Abstract
The paper provides a brief overview of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in China, the 1982 New Brunswick quake and the 1906 quake of San Francisco. The paper examines the intensity of the damage and how well the situation was handled. The paper shows how imminent warning for major earthquakes is critical in saving lives, especially in densely populated regions. The paper discusses, however, that although scientists are able to predict quakes based on fault lines, they are still unable to issue short-term predictions with any certainty.

From the Paper
"Earthquakes have always been feared for their catastrophic effects and strike without much of a warning. Many recent earthquakes such as the El Salvador quake and the one that happened in India in 2001, and more recently the earthquake in Indian Ocean that triggered the devastating tsunami in Asia, have all proved that major earthquakes tend to be unpredictable in spite of the advanced scientific equipments used by seismologists. Though scientists now have knowledge about seismic faults and can predict where the next earthquake could occur they do not yet possess the knowledge to predict when the next 'big one will strike" [Sandra Blakeslee]"

Tags:Tangshan, New, Brunswick, San, Francisco, predictions, warnings

Abstract
This paper discusses the causes of volcanoes, the different types and how they contribute to acid rain. The paper emphasizes the dangers inherent in this force of nature and looks at the active volcanoes in the United States and the major disasters of the past. The paper also looks at the San Andreas Fault and how it is a likely candidate for a major earthquake in the next few decades. Also discusses are San Francisco Bay and its environs, which are likely to sustain a moderate sized earthquake, accompanied by severe damage and loss of life.

From the Paper
"A volcano is a rupture in the surface of the earth which penetrates the crust and permits the escape of molten matter, rock and gases. The details of how this comes about are a quite elaborate. Such ruptures on the surface of the planet can change the face of the world over time, forming new land masses. They also pollute the air and change the climate, when active in great numbers or volume. It's believed they have brought on nuclear-winter type conditions, blotting out the sunlight. They could end civilization."

Tags:San, Andreas, Fault, San, Francisco, Bay, acid, rain, teectonic, plates, eruptions

From the Paper
"For decades, Californians have lived with the knowledge that the San Andreas Fault could produce a magnitude eight earthquake. However, California's most recent earthquake, in early 1994, measuring 6.6 on the moment-magnitude scale--a measure of earthquake energy that has largely replaced the Richter scale--did not come from the San Andreas Fault. It was caused by a smaller fault in the San Fernando Valley that lay hidden deep underground, some nine miles down. While this was not considered the Big One, it still caused widespread damage: collapsed buildings and freeway bridges, fires, deaths and injuries, utility outages, and damage to property.

Soon after the first tremor, seismologists began trying to map out the newly revealed fault to determine how it is connected to other fissures in the region. To complete this task, the ... "

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the tectonic plates effecting seismic activity in the state of California. The paper focuses on the Pacific plate and the North American plate, two adjacent plates moving in opposite directions, which form the San Andreas fault in California. The paper points out that plate tectonics play a major role in the various geological processes found in California, especially in relation to earthquakes and the San Andreas fault. The paper concludes that this plate tectonic activity has brought about much beauty and splendor, while also making the state a very dangerous and unpredictable place to live.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Geology of Plate Tectonics
The San Andreas Fault
Tectonic Activity in California
The Loma Prieta Earthquake
Conclusion

From the Paper
"One important part of the San Andreas fault is known as the Coachella Valley Segment and in June of 1992, the Landers earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, alerted geologists to the potential of a large-magnitude quake somewhere in the Los Angeles area. The Landers quake place much scientific focus on the clustering of quakes and tectonic activity close to the Coachella Valley segment of the fault. Thus, many geophysicists have been increasingly concerned with the high number of quakes and amount of tectonic movement occurring so close together on the northern end of the segment. In 1985, several geological investigators determined that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake along or on the Coachella segment could possibly trigger the so-called "Big One," yet if such a scenario occurred on the next segment north and west of the Coachella segment, the heavily-populated city of San Bernardino could experience massive destruction. In addition, a rupture of this segment could conceivably continue in line past Los Angeles and produce a quake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale (Nance, 1988, p. 174)."

Tags:fault earthquake geology America, Ring of Fire San Andreas

Abstract
This paper discusses specific examples of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. It discusses the latest eruptions and the latest earthquakes occurrences. The paper then describes the environmental and societal impacts that they caused both locally and around the world. Where possible, the paper also classifies the natural disaster and ranks it in history against other similar occurrences.

From the Paper
"Mexico City quake of 1985 - This quake measured 8.1 on the Richter scale, and killed at least 9,000 people, but many Mexico City residents believe the real number was far higher, perhaps as high as 100,000. Nearly 500 buildings were destroyed, and 100,000 homes were lost. It also collapsed most of the area hospitals, leaving little health care for victims of the quake. This quake is probably the most devastating of all those on the North American continent discussed here."
"Shensi, China earthquake - Occurred in 1556, the worst killing an estimate 830,000 people, which was about 60 percent of the entire nation's population. It destroyed a 520-square mile area, and affected ten provinces. It was rated an 8 on the moment magnitude scale, and is known as the worst earthquake in history, and the fourth worst natural disaster of all time."

