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Louisiana: Topography, 2005.
A topographical examination of the American state of Louisiana.
1,780 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
Louisiana encompasses an area of 51,844 square miles and is the 31st largest state in the United States. This paper examines the topography of the state, examining areas such as geographic regions, lakes and rivers, forestland, plant and animal life and climate.
From the Paper
"Various types of natural lakes exist. Cut-off or oxbow lakes (for example, False River, Bruin, Larto) form when a stream "cuts off" the neck of a meander (bend) to create a new course. Particularly along the valley of the Red, raft lakes (Caddo, Cross, Bistineau, Black, and others) were formed from waters dammed by the Great Raft, a logjam that clogged the river until it was finally removed. Lakes form along the coast when cheniers (beach ridges) act to slow the flow of rivers while also protecting the resulting lake from encroachment by the Gulf. Lakes Pontchartrain, Maurepas, and Catahoula exist in grabens, depressions in the earth bounded by faults. Other natural lakes are associated with the drainage in the vicinity of rivers, deltas, and salt domes."
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The Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics Theories, 2005.
An overview of continental drift and plate tectonics theories as well as current knowledge of geology and paleontology.
1,782 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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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."
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The Snowball Hypothesis for Earth, 2005.
This paper discusses the Snowball Hypothesis for Earth theory, which proposes that the Earth has a history of temperature cycles.
1,440 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Snowball Hypothesis for Earth, which is a theory speculating that the earth has experienced consistent cyclical hot and cold periods, can be considered a possible cause of the current trends toward warmer climates and rising seas. The author points out that the theory encompasses tropical sea-level glaciers, distributions of continents, carbon dioxide levels, solar input, banded iron formations and early bacterial life. The paper states that scientist speculate that approximately twenty thousand years ago, our deep ocean waters moved towards the freezing point, but those water temperatures were not near the equator as was the case during the Neoproterozoic period.
From the Paper
"As we currently fear global warming, evidence may be pointing to eventual temperature shifts that follow the Yin and Yang of life. First, there are opposites hot and cold. The planet is merely going through its normal cyclical changes so we should not fear global warming any more than we should expect it as we should also expect another future snowball. "For the last million years, the Earth has been in its coldest state since the Neoproterozoic. We are now living in a relatively warm episode, some 80,000 years from the next glacial maximum, but some evidence suggests that each successive glaciation over the last several cycles has been getting stronger and stronger.""
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Global Warming in the Arctic, 2005.
A look at the problem of global warming in the Arctic and how global warming itself is exacerbated by its effects there.
819 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the different steps in the process of global warming, describes its primary causes, and explains how the problem of global warming is exacerbated by the effects of global warming in the Arctic.
From the Paper
"Global warming is no myth. Since the Industrial Revolution, the earth's average surface temperature has risen about one degree Fahrenheit, "with accelerated warming during the past two decades," according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("Climate"). Most of the global warming that has occurred over the past several decades is a direct product of human activities: factory emissions and automobile emissions especially. The emissions from factories and automobiles create what are known as "greenhouse gases," mainly carbon dioxide. The earth actually has a natural "greenhouse effect," a layer of the earth's atmosphere that keeps surface temperatures warm enough for biological life as we know it. Without a natural greenhouse effect, Earth surface temperatures would be far lower than they are now. However, the overall rise in the Earth's surface temperatures since the Industrial Revolution has occurred far faster than it would have without human intervention. Accelerated global warming can have dire consequences for life on earth. For example, according to Kate Ravillous of New Scientist, the west coast of the United States could suffer a severe water shortage by 2050 due to global warming. Most of the culprits of global warming exist in the most heavily industrialized and populated parts of the world such as the United States and Eastern Europe. However, the geological and environmental factors that directly cause global warming occur in one of the most sparsely populated regions of the globe: the Arctic. Global warming begins with anthropogenic factors such as auto emissions, proceeds to rising Arctic surface and air temperatures, and becomes magnified by several positive feedback mechanisms. In fact, if left unchecked, global warming in the Arctic will account for most of the damage incurred by the phenomenon world wide because of the positive feedback mechanism."
