in what is now the Great Lakes region. This paper discusses the various geological processes that formed the features and natural resources of the Great Lakes, as well as provides a summary of the geologic history of the area.
From the Paper "Fast-flowing rivers, glacial ice, and the pounding of waves against the shore occurred over the next 300 million years, wearing down most of the mountains. There was no vegetation protection to slow down these geological processes. As a result, the mountains disintegrated.
The eroded rock debris built up as thick layers of sand, gravel, silt and clay eventually transformed into sedimentary rock. Thus, volcanic activity was the major geological process in the Great Lakes area. Gradually the sand grains cemented together forming sandstone, which can be found in all the lakes."
Tags: Precambrian, Era, Lake, Ontario, Pleistocene, Epoch
Compares the Salem witch trials to the experience of those in modern society who are attempting to break into a career field dominated by one particular caste.
Abstract This paper compares at the experience of women accused of witchcraft in Europe in the 17th century to the experience of women in contemporary society trying to break into the field of science. The paper contends that women of the 17th century, who practiced medicine through their knowledge of herbs and natural healing methods, were perceived as a threat to the male-dominated field of medicine and society at large. It is also argued in this paper that women in science today are faced with the same set of beliefs and barriers that held the women of the 17th century back from their equal status.
From the Paper "Whenever one group of people obtain a majority interest in social order over another particular group, or over all other groups, the cries of outrage and abuse will soon be heard from both the dominant and the oppressed. The oppressed people of the group often have a legitimate point of contention. Possibly they were not the fastest to secure economic prominence, and therefore as the poor, they now need assistance to keep up with the leaders. Perhaps they simple lost a number of competitions, and became the follower rather than the leaders. In any case, those who are now in the position of following eventually begin to question the established social order. In order to bring about change, they often cry "discrimination" or "prejudice" of some other emotionally charged epithet in order to gain the public's support for their self induced plight."
Tags: social, order, authority, trial, religious, leaders, scientists, scientific, community
