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Japanese Tsunamis, 2006. An explanation of and look at the history of Japanese tsunamis. 1,207 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 41.95 »
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Abstract In this paper the author starts with an in-depth description of what a tsunami is and how it is caused. The author clearly defines that a tsunami is not a tidal wave. He then goes on to focus on the tsunamis that have occurred off the coast of Japan and what devastation they have brought to the local population. The paper concludes with a look at modern geology and how it can be used to try and prevent further tsunami disasters or at least how populations can be pre-warned.
From the Paper "The Okushiri tsunami demonstrates how Japan, and many other nations threatened by tsunamis, have started to try to deal with these potent natural phenomena. Survey teams, including experts from Japan and the United States, were on the scene within hours of the quake and tsunami. The American scientists were part of the U.S-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources (UJNR). They took measurements and eyewitness testimony to document the exact nature and extent of the disaster"
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Volcanoes, 2006. A book review of "Fire Mountains of the West: The Cascade and Mono Lake Volcanoes" by Stephen Harris. 780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 27.95 »
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Abstract The paper explains that volcanoes are not just a distant phenomenon; they are common in the American Northwest, too. The writer finds the author's explanations of technical geoscience topics lucid and understandable, and is impressed with the overall tone of the book. In conclusion, the paper shows the book by Harris to be one that lives up to its promise.
From the Paper "Contrary to popular and widespread belief, volcanoes have erupted practically everywhere in the world, including America. What is even more disturbing is that there are several areas in the U.S. Pacific Coast where volcanoes have the potential to violently erupt and trigger widespread devastation throughout the region. "In his book, Harris provides readers with a powerful and persuasive argument that the entire Cascade Range and other parts of the U.S. Pacific Coast are vulnerable to volcanic eruptions that besides unspeakable destruction, could result in darkened and polluted skies wreaking havoc on our respiratory systems - and much more."
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The History of Plate Tectonics, 2006. This paper examines the history of plate tectonics which is a theory of geology created to account for the phenomenon of the continental drift. 1,379 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 46.95 »
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Abstract The writer of this paper details the exploration of the ocean floor which began in the 1940s and aided scientists in developing the theory of plate tectonics. This paper explores how the work of researchers like Albert Wegener and James Hutton and the study of plate tectonics helped predict with some degree of accuracy where and when an earthquake will strike as well as predict which of the world's active volcanoes will erupt, saving countless lives.
Topics covered in this report include:
The Theory of Continental Drift
This Dynamic Earth-Developing the Theory
Plate Tectonics
Works Cited
From the Paper "Abraham Ortelius, a Dutch mapmaker, first suggested the possibility that the earth's landmasses were not fixed in 1520. He suggested that the Americas were once attached to Africa and Europe. They were then ripped apart by earthquakes and floods, creating three continents. It wasn't until the early part of this century, when a German meteorologist named Alfred L. Wegener became intrigued by this concept and the ideas set forth by other scientists that land bridges had been connected the continents at one time, but had then sunk into the ocean."
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Geography and Weather, 2006. An overview of the weather conditions known as El Nino and La Nina. 3,465 words (approx. 13.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 97.95 »
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Abstract The writer explains the causes and effects of the El Nino, which has an ocean warming effect, and the La Nina, which creates unusually cold ocean temperatures. The paper describes how the winds, the ocean surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation affect the natural climatic conditions in the Pacific region. The writer explains the impact these effects have on weather and climate in the United States. The paper examines the effect that climatic changes have on the economy. In conclusion, the paper states that the effects of the El Nino and La Nina create significant changes to the weather patterns, which are naturally created and affected, by changes in sea temperatures.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Causes
Ocean Surface Temperature and Atmospheric Circulations
- During Normal Conditions
- Conditions During El Ni?o
- Conditions During La Ni?a
Effects of El Nino and La Nina
Impact on Weather and Climatic Changes
Impact on Economy
Ecological Impact
Conclusion
Bibliography
References
From the Paper "Under "normal" conditions, the tropical trade winds blow from east to west, collecting warm water in the western Pacific. In the eastern Pacific, the trade winds pull up cold, deep, nutrient-rich waters down the equator from the Ecuadorian coast to the central Pacific. The warmth of the western Pacific results in a predominantly vigorous hydrologic cycle there with towering cumulus clouds and tropical storms that "radiate" atmospheric waves and disturbances across vast area of the globe. Heat and moisture lofted into the upper atmosphere by the clouds and storms are dispersed by high-altitude winds across vast regions of the globe.