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World's Oceans, 2005.
An examination of "An Introduction to the World's Oceans" by Keith Sverdrup.
2,854 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper uses "An Introduction to the World's Oceans" by Keith Sverdrup to back up some of the serious issues raised through recent research conducted by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, in particular, the ongoing and future pollution threats to ocean waters, citizens, and marine life. Journal articles also supplement the paper and the topics being reviewed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Economic Value of Oceans to Americans
Waste Dumping in Our Oceans
Oil Contamination from Various Sources
Toxins and Trash Entering the Oceans
The Depleted Fisheries
The Vanishing Wetlands
Conclusion
References
Endnotes
From the Paper
"The U. S. Commission on Ocean Policy reports that more than 28 million gallons of oil from human activities enter North American waters annually, but, according to an article in Issues in Science and Technology, "the bulk of human-related inputs is not due to large-scale spills and accidents that occur during the transport of crude oil or petroleum products" (Rabalais, 2003). In fact, researchers looking for sources of oil that runs into America's oceans can look into the "chronic low-level releases" of oil that add up to "roughly 16 million gallons of oil" annually, running down rivers and streams, according to the Rabalais article.
These oil pollutants "are most obvious in the watersheds that drain heavily populated areas," and the data from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, plus the Sverdrup textbook, indicate that coast areas are becoming more and more heavily populated. Some of the 16 million gallons draining originates with "jettisoned aircraft fuel, marine recreational vehicles, and operational discharges, such as cargo washings and releases from petroleum extraction." "
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Coal-Fired Power Plants, 2004.
An analysis of coal-fired power plants with a focus on the Great Lakes region.
956 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired power plants. The paper focuses on the older power plants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired power plants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired power plants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.
From the Paper
"Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."
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Occupational/Industrial Health Concerns, 2005.
Looks at the health problems caused by prolonged exposure to selenium compounds and makes recommendations for reducing exposure risks.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an overview of industrial hygiene concerns and makes recommendations for the reduction of the risks associated with selenium in the workplace.
Outline
Statement of the Problem
Summary of Toxic Properties of Selenium
Summary of Industrial Hygiene Concerns
Recommendations to Management to Reduce the Risk to Workers
From the Paper
"Selenium is a chemical element in the oxygen family (Group VIa) of the periodic table; the element is closely allied in chemical and physical properties with the elements sulfur and tellurium (Selenium, 2004). Selenium was first recognized as an element in 1818 by Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist. The element is a metalloid (this is an element that exhibits properties that are intermediate between the metals and the nonmetals); it is widely distributed throughout the world; however, such distribution only occurs in small quantities (Selenium, 2004). Prolonged exposure to certain metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, selenium compounds and zinc can cause deleterious health effects in humans (Reilly 1991). At low levels, selenium is considered a nutrient; however, it is being increasingly shown that at higher levels, the element and many of its compounds are toxic in humans (Dunning, 1993). Furthermore, Harris (1991) believes that numerous undiagnosed situations exist where people are suffering from selenium poisoning and physicians simply do not recognize it."
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Geothermal Energy, 2005.
A paper on the concepts and applications of geothermal energy.
1,145 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the uses of geothermal energy, how it is harnessed, which countries presently use this form of energy, the different types of geothermal reservoirs, and the different processes used for generating power through geothermal energy.
From the Paper
"According to Godfrey Boyle, geothermal energy "is the natural, internal heat of the earth that is trapped in rock formations deep within the crust, but only a fraction of this vast storehouse of energy can be extracted" (1996, 128), meaning that the sources for this type of renewable energy are not found widely on the earth. Historically, geothermal energy has been used by various cultures and countries for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years, especially in areas where hot springs, geysers and other volcanic activity is widespread. One such country that uses geothermal energy on a daily basis is Iceland, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and just south of the Arctic Circle. In Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, many modern buildings, such as schools, factories and private homes, are heated by geothermal energy which rises to the surface through hot springs which can be found scattered all over the island."
