Abstract The paper describes the natural phenomenon of volcanoes and the severe outcomes that can result from a volcanic eruption. The paper describes volcanic eruptions in the past and looks at how scientists have improved the methods and abilities of protecting people. The paper relates that in most cases, scientists can predict when an eruption may occur and the best protection seems to be early warning.
Outline:
Introduction
History and Significance of the Problem
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Volcanic gases are released in the air and through the soil as a result of the Magma which is composed of dissolved gases. The most common gases that are released are water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. In addition to these gases, volcanoes also release smaller amounts of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, helium, hydrogen, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen fluoride. The survey explains that of the aforementioned gases the most harmful tend to be are sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at Sanibel Island, a popular tourist destination off the western coast of Florida, as a location for a beachfront hotel. This paper is written from a personal point of view as the writer discusses the process of developing a three-story beachfront hotel on Sanibel Island. The writer notes that this planned hotel has raised some concerns among island environmentalists. The writer explains that while the hotel will meet the island's three-story limit and will include a large nature preserve with raised boardwalks so guests do not disturb the environment, other facets of the project are more troubling. The writer concludes that this could end in a situation in which the environmentalists insist that the writer resolves the outstanding environmental issues in return for building just a three-story hotel.
Outline:
Situation and Facts
Issues and Objectives
Strategy plan
From the Paper "Since a causeway was constructed linking Sanibel Island to mainland Florida, the tourism business has grown significantly and is currently a major contributor to the Sanibel Island economy. This has raised concerns among residents that the pristine environment and many of the islands key aesthetic features could be compromised. As a result, several restrictions have been placed on the development of hotels and tourist attractions on the island. For example, new buildings can not exceed three stories in height, although such restrictions do not exist on similar Gulf islands, because residents do not want to obstruct island views. Also, buildings often must be constructed on stilts or with open first floors to minimize the risks of property damage in case the island experiences flooding."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the Yellow River or Huanghe is the second longest river in the world. The writer points out that the river rises in Tibet and journeys for 5,464 kilometers through North China. The writer discusses that the Yellow River is the source of life for Northern China, where 43% of the population lives. Further the writer points out that it is this river in China, which has been subjected to the strongest influence of human activities. With brisk economic spurts and the expansion of population along the River basin, the writer notes that waste water release has increased in unexpected and unprecedented levels.The writer discusses that today, the lack of adequate water supply, especially in the Yellow River region, is among China's biggest problems.
From the Paper "The Yellow River is the source of life for Northern China, where 43% of the population lives. Yet it has only 14% of the country's water supply. Cities and communities have crowded along the River, in the hope of partaking with the rewards of growth and prosperity. The national policy also encourages it. The threat of flooding has already characterized the River from the beginning. Recent conditions present a further threat to the River's capability of sustaining the overcrowding and its consequences. The region's major cities are growing rapidly. In Ningxia alone, centuries of irrigation have created an oasis. For centuries, its farmers have believed that the Yellow River is a great gift to them and viewed it as an endless resource. Water demand has risen in the area and air pollution has reportedly reached alarming levels. Today, the lack of adequate water supply, especially in the Yellow River region, is among China's biggest problems."
Abstract The paper provides a brief overview of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in China, the 1982 New Brunswick quake and the 1906 quake of San Francisco. The paper examines the intensity of the damage and how well the situation was handled. The paper shows how imminent warning for major earthquakes is critical in saving lives, especially in densely populated regions. The paper discusses, however, that although scientists are able to predict quakes based on fault lines, they are still unable to issue short-term predictions with any certainty.