During an El Ni?o, this situation is interrupted and the trade winds weaken, thus reducing the upwelling of cool waters in the eastern Pacific and permits the pool of warm water in the west to drift eastward toward South America. As the central and eastern Pacific warms, atmospheric pressure gradients along the equator decline, and the trade winds lessen even more."
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Global Warming: History and Effect, 2005. This paper discusses the history and effect of the concept of global warming. 3,430 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 97.95 »
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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."
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Water Pollution in China, 2006. A look at the problem of water pollution in Shenzhen, China. 2,336 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 71.95 »
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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."
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Arctic Global Warming, 2006. A look at the natural and anthropogenic factors that have contributed to the global warming phenomenon. 2,040 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 64.95 »
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Abstract This paper describes the causes of the global warming phenomenon that have been a part of earth's geological history since the dawn of geological time. The paper also looks at the effects that global warming has on the earth and in particular its effects in the Arctic Circle.
From the Paper "Climate change in general, and global warming in specific, are by no means new phenomena. Since the dawn of geological time, surface and atmospheric temperatures on Earth have fluctuated enormously. In some cases, worldwide climate change has led to actual shifts in land masses, leading to changes in the ways human beings and societies evolved. For example, global climate change caused the so-called Ice Age: "During the Quaternary period (the past million years) the ice cap has repeatedly spread to middle latitudes over the sea, with corresponding glaciation on the continents," (Gribbin Forecasts 73). The disappearance of the dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures may in fact be due to climatic changes. Global warming has also been intense in our geological history: between ice ages, it is possible that no portion of the earth was covered with glaciation whatsoever (Gribbin Forecasts 73). Moreover, such massive temperature and climate transformations probably did not occur as a result of human intervention, but rather were a result of complex environmental, meteorological, and astronomical influences. Climatic fluctuations are indeed natural and inevitable."
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The Ogallala Aquifer, 2005. A geological analysis of this underground reservoir in the Rocky Mountains region. 833 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 29.95 »
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Abstract Created millions of years of ago through geologic action, the Ogallala aquifer is a vast underground reservoir that runs west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains. This paper examines the evolution and deposition of the aquifer and discusses problems facing it today.
From the Paper "The main concern for the Ogallala is the fact that the aquifer has been cut off from most of its natural recharging sources (Ogallala pp). The Rocky Mountains have not supplied the aquifer for more than a thousand years, and the High Plains climate today is classified as semi-arid, receiving only fifteen to twenty inches of rainfall annually, most of which is subject to a high rate of evaporation due to the dry air and high winds (Ogallala pp). Moreover, many of the rivers, such as the Platte, Canadian, and Arkansas, actually drain the aquifer since they have water tables below that of the aquifer (Ogallala pp)."
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Tsunamis, 2005. This paper discusses tsunamis, its tremendous destructive powers, which also leaves affected areas with serious health problems, and efforts to develop early warnings. 1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 47.95 »
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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."
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Climate Change Projections, 2004. An analysis of the projections of climatic change and the expected impact on world agriculture. 1,201 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95 »
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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. "
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Kenai Fjords National Park, 2005. An examination of the physical geography of the Kenai Fjords National Park and the surrounding region. 2,371 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 18 sources, MLA, $ 72.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the prominent features of physical geography both within the park and the surrounding region. The focus of the paper is on the physical geography, including topography, minerals, glaciers, soils, animals, plants, environment and climate. Glaciers and the effects of glaciation on the Kenai Fjords National Park and surrounding region are
also discussed in some depth.
Outline
Topography
Rocks and Mineral
Soils
Glaciers
Animals and Wildlife
Plants
Surrounding Bodies of Water
Rivers and Lakes
Environment
Climate and Weather
Geopolitical
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Kenai Fjords National Park is located on the Kenai Peninsula off the southern part of Alaska. The Park and the surrounding region are known for a wide variety of climates, terrain, and flora and fauna. The region also contains reserves of oil, natural gas, and coal. The Peninsula provides a microcosmic view of the overall Alaskan ecology- all the various types of terrain native to Alaska can be found within the Kenai Peninsula. The region is also home to some of the largest glaciers outside of the Arctic Circle."
