Abstract This paper presents a discussion on two volcanic mountains. The author of this paper explores facets and facts about Mount Saint Helen and Mount Rainier and compares and contrasts them to each other.
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the process of predicting tornadoes. The use of technologies such as Doppler radar and Optical Transient Detectors is discussed, as are meteorological indicators of tornado formation in supercell storms.
Abstract This paper looks at the controversial issue of climatic change. In particular, it develops the question of if and why earth's climate is changing? The roles of man, naturally occurring trends, and earth's cycles are considered, and an outlook for what can be expected in the near and distant future is given.
Abstract This paper will address the formation of the Grand Canyon through geological processes, focusing mainly on erosion. It will then address the human interventions with the canyon, from its discovery to modern day. Again, most of the focus will be on water control, as well as a detrimental population increase in the number of tourists.
Abstract This paper will discuss the book "The 13th Element: The Sordid Tale of Murder, Fire and Phosphorus" by John Emsley and seek to review this book on the history of the element Phosphorus. The book reveals many fascinating facts about the many different uses of this common element.
Abstract This paper will discuss the evolution of the Earth, with a brief explanation of how this process was started and how it continues. By understanding the growing process of the Earth structural growth, we can get a good look at the geological proof it has to offer. In the many faceted view of the Earth's history in geology, the growth of the planet can explain many structural changes involved.
Abstract This paper will look at the coin of climate change, where on the one side the human impact on the earth will be shown, and on the other, the impact of earth on man. Such a study is inevitably somewhat polemical, as it is still open to debate what the precise effects of man have and will be on climate change, and also what climate change will mean to man. It will also be quite general in analysis, as a paper of this scope can allow no more. What will be made clear, nevertheless, is that the relationship between man and earth is clearly changing. More specifically, man is outgrowing the earth. If the relationship is to continue indeed prosper then a new balance needs to be found. The issue of climate change holds one important key to this balance.
Abstract The paper looks at the role of asteroid impact on the extinction of the dinosaurs and the Great Dying of the Permian period. It looks at direct and indirect physical evidence.
From the Paper "he article under review is titled "Repeated Blows: Did Extraterrestrial Collisions Capable of Causing Widespread Extinctions Pound the Earth Not Once, But Twice-Or Even Several Times." It was published in the March 2002 issue of the Scientific American...."
Abstract This paper discusses how crude oil has proved to be one of the most versatile forms of energy and how man has used this fundamental law of energy conversation to make life easier for himself and the community at large. It explores the topic of gasoline from its refining to its conservation and, in particular, the factors affecting its ever-changing price and the economy.
Outline
Introduction
Information About Crude Oil
Refining of Crude Oil in the United States and Worldwide
Workforce in the Petroleum Industry
The History of International Petroleum Pricing
The Achnacarry Agreement
The Rise of OPEC Power in the 70?s
Effect of Oil Price Increase on the U.S. Economy
Variables Affecting the Cost of Petroleum Products
Impact of Price Increase on the U.S. Economy
Impact of Petroleum Price Increase on the World Economy
Political Influence on Price Increase
Petroleum Product Transportation and Distribution
Petroleum and the Transportation Industry
Types of Fuel Used in the Transportation Industry
Fluctuating Fuel Prices in Recent Times
Impact of Prolonged Petroleum Use on the Economy
Conclusion
From the Paper "The high cost of oil production in the U.S. would also be impacted by the price decrease as a result of the additional capacity in Iraq. The U.S. producers would become uncompetitive and may eventually have to stop production of oil in current oil and gas-producing states of Alaska, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. The U.S. government may have to impose tariffs and taxes on imported oil in order to keep the local U.S. producers competitive. (Bartis, 2003) Oil exploration and distribution channels can cost billions of dollars to develop. This includes the location and identifying of oil wells, the size and capacity of the well, the type of geography of the area and the long-term potential of the oil well are all-important factors in the cost of the oil production set up for any oil well site. It takes time and effort from the identification of the oil well to the actual production of crude oil."
Abstract Western British Columbia is situated near an active subduction zone. The most densely populated part, the Lower Mainland, is actually sitting on the subduction zone. This paper explains that this dynamic geological setting subjects the region to frequent seismic activity and is, in large part, responsible for a higher risk of destructive earthquakes in comparison to other parts of Canada. While the principal city of Vancouver and its surroundings have not experienced a damaging earthquake so far, large earthquakes with nearby epicenters have been strongly felt, and there is paleoseismic evidence for very large earthquakes in the late Holocene. Hazards associated with earthquakes are discussed in detail, and recommendations are given on how to minimize the impacts of a megathrust earthquake and its accompanying hazards. Paper contains 6 figures and charts.
From the Paper "Western British Columbia is situated at a dynamic geological setting which causes it to be the most seismically active in Canada and makes it one of the few sites around the world capable of producing a megaquake of a magnitude of ~9. While such a quake has not hit the region in settled time, paleoseismic evidence, oral history traditions and Japanese records date such a quake as having occurred in 1700. There is also evidence which point to these megathrust events as happening at irregular intervals which range from 200 to 800 years. Vancouver lies at the north end of a seismically active region which extends down into Washington State and has its end south of the Puget Sound. Areas directly off the coast of Vancouver Island and all along the Juan de Fuca plate and Cascadia Subduction Zone are very seismically active. The impact of an earthquake over 6 in magnitude with an epicenter near the Lower Mainland would be devastating on the region, if it occurs off the coast of Vancouver Island, even greater damages would be incurred by tsunami. While new building codes to increase safety structures are due to be released in 2005, it may be too late, as a large quake could hit the region any time, and we have no way to predict such quakes."
Abstract This paper explains how there is proof that earth has been bombarded by meteors in the past. These meteors have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, provided iron to jump-started the Iron Age, and caused a crater in Arizona. The possibility of a 1 km-sized meteor striking Earth, or even Duluth for that matter, is slim. This paper discusses the possible ramifications of such an event in the future.
From the Paper "Earth is a target for destruction, but it's not aliens or terrorists who are planning its ruin. Meteors have assaulted the Earth ever since our home planet came into existence, and they continue to bombard the Earth with broken pieces from asteroids and comets. Some of these results have been disastrous, and some have furthered along human development. In my essay, I hope to show that these meteors have crash-landed on Earth in the past, that meteors do pose a threat to Earth, and evidence for the need for protection against them."
Abstract This paper looks at the potentially disastrous effects of the Tungurahua Volcano on the village of Banos, which lies on the foothills of the mountain. The paper discusses the risks for the inhabitants and plans and solutions that could save the town.
From the Paper "As of date, it has been nearly four years since the first of eruptions from the Volcano began spewing out ashes and poisonous smoke in the October of 1999. The authorities were swift to take action, and evacuated the entire population of the town of Banos, as well as all the adjoining areas to various shelters and larger cities to considerable distance from the volcano. In addition, all the roads and highways leading to the town of Banos, and villages at the foothills of the erupting volcano were sealed off for the public. Yet, the residents of Banos and villages wish to return to their homes, and after a brief confrontation with the authorities, villagers as well as townspeople were allowed to move back to their farms and homes, even though the heightened state of yellow alert is still in effect. (Dytt, 1929; Simkin, 1994; Ecuador Travel.Net, 2003)"
