Abstract The paper defines "Karstification" and explains how it is formed. The paper further discusses the climate, the geomorphic features and the structural characteristics that are necessary for its occurrence and stresses the value, and importance of such a process.
Outline:
Process involved in Creating and Altering Karst Formations
Hydrologic Recharging Systems for Developing and Maintaining Limestone Caves
The Value of Limestone Caves Created by Karstification
From the Paper "Why are limestone caves created by karstification important? First, those who study cave ecology consider them to be arks of biodiversity (Clements 2006). They have a particularly high percentage of endemic species due to the special habitat conditions formed by the chemistry and geology of karst caves. From West Virginia to Ireland and all over the world, these types of caves develop entire interdependent systems of insects, vertebrates, amphibians, and mammals in a delicate balance of darkness, humidity, and temperature. For instance in the Appalachians, these limestone caves are home to a wider variety of aquatic and terrestrial cave species than any other subterranean landscape in the world. Creatures have adapted over thousands of generations to life in total darkness, and their need for protection or escape seems to have diminished .
Abstract This paper takes a look at the geology of the Ukraine. It points out that the dearth of centralized information on the geological resources and history of the Ukrainian region is striking. The purpose of this survey is to discuss some of the larger and more sweeping points related to the geological nature of Ukraine, including some of the geological history of the region, the dominant natural resources, and some of its more significant natural features. The paper concludes that the major geological features of Ukraine reveal the incredible depth of influence that ancient geological forces have had on the manifestation of modern Ukraine.
From the Paper "Ukraine is the second largest nation in Europe, boasting 233,090 square miles of territory. Located in Eastern Europe, it was once part of the former Soviet Union. Much of the country consists of fertile steppe land--in fact, it was one of the primary grain producing regions of the former Soviet Union. In addition, the Carpathian Mountains lie partially in the nation, to the west, and the Crimean Mountains run along the extreme southern edge of Ukraine (Bilocerkowycz). The entire region is rich in geological history, with a number of intriguing features that highlight the uniqueness of Ukraine and its geology."
Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to provide an analysis of the pseudorca crassidens, phocoenoides dalli, and Cephalorhynchus eutropia. Information about the phylum, class, order, family and genus, as well as background information and the effects of human interaction are provided for each species. Because the effects of pollution are similar for all three species and marine life in general, the paper closes by providing a section dedicated to pollution and its effects on these species, marine life in general and human beings.
Outline:
Introduction
Pseudorca Crassidens - False Killer Whale Species
Effects of Pollution
Effects of Human Interactions
Efforts to Control Pollution or Humanitarian Efforts
Phocoenoides Dalli - Dalli's Porpoise
Background on Species
Effects of Human Interactions
Efforts to Control Pollution or Humanitarian Efforts
Cephalorhynchus Eutropia
Background on Species
Effects of Human Interactions
Efforts to Control Pollution or Humanitarian Efforts
Effects of Pollution on Marine Life
From the Paper "Pseudorca crassidens are not a species of dolphin that humans tend to hunt for commercial purposes, thus they live is slightly less influenced by human interaction than other species. However, many are caught as "bycatch" most commonly in places that allows "long-line fishing" (MarineBio.org, 2007). Some believe however, despite the fact that these dolphins or marine mammals are not hunted specifically, may be "genetically extinct, with less than 80 or so species found off the coast of Hawaii" where these mammals typically swim and linger (MarineBio.org, 2007). Because of the lack of genetic diversity there is some risk for mutations, which ultimately will lead to their demise. At this point there is little humans can do to correct past wrongs to remedy this situation. "
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that ExxonMobil is currently the world's leader in the petrochemical industry and its business operations are expanded onto the six continents, with a presence in nearly 200 countries. The corporation activates through three major business segments: upstream, downstream and chemicals. They encounter competition from both national as well as international oil and natural gas extractors, the most important ones being English BP, American Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell. The writer notes that the corporation has a strong culture and values their people and customers alike. THe writer maintains that understanding the true importance of energy, ExxonMobil strives to constantly improve their technologies and increase the efficiency of their operations as to serve the population's needs, but also protect the environment. The writer discusses that even though they face fierce competition and major criticism from environmental organizations, ExxonMobil remains the strongest company in its sector. The paper presents a SWOT analysis and financial analysis of the company and includes graphs and charts.
