Abstract This paper takes a look at a vast diversity of animals and organisms that inhabit sections of bodies of water, oceans, seas and other known bodies of fresh water. The paper focuses specifically on plankton and zooplankton. The paper then lists various examples of zooplankton and taxonomy.
Outline:
Plankton
Zooplankton
Examples of Zooplankton and Taxonomy
From the Paper "The most common among freshwater zooplanktons are four major groups of animals: protozoa, rotifers, and two subclasses of the Crustacea, the cladocerans and copepods. The planktonic protozoa have restricted locomotion. They lack the mobility to actively swim. But the rotifers, copepod microcrustaceans and cladoceran, and specific immature insect larvae usually move lengthily in dormant water. Many pelagial protozoa are meroplanktonic, their lifecycle as planktonic animals usually occurs only during summer season. These forms expend the remainder of their life cycle in the sediments, often enclosed throughout the winter period. Bacteria sized water element are common food of many protozoans. Most of the known rotifers are non-predatory. They feed on bacteria, small algae, and other organic matter. Crustaceans are invertebrates that live in water as well as on land and can vary from microscopic to sixty centimeters. They are a large group of arthropods which is around 55,000 species. The most common among crustaceans are lobsters crabs shrimps and barnacles."
Abstract In this article, Heaton's work, the United Nation's Iraqi Oil-For-Food program and its suspected illicit dealings, are investigated. The writer points out that over a 6 1/2 year period, beginning in 1996, more than 1,300 oil contracts were issued, with the intended purpose of humanitarian relief for the Iraqi people. However, the writer shows that many have questioned whether all of the money transferred during contract issuance through oil extraction went to the humanitarian aid for which it was originally intended. The writer discusses that Heaton looks to answer the economic question of whether or not Saddam Hussein utilized these contracts to line his personal coffers, as well for the purchase of weapons.
From the Paper "This is an important question that needs to be answered for two reasons. First, the United Nations needs to understand not only where their Oil-For-Food program went right, but also where it went wrong. The idea behind the program is a sound one. It allows the U.N. to economically sanction a country, punishing its leaders, but still be compassionate to the general populace that have little to no choice in their country's matters. However, as this work demonstrates, if there are loopholes in the program, and the details are not sufficiently considered, the punishments, meant by the economic sanctions, will barely be felt by those in power. And, in fact, despite rules to the contrary, sanctioned countries cannot only acquire the hard currency they desire, but also weapons as well, circumventing restrictions. The article implies that Hussein was able to offer oil contracts significantly below market value, in exchange for kickbacks, which were given when the contracts were resold to other individuals or organizations, to actually extract the oil, closer to market price."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the price of gasoline and how we need to increase gasoline prices to prevent all our national policies from being determined by our thirst for oil. According to the paper, US foreign policy has become a hostage to ensuring adequate supplies of imported oil.
Outline:
Context of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research and Review of the Problem
Crude Oil Prices and its Impact on Gasoline Prices
Political Impact of Higher Energy Prices
Objective of Study: To Advocate Higher Gasoline Prices Potential Benefits of Higher Energy Prices
Environmental Impact
Global Warming
Significance of the Study
Research Design & Methodology
Discussion
From the Paper "The carbon dioxide produced by motor gasoline in 2003 was equivalent to 311 million metric tons of carbon [Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2005]. If we could achieve even 10% improvement in energy efficiency through use of lighter cars, it would save million of tons of oil and also reduce the carbon emission by 30 million tons. The 10% target is not just possible it is very realistic and even now a family car is about 25% more fuel efficient than a light truck (a term also applied to SUVs). The federal corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards set the fuel economy goals for new passenger cars at 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg). The regulations do not classify SUVs as cars but as light trucks. The light trucks only have to achieve 20.7 mpg. Even this is taken as an average of all light trucks and some SUVs operate at 12 mpg and can remain on the road legally. Some SUVs like Ford Excursions don't even qualify as light trucks and are not subject to CAFE standard."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that one of the most difficult issues involved with prosecuting the ongoing war on global terrorism has been identifying and eliminating the funding sources for terrorist groups. The paper then attempts to determine how the diamond trade in the nations of West Africa is being used to help finance terrorist organizations in general and Hezbollah in particular. The writer points out that while the diamond trade in West Africa has been legitimized and careful controls implemented over the years, analysts believe that as much as 20 percent of the world's diamond supply continues to be of an illicit nature. Furthermore, the writer notes that analysts also believe that some terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, are receiving at least some of their funding through the illicit trading in diamonds among the nations of West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone.
