Abstract
The paper reveals that deserts are biomasses that have 25 cm (10") or less precipitation annually (Alters, 1999, p.802). The paper explains that deserts are characterized by extreme dryness, fast water evaporation, intense sunlight, high daytime temperatures, low night time temperatures, salty soil and soil with low content of organic matter as well as strong winds.

From the Paper
"Deserts are biomasses that have 25 cm (10") or less precipitation annually (Alters, 1999, p.802). Deserts are characterized by extreme dryness, fast water evaporation, intense sunlight, high daytime temperatures, low night time temperatures, salty soil and soil with low content of organic matter as well as strong winds. An example of a food web found in desert ecosystems is shown bellow: (C)Larger predators: Hawk Kit fox (C)Small Predators:..."

Tags:food webs, food chains, deserts

Abstract
The following paper looks at the impact that the physical challenges posed by the desert environment have upon human culture. Suffice it to say, an environment that is harsh and often unyielding is one that demands people work together in ways that they might not otherwise; at the same time, any such environment reveals how certain rituals and/or prohibitions grow up in certain cultures that chiefly arise because of the environment's challenges. Overall, this paper will argue that human culture is impacted by the desert environment.

From the Paper
How do the physical aspects of the desert environment impact human culture? The following paper looks at the impact that the physical challenges posed by the desert environment have upon human culture. Suffice it to say, an environment that is harsh and often unyielding is one that demands people work together in ways that they might not otherwise; at the same time, any such environment reveals how certain rituals and/or prohibitions grow up in certain cultures that chiefly arise because of the environment's challenges. Overall, this paper will argue that human culture is impacted by the desert environment insofar as it forces groups to marshal and

Tags:desert, environment, culture

Abstract
The paper describes the reasons why American troops in Operation Desert Storm responded to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The paper explains that the reasons for this response were to liberate an ally from invasion and to prevent further Iraqi adventurism. The paper includes chronology of war events.

From the Paper
"The origins of Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. led Coalition that forcefully removed the invading Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussein from neighboring Kuwait, are based in America's desire to put an end to the dangerous adventurism of the Iraqi dictator and obligations to assist America's ally, Kuwait. As noted by social scientist Michaelj Sodaro, Saddam's invasion of Kuwait destabilized relations in the Middle East, had the potential to disrupt the flow of vital oil resources to..."

Tags:Operation Desert Storm, Persian Gulf War, George H.W. Bush, Kuwait, Iraq

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."

Tags:sand, rock, mountain, winds

Abstract
This paper examines how environmentalist and desert-lover, Edward Abbey in his essay "The Great American Desert" warns readers about the perilous dangers of the American deserts while simultaneously stirring curiosity about these fascinating ecosystems. The paper looks at how Abbey both invites and dissuades his readers from visiting the deserts of North America through the use of humor and sarcasm. It also shows how he is rhetorically successful in arguing that the open spaces of the undeveloped deserts are sacred places in need of respect and protection through his clever use of pathos and logos.

From the Paper
"The main strategy that appears in this article is an appeal to the reader's logic. Abbey presents examples of the dangers of the desert from the sun to the wildlife, in order to discourage visitors to visit his desert and in a way protect it from them. Another strategy that Abbey almost reluctantly resorts to in order to convince the reader to protect the desert is to explain how one should go about visiting the desert if for some reason they do decide to visit. This is a strategy of acknowledging the opposition that still desires to visit the desert. He starts by bringing in more examples from personal experience. This time he brings in the examples of two friends, John Du Pay wearing only "J.C. Penny high-tops on his feet and a plastic pack on his back" and Douglas Peacock carrying "a ninety-pound canvas pannier on his back". "

Tags:ecosystems

Abstract
This paper will discuss the book "Edge of Taos Desert: An Escape to Reality" by Mabel Dodge Luhan and seek to understand why this author is so entranced with this geographic site. By revealing the people that lived there in the time that the book was written, we can see why the author used this book as a sort of return to her self in the scope of the desert. The scope of this paper will be to understand why she chose to see the desert as a home, rather than a barren and lifeless place.

Abstract
In the paper, the author examines the similarities and differences between the US invasion of Panama (Just Cause) in 1989 and the US led war against Iraq (Desert Storm) in 1991.The writer contends that whilst both the operations had as their aim the toppling of a totalitarian regime, they differed in a number of aspects. In the course of the paper, the writer examines the military preparedness of US forces in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm, The root factors affecting the U.S. military readiness to perform its primary function during initial stages of the conflicts, and whether or not the U.S. military has overcome the fundamental obstacle to achieving force readiness prior to the commencement of combat operations.

Outline:
Introduction
Military Preparedness in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Storm
Root Factors Affecting U.S. Military Readiness to Perform its Primary Function During Initial Stages of the Conflicts
Whether Or Not The U.S. Military Has Overcome The Fundamental Obstacle To Achieving Force Readiness Prior To The Commencement Of Combat Operations
References

From the Paper
"We must also bear in mind that the operation was in collation with the armies of the other countries that also participated and was largely a combined effort. In contrast the operation at Panama - Just Cause was an all American Affair. Operation Just Cause demonstrated that the capabilities of the army were enhanced with training and coordination. The control structures and the training of personnel were proved to be flawless. However the planning and conflict strategy still needed refinement. The engagement was without use of very sensitive weapons and missiles and was an operation largely dependent on the maneuverability of the personnel. It was conducted by the US without any coalition presence all by its own resources. (Special Operations Association, 2005)"

Tags:iraq kuwait panama noriega, persian gulf, baghdad jordan army, air force, military invasion dictator, saddam hussein, terrorist

Abstract
This paper will discuss Edward Abbey's book entitled "Desert Solitaire" and begin to understand the motives that lie beneath the book's seemingly barren landscape. By visualizing Abbey's philosophy, we can see why he wrote this book in the way he intended to. This analysis will argue for the "values" that Abbey places within the text about the region of desert that he lived in and find out what he meant by these values within the scope of the book.

Abstract
Jane Rule's book, "Desert of the Heart", written in 1986, represents one of the finest and best appreciated works of lesbian literature. It is the story of a woman, Evelyn Hall, who escapes from a controlling and unhappy marriage to a mentally ill man by going to Reno, Nevada for a divorce. While there, Evelyn meets Ann Child, a woman fifteen years younger than herself, who is free spirited and a comfortable lesbian who absolutely refuses to hold in any of the powerful emotions that are rising within her. The two women slowly become lovers which complicates and eases the tensions around her looming court date. Evelyn and Ann look to each other to find answers as to how long their relationship can last and how they can find themselves together when not in the strange world of divorces and altered realities of Reno. The central theme of the book is one common to most self-exploratory literature - that of self-discovery. The point of the novel is to demonstrate the struggle that Evelyn must experience in order to find her true self. Just as Jesus could not have become a martyr without Judas' betrayal, Evelyn could not become herself, her true lesbian self, without first being betrayed by marriage and heterosexuality. It is the purpose of this paper to examine this theme and its elements as they appear in the novel, "Desert of the Heart".

Abstract
This paper discusses the life cycle, habits, diet and other information related to Desert Tortoise. The paper also discusses about National Training Center and its effects over the life of desert tortoise which has been declared an endangered species on April 2, 1990 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.