From the Paper "ExxonMobil has a long expertise in the field of extracting natural gas and oils and providing the population with the necessary energy. They conduct business in almost 200 countries and they have learnt how to become increasingly adaptable to the particular needs of each country and each served population. In addition to their vast expertise, the corporation conducts business in an efficient and effective manner, being led by the highest professionals. The management has implemented a wide series of regulations of corporate conduct, which ensure that the corporate objectives are being reached in a professional and safe manner.
"Another strength derives from the wide series of operations conducted, the products and services offered to the customers, including the upstream, downstream and chemical operations.
"Yet another strength of ExxonMobil derives from the corporate culture they implement in regard to their human resource. As such, the Texas based company cherishes and values their employees, regarding them as the company's most valuable asset and the only path to reaching organizational goals. In order to prove their cherishing of the staff, the company offers them a long array of financial and non-financial incentives."
Abstract The paper relates that silica is an extremely important component in many industries, including the construction, pharmaceutical, cosmetic chemical and computer industries. The paper explains its special qualities, notably that it withstands sudden changes in temperature. The paper discusses how the inhalation of fine silica dust in large enough quantities can lead to the disease of silicosis and addresses the common safety measures. The paper also looks at the specific storage and transport requirements for inert silica.
Outline:
Introduction and Overview
Usage
Safety, Storage and Worker Protection
From the Paper "This substance was discovered in 1824 by the Swedish chemist Jons Jakob Berzelius. (SILICON or SILICA) It has an atomic number of fourteen and has various metallic characteristics. An important fact is that silica is never found in its natural state but as a silicate ion (SiO4), combined with oxygen. (SILICON or SILICA). It is found in silica-rich rocks such as obsidian, granite, diorite, and sandstone. Feldspar and quartz are the most significant silicate minerals. (SILICON or SILICA). Silica is also be found in "... skeletal parts of various protists and animals, such as certain sarcodines ...diatoms , and sponges , and in the stems and other tissue of higher plants" ( Silica)."
Abstract This paper states that identifying opportunities for improvements in existing techniques in mine safety represents a timely field of endeavor. The paper then provides a review of the relevant peer-reviewed, scholarly and organizational literature to develop an overview of the various types of sensors currently being used in rescue operations when looking for trapped miners, including gas sensors, heat detectors, pressure gauges and new camera technologies. A discussion of how these technologies are currently deployed as well as what mining experts recommend for the use of these technologies is followed by an assessment of their environment impact. A summary of the research and recommendations for further directions in future research are provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Regulation and Oversight of Mines in the United States
Historic Incidence of Disasters and Incidents in U.S. MinesInnovations in Mine Safety Technology
Environmental Considerations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Given the enormity of the impact of existing mining operations on the environment, the introduction of the foregoing technologies is considered virtually benign in comparison. Indeed, none of the innovations in technology described in the literature were deemed to have a significant impact on the environment in general, but these technologies were considered to contribute a great deal to the safety of the mining workplace in particular, especially to the extent that devices such as gas and pressure sensors are preinstalled in mines."
Abstract The paper outlines the background and history of motorcycle clubs and looks at these clubs today. The paper relates that most clubs are law abiding and enjoy good relations with their local communities.
Outline:
Background and History
Modern Motorcycle Clubs
Positive Community Relations
Conclusion
From the Paper "After the end of World War II in 1945, hundreds of thousands of American GIs began the process of re-assimilating into American society after an absence of up to four years in many cases. Initially, their resources were limited and some of the most economical private motorized transportation choices were surplus military equipment, including first issue Jeeps and motorcycles, particularly Harley Davidsons used as staff vehicles during the war."
Abstract This paper discusses Mount Vesuvius and its previous eruptions and the ongoing seismic monitoring in the region which is aimed at predicting when the next eruption will take place. The author provides a detailed description of an eruption, and explains that although scientists know what to expect in case of an eruption, it is much harder to forecast when exactly it will take place. Emergency evacuation plans are based on advance notice of several days, but there is a real possibility of a large eruption from Vesuvius with very little advance warning or time to evacuate the region, including the city of Naples. The author concludes that a much more effective plan must be developed and implemented to assure that the public can be moved out in time.