Outline:
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Approach
Background
Statement of the Problem
Preview Statement
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Diamond Trade in West Africa
Emergence of Hezbollah Ties to West Africa
Current and Future Trends
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "An international certification process for rough diamonds, known as the Kimberley Process, was initiated by the Government of South Africa in May 2000; since that time, there has been more and more participation among the regional stakeholders and to date, more than 35 nations have been meeting on a regular basis to develop the system, which was established in 2003. In Sierra Leone, the diamond certification system was instituted in October 2000, four months after the UN Security Council passed a resolution that banned diamond exports until a certification system was established; during the year that followed after the system was introduced, legal exports increased from $1.3 million to $25.9 million worth of diamonds; nevertheless, authorities continue to believe that many of the better quality diamonds are still being smuggled and are not going through the official certification system."
Abstract This paper explains that the hydrologic cycle is the term used to describe the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-atmosphere system. The paper then looks at how the most important processes that drive the hydrologic cycle are evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation and runoff. The paper concludes that the extent to which people come to recognize the importance of water and the hydrologic cycle that drives it, will likely be the extent to which current and future conservation efforts will be successful.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview.
Hydrologic Processes.
Conclusion
From the Paper "While the hydrologic cycle keeps things continually changing, some things remain relatively the same. For example, Fisher (2001) points out that even with all of this movement of water around the planet, everything tends to end up right back where it started when all is said and done. "In the Water Cycle game," he says, "fair or not, the oceans have and keep almost all the wealth. The total of all the fresh (that is, not salty) water on land, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, puddles, bathtubs, kitchen sinks, and all the water under the ground, comes to only 2.4% of Earth's water. The atmosphere contains the rest, only .001% (that's 1/100,000th), in the form of water vapor and clouds" (Fisher, 2001, p. 14). In fact, this author emphasizes that it is this infinitesimal percentage of the water that is suspended in the Earth's atmosphere at any given point time is what keeps the whole system operating."
Abstract The paper explores hydrothermal vents and their contribution to the many biological beings that make these extreme conditions their home. The paper defines a hydrothermal vent as nothing more than a geyser that occurs on the ocean floor. The paper supports the thesis that by examining the vents' reactions to continuously changing conditions in their environment, we can gain clues as to changes that are occurring in the earth's core.
Outline:
What Are Hydrothermal Vents?
What Can Life in the Vents Tell Us?
Life in an Alien World
From the Paper "For the most part, the ocean floor is a sparsely inhabited area of the planet. However, hydrothermal vents are teeming with life. Hydrothermal vents are home to some extremely fascinating creatures to such as tube worms, giant clams, eyeless shrimp and spider crabs (ONR 2006). Cold seeps are other areas that are similar to hydrothermal vents, but the waters in them are closer to the temperature of the surrounding waters. Cold seeps support a similar array of life. Life around these geothermal fountains is dependent upon the chemicals in the surrounding water. The most common chemicals in the water include hydrogen sulfide, methane, iron, manganese, and silica (ONR 2006). This creates an extremely harsh environment to support life."
Abstract The paper reveals that tornadoes are one of nature's most powerful forces. The writer explores the strengths of a tornado, the type of damage it does and the steps that can be taken to warn communities of its possible arrival. The paper discusses the Doppler radar system that can detect a tornado while it is still in the sky, the tornado siren system and trained human storm chasers and spotters. The paper explains that one of the problems with tornadoes is their unpredictability, but as emergency management teams nation wide continue to improve, the public will become increasingly safer.
Outline:
Introduction
Damages
Assessment
Warning the Public
Conclusion
From the Paper "Out of all the natural disasters that can occur, tornadoes are often considered the most damaging and the most dangerous. While earthquakes are unpredictable, they have not developed a history in the United States of frequent occurrence or many deaths. Hurricanes, with the exception of Katrina usually provide enough advanced warning that the emergency management coordinators can provide notice to evacuate. Tornadoes, however, often strike with little or no warning and they can come in "swarms" during optimum weather conditions(Gugliotta, 2003)."
