Abstract This paper looks at the economic and environmental effects of the Hurricane Andrew, comparing it to other hurricanes throughout the United States.
From the Paper In August of 1992, hurricane Andrew swept through Florida and Louisiana causing more than 26 billion dollars in damage and claiming the lives of more than 60 people. Hurricane Andrew was by no means the largest hurricane to hit the United States, but what it lacked in size it made up for tenfold in power, making hurricane Andrew the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history ("Florida", Encarta Online; Rappaport).
Abstract This paper addresses where the world's water sources are located, what classes of contaminants are found in drinking water, how it is processed to become safe for human consumption, and lastly, special attention is given to the problem of lead in drinking water.
From the Paper "The type of water we generally use in human activities is freshwater. Only 3% of the world's water supply is freshwater and two-thirds of that is frozen, forming the polar ice caps, glaciers, and icebergs. The remaining 1% of the total world water supply is freshwater available as either surface water or ground water; ground water accounts for two-thirds of this amount. Surface water is water that is visible above the ground surface, such as creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Ground water is water that either fills the spaces between soil particles or penetrates the cracks and spaces within rocks. Most people get their water from ground water sources. Roughly 9 out of every 10 public water systems. Public water systems operate wells to tap ground water and just over half of the total population served by Public water system drinks water from a ground water source. Millions more get their water from private wells which also tap ground water sources. Ground water systems tend to serve smaller numbers of people, while surface water systems generally serve large populations. The quantity and quality of the world's water supply depends on how we choose to use water. Our use can be consumptive, which means that the water is not returned to nature (such as drinking water), or noncomsumptive. Nonconsumptive use returns water, polluted or not, to the system. Creating hydroelectric power is an example of nonconsumptive use. "
Abstract This paper looks at the numerous theories that have been presented over time regarding the reason for dinosaur extinction. The author discusses explanations such as a sudden catastrophic event, like a meteor hitting the earth or a volcanic eruption, and also slow, environmental causes like global warming or shifting plate tectonics.
From the Paper "First, around the time of the mass extinction of the dinosaurs there was a global climate change. During this time, the environment changed from the warm and mild one present in the Mesozoic era to the cooler one of the Cenozoic. Second, evidence exists to support a massive terrestrial disturbance at the end of the Cretaceous period that included soot in the air, acid rain, the emission of poisonous gases, and a cooling similar to that of a nuclear winter. This terrestrial disturbance caused periods of darkness on the earth as well as a global greenhouse effect. Third, the dinosaurs were only one species that became extinct during this time. According to scientific evidence, approximately 60 percent of all species below the line of the K-T boundary did not exist above that line."
Abstract An examination of Milankovitch's theory which links the climate to seasonal and latitudinal variations in the solar energy received by the Earth. Through this theory we are given a better understanding of this time period. Criticism of the theory is also discussed and problems analyzed.
From the Paper "An ice age is a cool period in Earth history, where much of the Earth's land surface is covered by ice. What is most relevant here is that an ice age is defined by the lower temperatures, with the ice a symptom of this. An ice age then, can be defined as a period when climatic changes produce lower temperatures, which in turn cause the Earth to be covered by large sheets of ice."
Abstract This paper discusses the phenomena of the volcano. It describes the constituent elements of lava and the different kinds of lava that exist. It analyzes how the lava is ejected from the volcano and the effect it has on the surrounding environment.
From the Paper "The makeup of magma determines how it moves, and magma with less than 55 percent silica (basalt) flows easily, while magma with more than 70 percent silica (rhyolite) flows with greater difficulty. Low-viscosity basaltic lava involves the rapid escape of gas which produces fountains of incandescent lava in blobs and drops. Such magma is often fluid enough when it reaches the ground to coalesce and form lava flows. The more high-viscosity rhyolite lava is such that gas cannot readily escape unless there is sufficient pressure. "
Abstract The paper details the similarities between Earth and Mars explaining that Mars once had its own water cycle. The paper explains what an asteroid is and asserts that asteroids probably destroyed Mars. It speculates whether an asteroid can destroy Earth and discusses ways to prevent this from happening.