From the Paper "Earthquakes have always been feared for their catastrophic effects and strike without much of a warning. Many recent earthquakes such as the El Salvador quake and the one that happened in India in 2001, and more recently the earthquake in Indian Ocean that triggered the devastating tsunami in Asia, have all proved that major earthquakes tend to be unpredictable in spite of the advanced scientific equipments used by seismologists. Though scientists now have knowledge about seismic faults and can predict where the next earthquake could occur they do not yet possess the knowledge to predict when the next 'big one will strike" [Sandra Blakeslee]"
Abstract This paper discusses specific examples of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. It discusses the latest eruptions and the latest earthquakes occurrences. The paper then describes the environmental and societal impacts that they caused both locally and around the world. Where possible, the paper also classifies the natural disaster and ranks it in history against other similar occurrences.
From the Paper "Mexico City quake of 1985 - This quake measured 8.1 on the Richter scale, and killed at least 9,000 people, but many Mexico City residents believe the real number was far higher, perhaps as high as 100,000. Nearly 500 buildings were destroyed, and 100,000 homes were lost. It also collapsed most of the area hospitals, leaving little health care for victims of the quake. This quake is probably the most devastating of all those on the North American continent discussed here."
"Shensi, China earthquake - Occurred in 1556, the worst killing an estimate 830,000 people, which was about 60 percent of the entire nation's population. It destroyed a 520-square mile area, and affected ten provinces. It was rated an 8 on the moment magnitude scale, and is known as the worst earthquake in history, and the fourth worst natural disaster of all time."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the Exxon Mobil Corporation, one of the major leaders in the global oil and gas industry today. The writer explains that today, Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration, production, transportation, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Further, the writer notes that the company also engages in the manufacture, transportation, and sale of petroleum products and petrochemicals, as well as participates in electric power generation. The writer concludes that when the perspectives in the research are applied to large concerns such as Exxon Mobil Corporation, they can help identify the rationale for some of the company's actions in recent years, and can help predict what courses of action they will likely take in the future.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background
Strategy as Rational Thought, Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
Strategy as Revolution (Disruptive Innovation)
Resource-Based View (RBV) of Exxon Mobil
Strategy as Technology Leadership Viewed as a Unique Competitive Advantage
Conclusion
From the Paper "Strategic planning, like any type of planning, involves establishes goals and identifying quantifiable objectives that can help an organization reach them. What perhaps best differentiates strategic planning from "seat-of-the-pants" or intuitive planning initiatives concerns how informed the decision-makers are concerning the environment in which the company competes. In some cases, strategic alliances with others may represent the best course of action for various reasons, while acquiring competitors also represents a viable alternative in many cases. Because every organization is unique, there cannot of course be a one-size-fits-all strategic approach that can be applied across the board to achieve successful outcomes to such planning processes, but there are some general guidelines that can be used to help companies recognize when one alternative is superior to another."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that in the not so distant past, schoolchildren all over the world learned that the planet farthest away from the sun in our solar system was Pluto. The writer relates that they learned mnemonic devices to remember the names of all nine planets, made models and mobiles, all with Pluto orbiting at the very end of their dioramas. The writer then describes that in August 2006, after many years of intense debate, astronomers declared that Pluto was officially not a planet. The writer maintains that perhaps the real question about the usefulness of the new definition of planet will not revolve around Pluto, however dearly the old model may still be cherished in our culture, but how the definition is useful in classifying new solar systems. The writer also points out that the question of roundness and what is meant by clearing one's orbit and other points of contention will continue to generate lively debate within the scientific community and in schools, whatever Pluto's official status.
From the Paper "To say that Pluto is suddenly not a planet though, of course, is somewhat incorrect, as Pluto has remained unchanged, rather it is the scientific definition and astronomer's perceptions (and voting patterns within the organization) that have shifted."
"Surprisingly, until 2006, astronomy textbooks never had a single, universally agreed-upon definition for the word planet, as the IAU had never established exactly what constitutes a planet, and set specific scientific standards. However, defining a planet, or any astronomical body is always extremely difficult, as the definition must be universally applicable, to all solar systems, not just our own."