Abstract This paper reviews Douglas H. Erwin's book "Extinction," which addresses one of several mass extinctions that have been found in the history of life on earth. The author describes the books format, as well as some of Erwin's theories behind the end-Permian mass extinction. The reviewer concludes by describing how Erwin's book can be applied to today's climatic changes. The book can thus be a warning as well as an informative discussion of the past.
From the Paper "The author also begins by considering some of the other mass extinctions that took place at a much earlier date, in part to see what caused those extinctions in order to see if the same causes applied to the Permian extinction. The evidence from the extinction at the K-T boundary (between the Cretaceous and the Triassic) has been much analyzed because of the discovery of higher deposits of iridium from that period. Iridium is found primarily in meteors or in some volcanic explosions, and so the higher levels have caused many to see the extinction of the dinosaurs as caused by a large meteor crashing into the earth and depositing iridium around the world on the same geologic level. Another substance found at the site of extinctions has been fullerenes, which can be produced by lightning strikes, forest fires, and meteorite impacts. Some evidence exists for an impact around the time of the Permian extinction, but the author says this is inconclusive at this time."
Abstract The paper relates that satellite imagery has affected the deforestation of the Amazon by detecting problems such as road building, mining operations, fires where land is being cleared for crops, logging operations, dam projects and clearing for building projects. The results of these satellite images also indicate rising heat indexes, less forest and damage to the ecological system that exists in the Amazon. The paper reveals how satellites determine data and offers general information about the technology.
Outline:
How Satellites Determine Data
What Satellite Imagery Tells Scientists About the Amazon
How Satellite Imagery Affects the Rainforest
The Types of Satellites Used and General Information About the Technology
From the Paper "The amount of water or ice particles in the air can be measured by a satellite sensor and this determines part of the information that will tell what is going on, back on earth. Together with satellite visual imagery, the information can give a scientist an amazing amount of information. An article in Satellite Data Applications: Weather and Climate talks about how satellites may measure the physically based parameterization of cloud processes and cloud water. (Weng 407) These measurements are used in a SSMI/Cloud Liquid Water algorithm to find out how the clouds are affected by the thermal emission. (Earth 2005)"
Abstract This paper explores both past and current methods of disaster management when volcanic activity occurs. The paper focuses on monitoring and detection as approaches to handling potentially disastrous situations. Various methods of detection are explained, such as seismic monitoring. The author concludes that new methods offer hope for better predictions of volcanic activity, yet more must be done for disaster preparation. This is imperative in order to better predict volcanic events and save the lives of those who witness such a natural disaster.
From the Paper "Seismic monitoring is one of the most common ways to keep track of volcanic activity (Choi, 2004; Mileti, 1999). Seismometers monitor earth movement, including the earthquakes and tremors that sometimes indicate volcanic activity like underground magma movement (Choi, 2004). Though seismic activity is often linked to volcanic events successfully, not all seismic events indicate a coming eruption (Kerr, 2003). For this reason, seismometer readings do not always provide accurate predictions (Choi, 2004)."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses marine pollution. According to the paper, the ocean plays a critical role in sustaining life on this planet. The paper discusses how economic and social prosperity will be useless if the coastal and marine environments are sacrificed, abused or neglected in the process of development. The paper goes on to discuss the serious environmental issues pertaining to marine pollution facing us today.
From the Paper "The accidental wreck of a 20-tanker, 987-foot ship of Exxon Valdez in Bligh Reef led to the rupturing of eight of its 11 cargo tanks and the spilling of 10.8 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound in March 1989 (US Congress 1960). Although no lives were lost, the accident was an immense disaster to fisheries, subsistence livelihoods, tourism and wildlife. Most important was the awareness that the sanctity of the Alaskan waters was most outrageously ravaged. In response, US Congress passed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which established measures in preparing for and preventing spills for the implementation and enforcement of the US Coast Guard. It requires transporters of oil and production facilities to develop and implement response plans, participate in preparedness drills and maintain safe shipping and handling practices (Earle 1995). MARPOL began to control the operations and passage of new oil tankers, the carrying of noxious liquids in bulk, the control of sewage and other "grey water" and garbage, including plastics, metal, glass, galley wastes and other materials (Earle, US Congress)."
