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)"
Abstract This paper examines the background of wind power as an alternative energy source and how it can be applied in an urban setting today. This paper includes several colorful graphics and links to actual plans on how to construct a wind generator as an alternative energy source.
From the Paper "No one is absolutely certain when the power of the wind was first used by mankind. Certainly, the Egyptians were sailing barges on the Nile as long as 5,000 years ago. Simple wind machines were probably used for grinding grain in Persian 2,000 years ago, and windmills with cloth sails have been used in Crete for centuries to pump water (Dineen 17). Today, one of the best ways of using the wind's energy is to turn it into electricity (Cross 15). Windmills (and increasingly wind turbines) have been used for some time for produce electricity, but there are significant problems associated with the technology that limits its widespread use. This paper examines the background of wind power as an alternative energy source and how it can be applied in an urban setting today."
Abstract This paper on April 18, 1906, San Francisco, California was hit by one of the most devastating earthquakes recognized by man, affecting 430 kilometers of the famous San Andreas fault ranging from northwest of San Juan Bautista to Cape Mendocino, reducing the city into a pile of rubble. The author points out that casualties from the earthquake were severe, with almost 500 deaths in San Francisco and 166 deaths reported in surrounding areas; people wandered about in a state of devastation, shock, helplessness, and sorrow, and thousands were evacuated by the Navy from the city in what was one of the largest evacuations in history. The paper reports that seismology has led to predictions about earthquakes in other areas in the U.S., including Boston and other regions of the East Coast and middle America.
Table of Contents
Geology of the Earthquake
The Human Toll and Economy
Rebuilding a Great City
From the Paper "The total length of the earthquake was felt for about 290 miles, the largest ever recorded. The magnitude of the earthquake was estimated between 7.7 and 7.9. Because seismology and the study of earthquakes were limited during the early 1900s, an accurate assessment of the magnitude is not possible. There are some accounts that suggest that the earthquake was as great as 8.3, but these are largely unproven. Before this earthquake, little scientific effort was dedicated to seismic research. After the earthquake however scientists took an active interest in the area of seismography and government issued investigations into earthquakes became quite commonplace."
An analysis of two types of tanks used for storage of liquids, above-ground storage tanks (AST) and underground storage tanks (UST), with a focus on the need for maintenance.
Abstract This paper discusses the maintenance required for the upkeep of liquid storage tanks. The paper explains that these tanks need to be inspected, repaired, and tested prior to usage. In the U.S. for example, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the American Petroleum Institute (API), determine the guidelines by which tank farms have to be managed. The paper contends that fear of leaks and contamination of the ground water and the subsequent ground water, oil clean-up has resulted in the creation of extensive and detailed guidelines by which these tanks have to be maintained to prevent any failures.
From the Paper "Ever since crude oil was first successfully drilled in the U.S. in Titusville, Pennsylvania, in 1859, the demand for oil has only been increasing over the years in countries all over the world. (Camden, 1883) Crude oil is not used in the extracted form; but it is refined to obtained products such as gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), naphtha, kerosene, gas-oil and fuel oil. Secondary products during the purification of crude oil are obtained are lubricants, asphalt, perfumes and insecticides. There are, approximately, more than 4,000 different petrochemical products obtained from refining of crude oil that have commercial value. All these products have to be stored for consumption. (DOE, 2000)"
Abstract This paper discusses the need for a rapid and reliable system for predicting and confirming the existence of a tsunami so that officials responsible for sounding the alarm of oncoming tsunamis are sufficiently prepared. The paper also describes efforts, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a network of six deep-ocean reporting stations that will track and report tsunamis in real time.
From the Paper "The word "tsunami" has become quite the catch phrase in light of the events that took place December 26th, 2004. All of a sudden people are aware of the destructive and awesome power of the Earth's oceans. But the reality is that between 1990 and 1999 ten tsunamis took more than 4,000 lives. In all, during that time span, 82 were reported worldwide. The idea of a large tsunami striking a coastal area and wreaking havoc is therefore not new. It is in fact a highly studied and researched area of the Earth sciences. The author of the article TSUNAMI!, From the May 1999 issue of Scientific America, Frank I. Gonzalez , is just one of many scientists working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle whose focus is on developing ways to predict and warn people about on coming tsunamis."
