Abstract Water usage patterns in the Gulf Cooperation Council states and in the Middle East overall are not consistent with sound conservation policies and continued industrial and commercial expansion in the region without change will be unsustainable even in the short-term. This case study points out, the entire Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in particular, is experiencing rapid growth in demand for water resources and water based products and this trend is expected to continue.
Abstract Perhaps no other industry is as dependent upon variables over which it has no control as the agricultural industry is. This paper produces a cross sectional comparison and contrast of three regions in British Columbia: Cariboo region, Peace River, and Kootenay. The paper highlights how climatic factors and soil composition factors impact upon the respective agricultural sectors of the aforementioned areas. In addition to illuminating how areas that are fairly close to one another geographically can still produce astonishing climatic and geological diversity the paper also reveals how primary industries like agriculture take on new shapes in different regions because of the physical feature of the land.
Abstract This paper begins with a general definition of oceanography. It continues to paint a more realistic picture of the work of an oceanographer. The paper offers details on different focuses of oceanography,like climatological, palaeoceanographic and physical to name a few. In conclusion, the author highlights the importance of the information derived from this particular science. It also includes graphic representation to qualify points made.
From the Paper "Long Bay in California is a heavily populated coastal region that has many tourists visiting it at all times. Sand resources are here for recreational purposes, as well as for coastal habitat. It must be noted that earlier studies of the same have revealed a large amount of sand deposits, which are situated oblique tot eh existing shoreline. This is oriented clockwise in the offshore direction, and the sand feature is about ten kilometers long, two kilometers wide, and more than three meters thick. It is assumed that these sand deposits are providing a rich source of beach nourishment material. This study was undertaken in order to, at the outset, measure and models the oceanographic circulation in the area, and secondly, to identify and recognize the various processes that maintain the presence of this particular sand feature."
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the history and factors that influence and impact the price of North Sea oil. The paper examines how taxation, new technology and extraction costs effect prices of North Sea crude. It also explores the global situation and the impact of dwindling North Sea supplies on global oil prices.
Outline:
General
Global Historical Price Trends
How Oil is Sold
Taxes and North Sea Oil
Tax Situation and New legislation in the UK
Technology Innovations and Tax Incentives
Extraction Costs
Global Competition and North Sea Oil
Conclusion
From the Paper "The European market will not be able to achieve stability as long as there are no mechanisms in place to control supply and price. Many experts feel that the current situation means the end to low prices for consumers (Appert, 2005). The Brent price started at $40 a barrel in the beginning of 2005, but had risen to $70 a barrel after Hurricane Katrina took out many refineries along the Gulf Coast (Appert, 2005). Oil production has changed since the 1970s. During the 1970s companies worked on building a surplus. However, demand rose quicker than their ability to produce. Now companies work on a just-in-time basis (Appert, 2005). There is no reserve to level supply when it is needed. Changes due to shocks are seen rapidly on the consumer end. Consumers got used to stability in pricing during the 1970s. If supply was low companies had enough in reserve to meet the demand. "
Tags: middle, east, war, US, Gulf, Coast, petroleum, fuel, royalties, tax, scheme, Co2
Abstract This paper explores the possibilities for increased awareness, preparation and response to natural disasters, given the recent history of these events around the world. The paper gives a general overview of natural disasters and discusses the ability of private citizens and local, state and federal agencies to prepare for them. The paper goes into detail about some aspects of Hurricane Katrina and what could have been done differently to prepare for her.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Natural Disaster Overview
Community Preparedness for Disaster
Katrina, an Exercise in Ineffective Preparedness
Recommendations by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Disaster Preparedness
Early Warning Technology
The Future
From the Paper "There is only one thing for certain; disaster will strike again. Meteorologists have noted that the period of reduced activity that occurred between 1971 to 1994 ended, and predict that three or more major hurricanes, rating Category 3 or higher, can be expected each year in the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico (Beardsley, 2005). Earthquakes will continue to occur, as will tsunamis, wildfires, flooding, and the plethora of other disasters that affect communities around the world. Only through increased preparedness will the citizens of the world be protected from these unavoidable, inevitable events."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of coal as a fuel. The paper reviews the properties of coal and the different mining methods. The paper also discusses the impact the use of coal has on the environment.