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Hurricanes Floyd and Grace, 2005. A comparative analysis of the formation and impact of hurricanes Floyd and Grace. 1,029 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines how although hurricanes Floyd and Grace both brought devastating damage, Floyd's impact came largely from the Floyd itself, while Grace's impact came from the combination with two other weather systems. It looks at how by itself, Floyd was a force to be reckoned with: A category 3 hurricane that stretched from Canada to the U.S. that came on the heels of Hurricane Dennis. In contrast, it discusses how Grace was a less powerful storm that would have dissipated naturally before causing serious damage.
From the Paper "While it stretched from Canada to Florida, Floyd brought the largest amounts of damage to North Carolina, Virginia, and Mid-Atlantic States. In North Carolina alone, Floyd caused 51 deaths, completely destroyed 7,000 homes, and left 17,000 homes uninhabitable. 10,000 people were driven into temporary shelters, and a new 24-hour rainfall record was recorded in Wilmington. Deaths also occurred in South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont (National Weather Service). Hydrologists marked Floyd as a 500-year flood event, meaning that a similar flood would only occur once every 500 years (Herring)."
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Heinrich Events, 2005. A paper on Heinrich events, one of the most discussed and debated phenomena related to global climate change. 3,447 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 97.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the history of Heinrich events, and current theories of their origin. Additionally, this paper outlines the scientific method for discovering more information of Heinrich events, and their relationship to the Bond Cycle, Milankovitch Cycles, and Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) oscillations. Finally, it looks at the possible effects on global climate as the result of Heinrich events, using the Younger Dryas as the basis for discussion.
From the Paper "Heinrich events were first discovered by Hartmut Heinrich of the German Hydrographic Institute of Hamburg, Germany in 1988. Heinrich extracted samples from northeastern Atlantic sediment cores, and analyzed the samples. He discovered that the number of lithic, or rock sediment, and planktonic foraminifera (zooplankton) shell formations fluctuated greatly in many of the core samples. Additionally, Heinrich noted that the components of the sediments seemed not to fluctuate gradually, but seemingly abruptly (Hackett, 1994)."
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Human Effects on Coral Reefs, 2005. An introduction to coral reefs, their history, characteristics and the damage caused to them by the human population. 1,342 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 45.95 »
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Abstract This paper describes the coral reef ecosystem, briefly discussing its history, structural characteristics, and how it benefits humans. The paper then discusses the current status of coral reefs, explaining how almost all the coral reef ecosystems are threatened because of pollution and over fishing. Finally, the paper talks about what is being done to protect the reefs as well as what still needs to be done.
Introduction
Structural Characteristics
Benefits to Humans
Current Status
What Should be Done?
How is the U.S. Government Helping?
How Can We All Help?
From the Paper "Coral reefs are one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, existing for more than 450 million years. A coral reef is a type of biotic reef that develops in tropical waters. Coral reefs are found in all oceans of the world, generally between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn because the reef-building corals are living in this waters. A water temperature of 20 to 28?C is needed for growth of the coral reef. Massive reef structures are built over thousands of years by tiny coral polyps aided by minute algae called zooxanthellae that live in their tissues, calcifying algae, and other organisms that secrete calcium carbonate and adhesives. The process of reef formation is heavily dependent upon photosynthesis by reef-building organisms. Once formed, the complex, rock-like reef framework provides food and shelter for the multitudes of organisms that inhabit the reef. "
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Plate Tectonics Theory, 2005. This paper discusses plate tectonics, which states that the surface of the earth is forever shifting. 1,620 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 52.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that plate tectonics is one of the most important discoveries in science and geology because it explains why the continents share many similarities, which could not be explained if they had always existed apart and it explains why, even today, the surface of the earth is constantly shifting, rearranging and moving. The author points out that an important discovery, which ultimately led scientists to believe the theory of plate tectonics was correct, was the discovery of seafloor spreading. The paper relates that plate tectonics and the continual shifting it produces can create many changes in the surface of the earth from weather to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
From the Paper "Several theories of geologic process and scientific discovery helped lead to the discovery of plate tectonics in the 1920s, and the theory was generally accepted by the 1950s. The plate tectonic theory evolved from earlier theories, beginning with continental drift. The first time continental drift was mentioned was in 1908, by an American named Frank Bursey Taylor. However, the theory really did not gain acceptance until 1912 when German meteorologist and geophysicist Alfred Wegener detailed the theory and gave it more basis in fact. The continental drift theory believes that between 275 and 175 million years ago, all the continents were joined together in one land mass. Later, this massive continent broke apart into two gigantic landmasses in the north and south, those continents further divided about 100 million years ago into more currently recognizable shapes, and they began to drift apart during this time, too."
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