Abstract Although the tsunami was an unavoidable natural disaster, the death tolls are a sign of government neglect because they could have been avoided or, at least, greatly reduced had the governments of these countries, and especially Indonesia, knowing that their area is sensitive to the risk of tsunami, placed restrictions on construction on coastal areas, developed a regional tsunami warning system, or paid attention to the warnings that a tsunami was about to occur and responded through evacuations. As far as Indonesia, which suffered the highest death toll, is concerned, the tsunami could not have been avoided, but the high death rates could have been, making this government at least partly responsible for the consequences of the tsunami.
From the Paper "As the year 2004 came to an end, a devastating tsunami struck the countries of South East Asia. Considered one of the greatest humanitarian tragedies in recent decades, the tsunami killed almost a quarter of a million people and left five million homeless in just a few hours. This natural disaster is considered as the worst one in the last 40 years as the death toll reached about 100 000 dead people and thousands are missing and millions were left homeless "threatened by diseases that are spread through dirty water, mosquitoes and overcrowding" ("How the Deadly..."). Of the twelve countries that were hit by the tsunami, Indonesia had the highest death toll that reached about 80 000. Most people assumed that the tsunami was an unavoidable natural disaster and therefore, none of the governments involved were held even partly responsible for this great loss in life and the devastation of the infrastructure. Most may make this assumption because they do not have the knowledge and background about tsunamis to reach a different opinion but, those who have this knowledge insist that the governments of these countries are responsible for the majority of the deaths. Conrad Lautenbacher, the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, insists, the death toll could have been reduced by at least 85% (" Observing Earth"). The death toll could have been reduced if there had been a tsunami warning system in the region and the governments had applied some well-known rules regarding construction in countries that are vulnerable to tsunami, Although the tsunami was an unavoidable natural disaster, the death tolls are a sign of government neglect because they could have been avoided or, at least, greatly reduced had the governments of these countries, and especially Indonesia, knowing that their area is sensitive to the risk of tsunami, have placed restrictions on construction on coastal areas, have developed a regional tsunami warning system or, paid attention to the warnings that a tsunami was about to occur and responded through evacuations. As far as Indonesia, which suffered the highest death toll, is concerned, the tsunami could not have been avoided but the high death rates could have been, making this government at least partly responsible for the consequences of the tsunami."
Abstract This paper describes the continental drift and plate tectonic theories and traces their history, discusses the key players who were involved in developing the theories and examines the current state of scientific knowledge about Earth's geology and paleontology.
From the Paper "The idea that the earth's continents have drifted has a long history. As long ago as 1596 the Dutch map maker Abraham Ortelius in his work Thesaurus Geographicus Ortelius suggested that the Americas were "torn away from Europe and Africa . . . by earthquakes and floods." He had been the first (and certainly not the last) to notice the apparent "jig-saw" fit of the bulge of eastern South America into the bight of Africa. (Kious and Tilling, 1999) In around 1850 A.D., a French scientist Antonio Snider-Pellegrini, while researching the similarity of the fossil plants and coal deposits in North American and European and concluded that the phenomenon could only be explained if the two continents had once been connected. In 1908 Frank B. Taylor of the United States invoked the notion of continental collision to explain the formation of some of the world's mountain ranges."
Abstract This paper discusses the expected changes in climate and the ensuing affects on world agriculture. The paper claims that it is critically important to research climatic change since it affects everything on earth: man, beast, fish, fowl and organism. It also explains how climatic changes will affect the water temperature and the quality of the air.