From the Paper "Before the eruption, there were warning signs that were ignored or not correctly interpreted. Seven years before, there had been a major earthquake that had destroyed large parts of the city, which were still being rebuilt when the eruption came. A small earthquake earlier in August had shaken the town, and wells had gone dry. The only written report of an eyewitness came from Pliny the Younger, who saw a cloud of unusual size, a cloud that resembled the umbrella pine tree. This cloud was actually a column of hot gas mixed with tons of rock and ash, reaching skyward to about twenty miles. As the column cooled, it rained down in the form of ash, covering Pompeii. Those remaining behind in the city tried to flee and were often encased in ash as they ran, creating death statues that have been excavated from the ruins."
Abstract The paper evaluates some of the predominant methods of remediation of chromium contaminated sites. The paper notes that the methods employed are divided into two types: removal from the soil (in which various chemical extractants are used to flush chromium from the site) or immobilization in the soil (in which reducing agents are used to break down dangerous forms of chromium). The paper examines several of the more promising methods of remediation currently being employed, and concludes with a discussion and analysis of the methods in terms of their real-world applicability.
From the Paper " Chromium contamination, especially contamination of Cr(VI), is a significant environmental hazard. It will have a significant effect on the quality of the soil and the quality of the groundwater. Because of this, it is very important that effective and practical remediation techniques be developed that can chemically remove or immobilize the presence of chromium at the site. After briefly examining some of the methods currently being developed, which can be roughly divided into extractive versus immobilization techniques, there seems to be demonstrable promise in the possibility of cleaning up chromium-contaminated sites."
Abstract The paper analyzes the positions of two researchers who are opposed on their views of climate change. The paper specifically considers their positions in light of several significant differences the two have, primarily on the issue of computer modeling. The paper notes that S. Fred Singer, an atmospheric physicist at George Mason University, when referring to global warming, argues that "the scenarios are alarmist, computer models reflect real gaps in climate knowledge, and future warming will be inconsequential or modest at most". The paper comments that the opposer is Tom Wigley, a climatologist and senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research who commands a wide array of evidence to support his claims regarding climate change. The paper considers the position of each on the issues of computer modeling and the potential impact of climate change, drawing on outside research to demonstrate which position has the greater likelihood of being correct.
From the Paper "The issue is that when we are dealing with models that work on systemic averages, there is a certain degree of uncertainty and ambiguity built into the model itself. Climate change skeptics like Singer immediately prey upon this uncertainty. He argues that the models are too ambiguous and seemingly contra-dictory to warrant our support. Different models produced by different scientists to account for different data sets cannot even necessarily agree on the same things, therefore the models cannot be trusted. Singer even goes so far as to im-ply that we cannot trust the scientists who construct these models because they could tweak the models to produce the results they want, seemingly in order to impress their climate change colleagues and ensure funding for other projects. Of course, such a claim borders on slanderous and cannot be rightfully considered a mark in favor of Singer's position. Wigley responds generally, "Cooking the books would be a concern if that was what scientists were apt to do. But I don't think scientists generally behave that way". In fact, if we accept that scientists will do anything to ensure their next paycheck, then the integrity of the scientific process is lost and claims by all scientists--Singer in-cluded--cannot be trusted."
Abstract The paper explains how the hydrologic cycle is fundamental for the overall health of the environment and the quality of the earth's water supplies. The paper then discusses the situation in Florida and emphasizes the importance of taking steps to conserve the water resources that are available, protecting the quality of Florida's aquifers and practicing good waste management techniques. The paper provides a glossary that contains key definitions for some of the terms important in the study of water management issues both in Florida and throughout the world.