From the Paper "A billion or so years ago, a frozen lake covered the plains that were alive. Most of the other volcanoes had stopped spewing gases, the temperature and atmospheric pressure on Mars were so low that ice from the lake surface sublimated. These formed into vapor without melting as water. The water vapor formed clouds that dropped snow onto the volcano's slopes. The volcano's magma chamber warmed the slopes enough to melt the bottom layers of the deep snow pack."
Abstract This paper begins by providing a brief geological history of the mountain, seperating it into nine different periods. It then examines various lava types found in the area. The paper moves to modern day when the first actual threat was realized for eruption. It discusses the process of eruption and the different types of blast - lateral blast (direct blast zone, channelized blast zone, seared zone); vertical blast and pyroclastic flows. It concludes with an analysis of the aftermath and its effect on wildlife in the area.
From the Paper "On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen's in southwestern Washington erupted with a massive explosion. Leading up to this day was increasingly intense earthquake activity. There were also lots of relatively weak eruptions and many locations of minuet gas discharge. The devastating impact of the suddenly unleashed volcanic energy caused the worst volcanic and geological disaster in the recorded history of the United States."
Abstract This paper examines and compares the advantages and disadvantages of bottled and tap water, both for the economy and for the consumer. The paper also examines the effects of both types on the environment, looks at the alternatives to bottled water and discusses the opinions of several experts on the subject.
From the Paper "There are several alternatives to drinking bottled water. The main alternative is just adding a water filter to your main sink. The water filter will eliminate most of the chlorine and other chemical aftertaste that is prevalent in tap water currently. A water filter will cost approximately $100, but in the long term will save plenty of money, considering that the average family pays $90 a month for home delivery of water. Water does not nearly compare to the minerals found in fruit juices, which sell for approximately the same price. Another alternative is another drink that does not contain calories like unsweetened tea, which is also more nutritious than water. There are several other options that are more nutritious, and as affordable as bottled water."
Abstract This paper examines the topic of ocean tides, the periodic rise and fall of the ocean waters due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the surface of the earth. It looks at what causes tides, what are high and low tides, the different types of tides, the phenomenon of tidal currents and waves, the effect of tides on the coastlines and on fishing and how tides can be harnessed for energy. It also discusses other areas in which knowledge of tidal data can prove useful.
Outline
What Causes Tides?
High and Low Tides
Lunar and Solar Tides
Tidal Period
Spring and Neap Tides
Diurnal, Semi-Diurnal and Mixed Tides
Effect of Tides on Coastlines
Effect of Tides on Fishing
Tides in Gulf of Mexico and the Texas Gulf Coast Regions
Tidal Energy
Other Applications
From the Paper "The gravitational force of the earth at its surface acts in an inward direction towards its center. This force keeps the ocean (and other) waters confined to the surface. At the same time, the gravitational force of the moon and the sun exert an outward pull on the surface of the earth. Since the earth solid surface is a rigid body, it remains relatively unaffected by this ?pull.? However, the ocean waters, being liquid and less rigid, are physically pulled outwards towards the moon and the sun by their gravitational force. This outward pull is not uniform over the earth's surface since the gravitational force of the moon (or the sun) acts on the side of the earth facing it. Hence "high tide" is produced in the ocean waters by the "heaping" action resulting from the horizontal flow of water towards regions of the earth facing the moon or the sun."
Abstract This paper explains that synthetic diamonds have the same unique qualities as natural diamonds, hardness, density, superlative strength, and thermal conductivity. The author points out that synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory, avoiding the high costs of mining, transportation, foreign taxes, and tariff issues. The paper relates that the future of synthetic diamonds is limitless, especially their use as radiation sensors, light emitters, and unwettable coatings.
From the Paper "In addition to the time saved, there is also a cost issue. Natural diamonds are produced in a limited number of countries, including Australia, Botswana, Russia, and Congo Republic. There is only one mine found in the United States. Since Americans are the consumers of over 50 percent of the world's diamonds, this produces a costly problem. The costs of mining in foreign countries are high. According to De Beers mine, a leading producer of natural diamonds in South America, 250 tons of ore would need to be excavated to find one stone that would be large enough to equal a one-carat diamond."
Abstract This paper discusses some of the strange disappearances that have taken place in the geographic area known as the Bermuda Triangle and explores the different theories that have been asserted to explain these disappearances.