From the Paper "One way to lower down the carbon dioxide production of an energy plant is by making it more efficient, that is generating more energy with less fuel. A process called gasification converts coal to gas. This process is about 40 percent efficient as opposed to a steam driven coal plant with an efficiency of about 36 percent. However for the short run and maybe the long run as well, the most important new source of energy from the Rocky Mountain West will be coal. Earlier in the century small amounts of western coal were used to power steam locomotives. With the introduction of diesels after World War II, however, western coal production dropped off to very minimal levels. Then, in the early 1970s transportation of low-sulfur western coal to new coal-burning power plants in parts of the Midwest became economic. Because of environmental regulations, it had become cheaper to import western coal than to install the expensive scrubbers needed to clean high-sulfur eastern and mid-western coal. "
Abstract In this article the writer discusses that tourism, especially in an ecologically sensitive area such as the Virgin Islands, brings with it both positive as well as negative influences and impacts. The writer notes that the central question that needs to be asked is whether the islands can withstand the increasing tide of tourism and the attrition of its ecological structure. The writer points out that the fact that the islands are economically dependent on tourism means that a balance has to be found between a vibrant tourist industry and ecological sustainability. The writer concludes that taking into account the sensitivity of the area one cannot be complacent about the impact of tourism on these islands.
From the Paper "However, ecologists and other experts are emphatic in their view that there are also real and potential negative factors that impact on the ecological and environmental health of these islands. These include aspects such as over-crowding, environmental problems, destruction of the reefs as well as social and cultural problems that may result from alien influences brought from outside the islands."
"Furthermore, experts also warn of the potential chaos if tourism is left "unmanaged" and solely at the mercy of market forces. An example of what is meant by management is the control of the number of visitors in relation to the available infrastructure."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the origins of metallurgy. According to the paper, metallurgy has been around for centuries on many different continents, in many different cultures and used in a vast array of various methods. According to the paper, one of the first 'modern' metallurgists was a German called Georgius Agricola.
From the Paper "One of the first 'modern' metallurgists was a man by the name of Georgius Agricola, who actually began his career as a small-town teacher of Latin and Greek. This quickly became to boring for him causing him to travel to Italy were he would spend three enlightening years of study, particularly in the field of medicine. "
"It was probably while studying there that he became familiar with the works of the Roman physician, Galen "who in the course of his descriptions of his visits to Cyprus to collect materials for his medicines incidentally mentions some metallurgical processes for the sublimation of zinc ores to produce zinc oxide to act as a salve" (Craddock 1994 pg 67)."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the attempted invasions of the Mongols into the island of Japan in the 13th century. The paper discusses how the weather affected the outcomes of the invasions and the interpretation of the intervention of the weather by the Japanese. The paper also discusses how the use of "kamikazes" by the Japanese in World War II was based on their belief that this tactic could provide the same type of divine intervention that helped them defeat the Mongol armada in 1274 and 1281.
From the Paper "The research showed that when the Japanese resorted to "kamikaze" attacks in the closing days of World War II, it was based on their belief that this tactic could provide the same type of divine intervention that helped them defeat the Mongol armada in 1274 and 1281. One of the more interesting issues to emerge from the research was the fact that 13th century Japanese did not regard these events as being the result of a deity using the typhoons as a tool to defeat the Mongols, but rather that the winds themselves were a deity and worthy of being worshipped. The impact of these events have left a highly influential legacy on the Japanese mentality, it would seem, and when people believe that the gods are on their side, anything is possible if not achievable. From this perspective, it is not so hard to understand why so many Japanese pilots volunteered for these suicide missions after all."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the water issues of the western United States. It explores the history of water need and supply in both the upper basin and the lower basin states and then discusses what the impact of the Colorado Compact has had on those states. It concludes by discussing the need for future monitoring of the water flow and allotments.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History
Colorado
Colorado River Compact
Law of the River
The Future
Conclusion
From the Paper "As the years began to pass the upper basin states began to disagree about the allocations of the 7.5 million acre feet they had been using as a group. An easy way to examine this era of the water supply development is to imagine a family in which there are seven children. Instead of handing each child a piece of cake the parents put a cake down and leave the room and say, "Go ahead and share that cake". If they repeat this process daily or weekly it will not be long before some of the siblings begin believing that other siblings are getting more than an equal share of the cake. They will think it is unfair that they have to depend on the others sense of fairness to be sure they too get a large enough piece. This is what happened in the situation with the upper basin states and the Colorado River supply. The states were expected to work among themselves and divide up the provided 7.5 million acre feet and they began to have disagreements about who was using how much of that total water supply. States that began to grow more quickly in population and water need than other states felt they had a right to more of the water while the states that were experiencing slower growth patterns had concerns that they would not be able to promote growth if the other states used most of the water supply."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that once the peak point of oil harvesting is reached, economic laws will become painfully evident to even the staunchest defenders of oil use. The writer points out that the supply is literally diminishing, and no amount of politics will be able to create more oil to fulfill the demands that the consumers of the world currently have for energy. Further, the writer notes that alternate supplies of energy in another form are not readily available and therefore, the oil which is available has become increasingly precious to consumers who demand it and are willing to pay a premium amount for the product.