Outline:
Introduction: The Hydrologic Cycle
Issues in Water Management
The Situation and Circumstances in Florida
Steps to Better Manage the Water Supply
Glossary
From the Paper "The hydrologic cycle is the process by which water moves through the environment. Surface water evaporates or transpires from surface collections and plants to condense in the atmosphere as clouds. Those clouds release precipitation that falls back to the Earth. Some of that water percolates through the surface and charges underground deposits of water. The hydrologic cycle consists of the passage of water through the environment in different states in response to environmental conditions. The hydrologic cycle includes processes such as storage as ice/snow, precipitation, infiltration, ground water storage, ocean storage, evaporation, condensation, evapo-transpiration, surface runoff, springs, and sublimation (Cervone, "Florida Aquifers"; "Hydrologic Cycle"; Perlman)."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of nuclear waste. The paper specifically discusses the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nevada and the opposition to the development of this project.
From the Paper "Nuclear waste has been a growing problem since the spread of nuclear power plants in the 1950s and 1960s. The power plants rely on radioactive rods to generate nuclear power, and when the rods are spent, they are still highly radioactive, and must be stored somewhere. Currently, the spent rods are stored around the country in many different storage facilities, but for safety, the government wants to consolidate the storage in a remote facility built especially to handle large amounts of nuclear waste. While the idea sounds plausible, there have been numerous problems with the site chosen for the storage facility since its inception. "
Abstract This paper studies the geological features of Napa Valley in California in regards to grape-growing conditions, for wine making. It gives a short history of the natural occurrences ranging from volcanic eruptions to plate tectonics that form Napa Valley's foundation today and explains why Napa Valley is ideally suited for the production of quality wines.
Outline:
Geology and soil
Bedrock
Topography
Climate
Conclusion
From the Paper "Naturally, the topography of Napa Valley has a significant influence on the region's climate, which can vary significantly by location, season, and time of day. As mentioned earlier, the coastal Mayacamas mountains affect the climate in other areas of Napa Valley. The Mayacamas can be cool and wet, receiving the chilling winds and moisture from the Pacific. On the other hand, they block cool air and humidity from reaching the Vacas range, which is warmer and dryer as a result. In essence, Napa Valley serves as a buffer between the cool coastal regions of Northern California and the hotter Vacas range. It can grow high- and low-humidity grapes within miles of each other."
Abstract The paper discusses a study that researches and examines the German geographer, Alexander Humboldt. The paper by means of biographical literature, reviews the study of the contributions that Humboldt made to, as well as the influences that Humboldt has upon, modern geographical theory.
Outline:
Purpose of the Study
Introduction
Humboldt's Quest for the Tropics
Humboldt and Topographical Map Development
Humboldt Traveler, Naturalist, Geologist...
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work entitled: "Scientific Findings of Alexander Von Humboldt's Expedition into the Spanish-American Tropics (1799-1804) From a Geographical Point of View" states: "Alexander von Humboldt's expedition from 1799 till 1804 to the "equinoctial regions of the new world" led through Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico. In Europe, an increased knowledge of the "New World" was connected with the privately funded journey, which served purely scientific purposes and had nothing to do with the exploration and exploitation of natural resources. Besides the research results, which were based on new measuring methods and the quantitative ascertainment of scientific basics, the journey also made possible detailed descriptions in matters of regional studies including social, socio-economic, political, and economic-geographic circumstances, which were based on empirical field studies."
Abstract The paper compares the natural disasters of New Orleans and South Africa in terms of survival statistics in relation to their effect on children in terms of symptomatic trauma, interventions and resources in rebuilding the urban places after the disaster. The paper examines both South Africa and New Orleans to analyze what could have been done to mitigate some of the damage inflicted in these two instances and further to envision what might be done in retrospect to strengthen the response of humanitarian efforts at times of natural disasters. The paper includes a map and tables.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Disaster Assessment of South Africa & New Orleans
Flooding Greatest Risk in South Africa and New Orleans
Findings of Risk Assessment
Disaster Mitigation Requires 'Spirit of the Law' Application
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Those most affected were individuals who lived in homes that were constructed poorly. Identification of areas and communities that were affected had no uniformity. The results show that some communities received relief while others did not. Relief agencies were not well represented insofar as informing these individuals of what relief they were entitled to with many failing to miss such relief funding as Social Security for water-damaged property replacement. The report states: "...In these communities, rain or flood-affected households managed their losses alone or, in the case of many farm-workers residing on farms, repaired their homes with the farmer's assistance."