Abstract In this essay, the writer relates that there are few dams in the world that have received the amount of attention that Hoover Dam has received since its construction years ago. The writer points out that, with an annual tourist draw of more than 1 million people, Hoover Dam is counted as one of the most visited tourist attractions in America. Standing at 762 feet the dam towers above the dry arid floor around it and generates power for more than 1 million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. This paper presents an extensive overview of Hoover Dam. The writer explores the construction, the benefits to society the dam provides and the future plans for the dam. The writer concludes that Hoover Dam continues to be respected as one of the great architectural designs in America's history.
Outline:
Introduction
Differences
History
Touring Options
The Building of the Dam
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are two dam tours available, one that lasts 30 minutes and another that lasts for an hour. The half hour tour provides information for a tour of up to 80 people and takes the participants into four different engineering areas. The second tour however, has room for 16 people because it asks them to don hard hats and go deeper into the dam to visit 10 additional sites of interest."
"The longer tour starts with an elevator ride that travels down more than 52 stories in length directly into the canyon wall. Once the elevator stops tourists walkthrough a long tunnel to the power plant where tour members are urged to put earplugs in before entering."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the Gobi Desert, which is one of the most striking natural phenomena in the world. The writer explains that it is the world's northernmost desert and home to the world's southernmost glacier in the Gobi's Yol Valley. The writer points out that the Gobi Desert is situated across the border between Mongolia and China. The writer notes that despite the general conception of a desert as full of sand, much of the Gobi desert is only barren rock. The writer concludes that as students we can look to the Gobi Desert as a unique source of knowledge about geography in one of the most extreme environments in the world. The writer notes that the Gobi Desert can provide the thoughtful researcher with a wealth of information about how landscapes are shaped and manipulated by almost purely natural forces.
From the Paper "Many of the geographical features of the Gobi Desert were formed because of the effects of plate tectonics over millions of years. At one time, the Gobi Desert region was at the convergence of two tectonic plates, a fact that helped shape the unique geographic features of the region. More recently in geological terms, the Gobi Desert region has felt the effect of the Indian subcontinent tectonic plate moving northward into Asia. While this movement has had the immediate effect of driving the Himalayas upward, the pressure of this convergence has consistently spilled to the east and west. It has fractured the Gobi landscape and helped drive much of the region up into higher elevations. When we consider the major geologic and geographic features of the region, plate tectonics must be seen as a primary cause in their formation."
Abstract This paper examines the Republic of the Congo. It gives a brief overview of the history, geography, resources, economics and population make-up of the Republic of Congo. It also describes how the poverty of the nation has led to significant social and political turmoil in the land. The paper then focuses on the environmental issues that face the nation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Brief Overview
Population
Geography/Resources/Economy
Environmental Issues
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Congo is experiencing numerous environmental issues. Some of these issues include water pollution caused by the dumping of raw sewage, air pollution, and non-potable tap water. All of these issues are of the utmost concern because of the impact they have on both the people of the Congo and the overall environment. However the most serious environmental issue facing The Republic of Congo is Deforestation."
"This deforestation is occurring in the Congo Basin. According to Tsoumou (2007) the Congo Basin is the second largest rain forest in the world. The Congo Basin is composed of nearly 30 percent of the world's entire vegetation, and it covers an area of 470 million acres (Tsoumou 2007). The Congo basin serves as the habitat for nearly 400 mammal species; this is inclusive of the world's largest populations of lowland chimpanzees, gorillas, and forest elephants (Tsoumou 2007)."
Abstract The paper describes how the Los Angeles area is a juncture point for several seismic fault systems. The paper relates that the area experiences small earthquakes all the time and has experienced two large-scale destructive quakes in the past four decades. The paper discusses how until more is known about the forces and triggers involved, predicting earthquakes will not be effective.
From the Paper "Los Angeles and environs are transversed by numerous fault lines brought into existence by the pressures involved in the coming together of the huge tectonic plates underlying the earth's crust. The tensions in these faults build up over long periods of time to be released in an earthquake. The city has experienced two major earthquakes in the last 36 years after some 30 years of relative quiescence. Smaller earthquakes happen all the time, which may or may not reduce the pressure upon the system."