From the Paper "A variety of grim nicknames have been used to describe this area of the Atlantic Ocean over the past forty years, such as: the Devil's Triangle, the Hoodoo Sea and the Limbo of the Lost. The most commonly used name, the Bermuda Triangle, was coined by researcher and author Vincent Gaddis in 1964 in his article, "The Deadly Bermuda Triangle"."
Abstract This paper discusses how the tourism industry should respond to high risk travel destinations. The paper explains how the hurricane season devastated much of the tourism industry in the United States. The paper focuses on Hurricane Katrina which affected tourism in areas outside the Gulf region. The paper explores the economic impact on tourism, its closely tied convention industry and a call for tourism security.
From the Paper "These stark figures focus on New Orleans, however, Hurricane Katrina's economic impact on tourism reaches far and wide. Mississippi has lost $2.8 billion in travel spending, while Alabama needs to recoup $2 billion in lost tourism revenue. Diane Mosson is the director of Unpackaged Holidays in Birmingham, England has experienced the economic realities on the tourism trade across the Atlantic. Britons visit New Orleans as one of their favorite tourist destinations. She is dismayed by the paralysis of tour bus operations as well as the smaller cruise operations. (Mosson 1)"
Abstract This paper explains the definition of acid rain which is created mainly by man made pollutants invading the air and its disastrous effect on the environment. The writer of this paper details the effects of acid rain on animals, marine life, lakes, streams and forests while stressing the importance of controlling the spread of this environmentally hazardous phenomenon while examining the different methods currently being used to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants. Includes graphs.
From the Paper "The Ph of rain is dropping because we add tremendous amounts of material to the air. Some of this is in the form of particles and is pulled back to the earth by gravity, but water-soluble gases such as sulfur dioxide mix with the moisture in the atmosphere and return to the Earth as rain or snow. This return to Earth is called "deposition." (Gordon, 2002) The dust particles can leech into the soil, changing the nutrients available in our forests. One source for these extra elements in the air and precipitation is fossil fuels, fuels such as oil and coal. These fuels release significant amounts of both sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, which become part of our rain and snow."
Abstract This paper examines two instances of ecosystem development--one instance being primary succession, the other instance being secondary succession--and explores how abiotic and biotic factors can create and/or perpetuate a ecological system. The paper concludes briefly by looking at the various mechanisms which hinder or help an ecosystem recover after a catastrophic event.
From the Paper "In our course textbook there are two especially interesting illustrations. The first of these depicts primary succession on a glacial moraine in Glacier Bay, Alaska. In this instance, the barren, rocky landscape is colonized by lichens and mosses and shrubs. Afterwards, dwarf trees and more mature shrubs emerge and then spruces come to predominate. In the second illustration, we are confronted with secondary succession in North Carolina wherein, after one year after cultivation, there is the emergence of crabgrass and then the subsequent emergence of annual and perennial weeds. A few years later, pine seedlings and saplings develop and these are followed by young pine forest and by the developing "under-story" of hardwoods. Finally, 150 years after the field was first abandoned, there is a mature hardwood forest present."
Abstract This paper differentiates between the dangerous slab avalanche, and the often harmless powder avalanche. It explains what weather conditions contribute to the worst avalanches. It also examines the significant impacts avalanches have on the environment and shows certain preventative techniques to protect and limit the damages and deaths caused by avalanches.
From the Paper "There are two types of avalanches; powder avalanches and slab avalanches. In very cold, dry weather, light powdery snow grains don"t stick together. If this snow is pushed down the slope, it forms a powder avalanche, which swirls along like an enormous white cloud. Normally these avalanches aren"t that dangerous as there isn?t much snow in them, they are also easy to get away from, most of the time. The slab avalanche is the most dangerous, and causes the most damage. A slab avalanche starts off as a solid chunk of frozen snow about the size of a soccer field and about 30 feet thick ( McClung, David and Schaerer, Peter, 129). It usually forms on sunny days that are followed by frosty nights and snow that melts and freezes again. These slabs are cracked, commonly by the edge of a ski, and break into many different thick pieces that haul down the slope, taking out whatever is in its path."