Tags:stratovolcano, tsunami, Richter

Abstract
This paper examines how earthquakes produced by the San Andreas Fault in Southern California have been a topic of interest for many researchers and how limitations on conventional radiocarbon analysis impeded the research and were a major barrier to progress in paleoseismology. It looks at how, recently, newer technology and larger samples have enabled researchers to date the quakes with greater precision. It review the article, "A More Precise Chronology of Earthquakes Produced by the San Andreas Fault in Southern California" (Sieh, et al, 1989), which shows the results of one such study and outlines the major strengths and weaknesses of the latest measurements.

From the Paper
"This method is much more accurate than dates previously given. Previously, typical small proportion counters and accelerator mass spectrometric analysis were used, which produced a higher year error possibility. Since the methods for radiocarbon analysis have improved with this use of counters with low background noise, the dates given in this paper are much more precise. In addition, the most recent study used larger sample sizes, longer counting time, and a more precise way to convert radiocarbon age to calendar dates. Finally, better controls were in place, as were better statistical techniques for sample extraction (Sieh, et al, 1989)."

Tags:paleoseismology, radiocarbon, analysis, technology, samples

Abstract
The paper describes how the Los Angeles area is a juncture point for several seismic fault systems. The paper relates that the area experiences small earthquakes all the time and has experienced two large-scale destructive quakes in the past four decades. The paper discusses how until more is known about the forces and triggers involved, predicting earthquakes will not be effective.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Los Angeles and environs are transversed by numerous fault lines brought into existence by the pressures involved in the coming together of the huge tectonic plates underlying the earth's crust. The tensions in these faults build up over long periods of time to be released in an earthquake. The city has experienced two major earthquakes in the last 36 years after some 30 years of relative quiescence. Smaller earthquakes happen all the time, which may or may not reduce the pressure upon the system."

Tags:seismic, faults, continental, plates, tension, emergency, responses

Abstract
The paper outlines Margaret Atwood's novel with its outrageously inhumane and immoral acts against humans, and argues that Atwood's themes embrace a shade of realism throughout the book. The paper links characters, scenes, policies and events found in Atwood's novel with characters, events, policies and scenes in the real world of America today. The paper reveals the millions of women and children in positions of sexual servitude today, the very real possibility of an earthquake causing a catastrophic release of deadly radiation in California, and executive excesses of leadership in the White House, seen in policies regarding Guantanamo Bay, spying on the American nation and setting up secret torture prisons outside the US. The paper contends that while these violations do not equal the brutally enforced totalitarianism in the Atwood novel, they are enough to open society's eyes to the dangers in our world.

Outline:
Introduction / Thesis
Characters' Dilemmas vs. Real World Dilemmas

From the Paper
"Meanwhile, on the subject of real world involuntary sexual contact with the opposite sex, there are statistics available through the United Nations that show there are an estimated 250,000 verified rapes annually (in 65 countries). There were, the UN reports, 95,136 reported rapes in the U.S. in 2002. In the UK, there were 13,395; in South Africa 52,425 and in Canada 24,350. These are only reported rapes, and experts believe far more rapes occur than are actually reported to authorities (www.unodc.org/pdf/crime/eighthsurvey/8sv.pdf). These are women who did not consent to allow a man to have sex with them, and likely many of those rapes were conducted with the threat of being injured, or killed, if they didn't cooperate in some way.
"As to sexual slavery in the world, according to ABC News (Thomas, et al, 2007), there are over 800,000 people "bought, sold, and smuggled" throughout the world each year, many of them unfortunately become sexual slaves. In 2005, a smuggling cartel (Carreto) promised "scores of poor women from Mexico" a chance to get married and enjoy a better life in America. But unfortunately, instead of marriage and a good life they were forced into sexual slavery, forced to charge $25 to $35 per "date" and were beaten regularly to remind them not to try to escape."

Tags:sex, slavery, radiation, earthquake, Guantanamo, Bay, torture, wiretapping

Abstract
This paper presents a review of the book "Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster". The writer of this paper summarizes the book and provides the reader with an examination of the story which looks at the causes and impacts of natural disasters and how they effect societies that they reach.

From the Paper
"Recently, Los Angeles, California has been hit by many natural disasters. Earthquakes, floods, and fires have threatened to destroy what is usually one of the liveliest cities in the country. Los Angeles has always been known as a hot bed of activity. People flock there to live for the sunshine, great weather, jobs, and prestige and shopping. While the cost of living is extremely high by many of the nations standards the quality of life more than makes up for it, according to those who make the city of Angels their home."

Tags:californai, fear, kill, earthquake, flood, damage, danger, safety