Abstract This paper reviews, discusses and analyzes the effect that chemical fertilizer has on the aquatic life in the water surrounding the areas that have been treated by such fertilizers. The paper provides an overview of water systems and how they function, followed by a discussion of the different types of chemical fertilizers in use today.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The quality of water systems is determined by the degree to which bodies of water are able to support aquatic life while also meeting standards for the protection of human health and the preservation of human life; this level of contamination is determined by establishing baseline standards to measure the periodic relative quality of each individual water system against these original standards (Henning & Mangun 251). Attempts to either maintain or restore the quality of the water in these systems are developed according to the amounts and kinds of material that are emptied into the waterways; the quality of water in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans therefore depends on the capacity of each of these water systems to clean themselves of the various pollutants. According to Henning and Mangun, this ability depends on the types and amounts of the pollutants as well as with water temperatures, rate of water flow, degree of sedimentation, and mineral content (251). The mineral content of pollutants containing chemical fertilizers already account for the lion's share of the nitrogen being released into the world's water systems, but there are other elements involved in modern chemical fertilizers as well, and these are discussed further below."
Abstract In this essay, the writer notes that the Hurricane Katrina disaster will be discussed and debated for years, perhaps for a hundred years and more; and it can safely be assumed that an important part of the discussion will embrace the concepts of race and class. The writer maintains that one can easily imagine a sociology professor in the year 2025 pointing out that had a storm of such colossal intensity been approaching a city of mostly white, middle class and wealthy citizens, a different set of preparations and a wholly different outcome could be expected. This paper reviews and analyzes the social realities of New Orleans before and after Katrina's wrath, from several perspectives, including the theories of Karl Marx.
Outline:
Karl Marx
Katrina
From the Paper "When considering the fact that the Army Corps of Engineers reported years ago that the levees around New Orleans - much of which is below sea level - were not structurally safe, one has to also consider the class issues within the political structure of the United States; in other words, is New Orleans a place that would have a high priority in the ruling class of Washington D.C.? The answer is no. And so, the Army Corps of Engineers would be (and was) more committed to working on the Florida Everglades' multi-billion dollar project (the president's brother being the governor of Florida) than retrofitting the levees in a city that traditionally votes Democratic, and is largely African American. These points are raised because Marx doesn't specifically talk a lot about "race" per se, but he does make it clear that class struggles have to do with issues that in the case of New Orleans, are largely ethnic."
Abstract The paper looks at the points in the globe that are most surrounded by water and land. The paper compares the land and water areas in the northern and southern hemisphere and discusses flying and sailing between the two most distant points. The paper discusses convergent plate boundaries and the correlation between ocean depths and plate tectonic processes. The paper examines major ocean surface current patterns, swells, breaking surf, tsunamis and tides. The paper also looks at depositional coasts versus erosional coasts.
Outline:
Identifying the Current Location
The Point Most Surrounded by Water
The Point Most Surrounded by Land
Comparison Between the Land and Water Areas in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Flying Between the Two Most Distant Points
Sailing Between the Two Most Distant Points
Convergent Plate Boundaries
The Correlation Between Ocean Depths and Plate Tectonic Processes
Major Ocean Surface Current Patterns
Swells, Breaking surf, Tsunami
How do Tides in a Bay Depend on its Location in the Ocean?
Depositional Coasts versus Erosional Coasts
Marine Organisms in Pelagic and Benthic zones
From the Paper "New York belongs to the state bearing the same name and is situated on the north-eastern coast of the U.S.A, at the point where the Hudson River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city's geographical coordinates are latitude 40047'N and longitude 73058' W. The city is renown for its cultural aura, but also for its financial, business, and trading organizations which play a major role to the national and world economy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City)."
Abstract This paper describes a tornado that ripped through Gallatin, Tennessee. The paper portrays how the tornado ripped through Gallatin and made national news for its damage and devastation, including the deaths of 12 residents. The paper is written as if the author of this paper witnessed the event first hand.
From the Paper "The morning had called for storms. Residents in Middle Tennessee were used to storms, in fact some joked that the Tornado Alley had recently moved to include that region. For several years there had been storms in which Doppler Radar had detected tornadoes in the sky and issued alerts for the area, however, they rarely if ever touched down. Perhaps the worst that happened was a tail whipped out of the sky and damaged a few roofs before retreating back into the clouds. On April 7, 2006 however, the world of those who lived in Gallatin was forever changed, when a tornado not only touched down, but waltzed across the city as if competing in a final dance competition. When it was finally over, people were dead, businesses were destroyed, a college was leveled and homes were completely demolished."