Abstract This paper discusses the geology of the Everglades and the development of the topography of the area. It describes how the Everglades in Florida is a major ecosystem and discusses the ways in which it provides benefits to all of the Southeast United States. It also discusses the geographic stability of the area, as well as the influences on the geology of the Everglades.
From the Paper "During this process, sediments from the Appalachian and other inland highlands came east and southward in streams to be deposited on the faulted continental margin, a process that buried the margin under a wedge thousands of feet thick made up of layered sedimentary and volcanic debris. Most Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary rock layers are today found beneath much of the coastal plain, and the fringing continental shelf is nearly horizontal or tilts gently toward the sea ("Atlantic Plain Province" paras. 7-8)."
This paper discuses the geological history of Joshua Tree National Park, located within the Transverse Ranges Province near Riverside County, California.
Abstract This paper explains that the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park are several mountain ranges including a quadrangle underlain by a basement terrane comprising Proterozoic metamorphic rocks, Mesozoic plutonic rocks, and Mesozoic or Cenozoic hypabyssal dikes. The author points out that, even in arid climates such as Joshua Tree National Park, water and wind are the key dynamic as far as erosion of rock is concerned; however, what is seen today in this park is a collection of relict features inherited from an earlier time of higher rainfall and lower temperatures. The paper stresses that the park, located just east of the San Andreas fault zone, is crisscrossed with hundreds of faults from ancient and recent earthquakes, which can be viewed and clearly understood by an alert visitor to the park.
From the Paper "On June 28, 1992, the largest earthquake to have hit the contiguous United States in 40 years hit the Joshua Tree National Park area - a 7.3 Richter Scale shaker. It was called the Landers Earthquake Sequence; it was the result of a "right-lateral shear on five major faults," according to an article in the journal "Science". The earthquake was generated in an 80-kilometer-wide swath of seismically active faults along the southern part of the eastern California "shear zone" - of which Joshua Tree is a part."
Abstract The paper explains that the Florida blue crab is a major sea product and an annual sporting catch. The paper describes the nature of the animal, gender differences, means of reproduction, methods for catching the crab, methods of preparation and its economic importance.
From the Paper "The Florida Blue Crab is identified by the color of the claws, and male and female can be told apart by the color as well. Male crabs have blue claws all the way along their length, while female crabs have red tips. The crab is classified as Callinectes sapidus Rathbun and comes as both a hard-shell and a soft-shell crab. This is a very important seafood product, the most important after the lobster. The color is a variation of green shakes, with the legs being the bright blue that gives the crab its name. The species is found from Cape Cod south to Florida and around the Gulf of Mexico to the Mississippi."
Tags: Callinectes, sapidus, Rathbun, seafood, shell, life, cycle, species
Abstract The paper discusses how the use of fossil fuels is a threat to sustainability if current usage patterns continue to harm the environment and rely on an uncertain long-term supply. The paper looks at the use of coal and relates that there is an increased potential to exploit this abundant resource in a manner that is sustainable, produces minimal harm to the environment and meets growing energy demands until non fossil fuel energy resources can be developed. The paper discusses potential source material for this research.
Outline:
The Potential of Coal for Meeting Future Energy Needs
Research Guide: Probing the Issue
Potential Biases: Navigating Personal Values and Issues
Potential Source Material for This Research
From the Paper "One of the most significant environmental issues affecting long-term sustainability is the world's extensive energy use. Despite claims that the world is dependent on oil, the situation is much more pervasive than that. In fact, modern societies are entirely dependent on energy. Fossil fuels are one of the most effective energy resources that civilization currently exploits. Technology and infrastructure for utilizing these resources are far more extensive than for any other kind of energy resource, currently making fossil fuels the preferred choice."