From the Paper "Climatologists now have stated it is with the realm of "certain probability" that humans absolutely have induced global climatic disturbances resulting in a complete change in current conditions. Furthermore, the affect that has been projected for human health is one stated to be of a nature that is diverse, "unpredictable in magnitude" and slow in emerging. Specifically stated is that the "Adverse effects are likely to outweigh beneficial effect substantially" (McMichaels, et al eds., 2004) However the changes that may be witnessed sooner rather than later are those experienced from the affects of agricultural production difficulties and disasters and mass failure of crops due to unforeseen tragedy and destruction within the earth's biosphere. "
This paper discusses tsunamis, its tremendous destructive powers, which also leaves affected areas with serious health problems, and efforts to develop early warnings.
Abstract This paper explains that one of the things making tsunamis so hard to cope with is that, while scientists can often predict a tsunami will occur, they can't predict how severe it will be. The author points out that, since one of the greatest concerns after a tsunami is disease, world organizations should make more effort to make sure people all over the world, but especially along the oceans, are vaccinated against such common diseases. The paper stresses that tsunamis are devastating events, but part of the problem is mankind's false sense of security, that they are safe wherever they go and that they have conquered Mother Nature.
Table of Contents
The Problem
What Causes Tsunamis?
Current Status of Problem
Efforts to Solve Problem
Personal Opinion
From the Paper "Two events can trigger tsunamis: earthquakes and landslides, which can occur under water or along the coast. In each of these cases, the event displaces water upward, creating a rapidly-moving wave that may be barely visible on the open ocean but which swells, sometimes to 20 feet or more, as it approaches the sloping shore. Traveling rapidly, it destroys nearly all buildings in its wake and batters those who try to ride it out with debris from the destroyed buildings Tsunamis usually consist of several waves."
Abstract This paper demonstrates that the oil prices are not only closely linked to the policies and capacity utilization of OPEC but also are a consequence of Iraq war, increasing demand, reduced supply and speculation such as oil futures. The author concludes that oil prices are likely to stay relatively high in the coming years because of capacity constraints due to low investments made in the late 1990s, lack of a healthy investment climate, greater competition among consuming countries to secure flows and geopolitical risks. The paper stresses that the world has to learn to live with the increased prices of oil by (1) improving the investment climate for capacity enhancement in oil-rich countries and (2) reducing oil intensity by means of shifting away from oil to some alternative fuels especially because the oil reserves are not likely to last longer than 40 years. Many figures and charts.
Table of Contents
The Iraq War
Demand
Supply
Speculation
(3) Is the Price-Rise Going to Stay?
Demand Factors
Effects on Global Economy
OECD Countries
Developing Countries
Supply Side Factors
Conclusions
From the Paper "In August 2004, International Energy Agency reported that world oil demand was increasing faster than any other point in the last 16 years. It attributes the increase in demand due to rapid economic expansion in various countries, particularly China and India in Asia. China was only second largest consumer of petroleum products behind USA. The demand for oil is increasing sharply led by US, China and India, and in absence of corresponding increase in supply, price of oil is bound to rise. In the last decade, the consumption of oil and gas has increased by over 70% in Asia-Pacific Region vis-a-vis 15% in the rest of the world. During 2003-04, China consumed more oil than expected. There was more than 40% increase in the consumption by China over the previous year. Similarly, USA's import increased from 4.22 billion barrels in 2002 to 4.49 barrels in 2003. India's import of oil has increased from 1.1 million barrels per day in 2000 to 1.4 million barrels per day in 2003 (27% increase)."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of water pollution and its effects on the economy and personal lives of China's citizens. In particular, the paper focuses on the water pollution problem in the city of Shenzhen in the Guangdong province. The paper explains how the process of urbanization has contributed to the water pollution problem, looks at how water pollution can undermine an entire city by affecting the economy, environment, and people of the area and discusses what will happen if the problem is not addressed as well as what measures can be undertaken to reduce the amount of water pollution in the region.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The City of Zhenzhen
The Problem
Polluted Water Sources
Causes of Water Pollution
Outlooks
Conclusion
From the Paper "In China, urbanization has been occurring at a rapid pace; in the year 1986 China's state council officially designated 29 new cities. This addition of new cities, many located in rural areas away from the largest metropolitan areas of China has resulted in major urbanization of the country in the last thirty years. The province of Guandong is undergoing major growth and change; the city of Shenzhen is one example of this rapid growth."