From the Paper "In terms of economic concepts, peak oil refers to the tipping point when demand begins to exceed supply. Economist Alfred Marshall explained the relationship that supply and demand have with one another rather succinctly when he described the two factors in pricing as separate blades of a scissors in that their intersection was the point of price, and that neither could influence the other without the presence of the second blade. Applied to the oil market, the demand for the product is evident, most of the world depends on fossil fuels for energy; despite the skyrocketing gas prices of recent months, consumers in the United States appear to have a high tolerance for the prices, since demand for oil and gasoline has remained at high levels."
Abstract This paper provides a history of Phoenix, Arizona, with a breakdown of its population, economy and resources. It particularly focuses on how well the city has adapted to its arid geography. It discusses how the residents of Phoenix have come to grips with their scarce water resources and then analyzes how compatible the city's economic activities are with these arid land constraints. The paper concludes by discussing the various types of socio-cultural organizations that have emerged in response to these ecological conditions and the future outlook for Phoenix.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Demographics
Economy and Resources
Socio-Cultural Organizations in Phoenix
Future Prospects for Phoenix
Conclusion
From the Paper "The same features that have historically attracted new residents to Phoenix can be reasonably expected to remain important to the city's growth in the future. In fact, given the rapidly retiring Baby Boom generation, it may well be that Phoenix becomes one of the five largest cities in the United States over the next 10-20 years. This growth rate is assuming, of course, that the water problems looming large on the horizon for the city can be solved today, because tomorrow will be too late. According to Mack and Varady (1995), "When examining water management, particularly in an urban setting, key issues include quantity (water supply), sewerage (water and waste removal), and quality. All three subjects bear directly on human health, and all are closely interrelated" (8)."
Abstract A discussion regarding the world's current dependence upon fossil fuels as the primary source of energy. The paper discusses other alternative types of energy such as wind power, solar power, nuclear power and natural gas.
From the Paper "Safe, efficient, reliable, and less environmentally damaging than traditional energy resources, natural gas is generally perceived as the most likely choice for the near future. Natural gas utilizes both a steam and gas cycle to generate power, and therefore, releases far fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than coal or oil. But, "Even though air pollution concerns are much lower with gas fired plants, there are other environmental concerns including water use and water pollution. Combined cycle plants use about 10 million gallons of water per day, consuming 7 million and putting 3 million gallons back into nearby rivers," (Power Frontiers). Nevertheless, natural gas does contribute to global warming--less so than other methods but more so than nuclear energy. Both are comparably cheap and sustainable, but natural gas is considered to be safer to the public. All things considered, natural gas is economically viable, relatively safe, relatively clean, and sustainable: it poses the most realistic option for electric companies with its most serious competition coming from coal, and perhaps, nuclear power."
Tags: oil, coal, electricity, transportation, petroleum, petrol
Abstract This paper discusses how the 2005 hurricane season proved to be particularly intense and damaging. Hurricane Katrina caused a breech of levees and massive flooding and losses in New Orleans. Hurricane Rita was also almost as intense as Katrina but luckily did not cause as much damage. In particular, the paper looks at how it is important to recognize that hurricane preparedness is essential to minimizing the damage caused by hurricanes and how, given the margin of error in hurricane forecasting, the damage may not always materialize but failure to act on a hurricane warning could prove to be much more costly in life and property losses. This paper assesses the impact of Katrina and Rita in order to study Hurricane emergency response and what needs to be done to produce a response that would minimize loss of life and property.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Forecasting Hurricanes
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Rita
Damage by Katrina
Rita Follows Katrina
Emergency Planning for Future Hurricanes
Discussion and Conclusions
From the Paper "The orbiting and geostationary satellites take visual and infrared photographs. The infrared photographs measure the temperature of the surface below it; the sea, the earth, the clouds etc. The temperatures are color coded for identification. The visible photographs provide information about cloud cover. As indicated by the solar radiation reflected by the clouds. These pictures determine the temperature of the ocean water, circulation patterns and the height of the cloud. The ground radars and buoys transmit weather data every hour to the weather data collecting stations. These factors help in forecasting the cyclones (hurricanes). "
Abstract This paper takes a look at the oil industry. The paper reports that the history of the oil industry dates back to the earliest civilizations of the Middle East. According to the paper, there are inscriptions, that originated from Mesopotamia, describing the use of oil from as far back as 4000 B.C.E. The paper also reports that in the United States, the invention of the kerosene lamp led to the formation of the first American oil company, Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company, founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1854.
From the Paper "The development of the oil industry also took place in many countries outside of the United States. For example, Canada's first oil boom occurred in Ontario in 1867 and in 1947, the great Leduc field near Edmonton, Alberta, was discovered which soon led to Canada becoming an important contributor to the oil industry. In Mexico, oil production began on a commercial scale around 1918 which made Mexico the second-largest oil producer of the early 20th century. Of course, in 1901, one of the first concessions for oil production was granted in Iran and when huge oil reserves were discovered in 1908, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company came into existence and was soon replaced by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1914. "