Abstract This paper explains that the concept of global warming caused by the elevation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was first issued in 1896, again in the 1970s and, by the 1980s, global warming again became the rage. The author points out that there are still individuals who claim that there is no reliable scientific data to support the global warming theory and state that scientists have only based their assessment on computer models; yet, scientific evidence shows that since 1860 the earth is warming. The paper relates that, despite this evidence of global warming, there remains uncertainty and debate among environmental groups, scientists and policymakers on its specific impact on the atmosphere; there is not one commonly known way to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.
From the Paper "The 1990s were probably the warmest decade in the last 1,000 years, and much of the increase of the last millennium took place in the past 30 years. Scientists believe that greenhouse gas emissions from human sources are contributing to this worldwide warming trend. If greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, they predict that Earth, on average, will warm 2 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100. This could result in increased heat waves, droughts, forest fires, disease and sea-level rise leading to flooding of coastal areas."
Abstract This paper presents facts about global warming and the effect it has, and will have, on the oceans and the delicate marine life and habitat. The discussion involves the melting of polar caps and the effects resulting from such devastation. The paper examines how warmer temperatures will destroy marine life and concentrates on the delicate coral reef system which is already feeling the effects of the warmer ocean temperatures. The temperature rise and ocean rise are discussed, along with ideas on halting the progression of dangerous toxins contributing to higher climate temperatures.
From the Paper "As the coral reefs die, so do many other species of fish, crab and several other species. Large increases in the volumes of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are already apparent. At current rates of change, carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere will double by the end of the next century (2100 AD). Calculations indicate that this rate of change in carbon dioxide alone will may result in a warming of between 1.5 and 4.5?C. The most likely effect of sustained global warming will be a melting of the polar ice caps, and a rise in sea level, while on land the deserts will expand."
Abstract In this article, the writer describes current global warming issues such as the U.S. refusal to follow the Kyoto agreement. The writer outlines several negative effects of global warming. The writer explains that such effects are related to temperature rises, melting of polar ice caps or to rises in the ocean level. Further, the writer describes steps that can be taken to mitigate the effects of global warming.
From the Paper At a conference of twenty nations assembled in London, Gordon Brown, Britain's Finance Minister addressed the audience regarding the seriousness of the effects of global warming, saying 'We have sufficient evidence that human-made climate change is the most far-reaching and almost certainly the most threatening of all the environmental changes facing us'. The economic changes predicted by experts such as Mr. Brown as well as changes to weather patterns, human property, human life and the environment have led to ... "
Abstract In this essay, the writer looks at the matter of restoring the natural balance of the landscape. The writer discusses Robert Elliot's apparent distaste for ecological restoration in close detail throughout the first portion of this paper. This article explores the circumstances in which restoration may be considered benevolent, through careful examination of Elliot's philosophy and that of Murray Krieger. The writer concludes that in the case of restoring the natural balance of the land, one is not attempting to profit from the restoration or create a fake situation, but rather restore the original version to its original grace and glory so it can be better appreciated.
From the Paper "Robert Elliot in his work "Faking Nature" rejects the idea that restoration ecology is useful in many instances. Elliot asserts that attempting to restore the natural ecology of the land is nothing more than an attempt to forge that which was once natural and beneficial. In this light restoring the natural ecology of the land seems nothing more than an attempt to fake that which is natural, which in and of itself promotes no intrinsic value.
Further Elliot asserts that one can not reproduce the value that original ecosystems had to offer. The field of environmental ethics proposes that the natural value of nature should be preserved rather than the value of nature purely for human purposes including survival or consumption. Under this assumption nature isn't necessarily valued by humans desiring to create artificial landscapes purely for humanistic benefits."