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Oil Spills, 2004.
An analysis of the environmental problem of oil spills.
2,238 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper claims that environmental oil spills are one of the most hazardous and preventable accidents that occur. The paper explains that, although there are a number of agencies that support the ongoing transport of oil via major waterways, by and large, such transport often leads to devastating consequences. The paper describes the importance of the establishment of stringent protocols for the safe transport of oil across waterways. The paper contends that environmental protection agencies need to work in collaboration with tanking and shipping organizations to ensure that every measure is taken to protect the environment from the hazardous effects of oil spills.
From the Paper
"Many oil tanker companies and major corporations such as Exxon have adopted protective measures to help guard against spills in the future. Despite these efforts however spills, small or large in nature continue to occur. Exxon even had another oil spill that was much smaller, but a spill nonetheless a few years after the Valdez disaster. Most of the companies involved in spills argue that the environment and ecosystems affected can recovery quickly and efficiently, and that most environments can return to a normal state of existence as they were before a spill. It is according to Dicks (1998) unrealistic to define recovery as a return to pre-spill conditions but rather recovery is defined as the re-establishment of a healthy biological community in which the plants and animals characteristic of that community are present and functioning normally (Dicks, 1998:2). Generally the area will not have the same composition or structure that was present prior to a spill and continues to change over time."
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Sugar and Salt, 2004.
An analysis of the nutritional problems caused by salt and sugar.
2,706 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the condiments salt and sugar. Specifically, it compares and contrasts cultural views on sugar and salt. The paper examines the historical roots for those views and discusses how they have changed over time. The paper explains that sugar and salt are two of the basic foods in most of the world's diets; in modern times, these two very different foods cause fear, and many people limit them for health reasons. The paper contends that, while sugar and salt are building blocks of diet and nutrition, too much of them can go a long way in ruining a healthy diet.
From the Paper
"Salt is one of the most basic minerals in the world, and yet it is one of the most mysterious. Today, it is trendy to keep "designer" salts in the kitchen - sea salts, French Fleur de Sel, Kosher salt - gray, pink, black, and white salts, all for different cooking purposes. However, salt has a much longer history. Today salt is trendy, but in the past, salt was life, and because of that, it played a monumental part in the history of the world. Writer Kurlansky notes, "Without both water and salt, cells could not get nourishment and would die of dehydration" (Kurlansky 5). Another historian states, "The essential function of salt is to maintain the equilibrium of the liquids or serum in the body; it must remain constant" (Toussaint-Samat 457). Salt is necessary for survival, but it has been used for centuries as a flavoring, and even as currency."
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Storage Tanks, 2004.
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.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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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)"
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The National Weather Service, 2004.
An analysis of the history and development of the National Weather Service.
1,821 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the important role played by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the crucial information it provides, not only to residents of the United States, but also to the airline industry, cruise industry, and major national concerns, such as NASA. The paper examines the different methods employed to forecast extreme weather conditions.
From the Paper
"The National Weather Service (NWS) is a government agency that affects every resident of the United States in important ways. Because of its skill in predicting extreme weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes, potentially thousands of lives have been saved. However, most people don't realize that the NWS has a somewhat checkered history. Government leaders have been interested in predicting and recording the weather since shortly after the first colonists arrived in what would become the United States. A Swedish military chaplain living in what is present-day Delaware started keeping a weather diary in 1644. Such diaries were the main source of information about weather through the early 19th century (Waite, 2004). Many of the early Founding Fathers, including Franklin, Washington and Jefferson, recorded weather conditions (Waite, 2004). It wasn't until 1814, however, that the United States Government began to systematically gather weather data, a job assigned to the U. S. Army Surgeon General and his medical corps assigned to barracks and forts across the country (Waite, 2004)."
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Hurricane Andrew, 2004.
An analysis of Hurricane Andrew, by far one of the costliest natural disasters in this nation's history.
1,861 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This report presents a summary of hurricanes in general. The paper discusses the path of Hurricane Andrew. The paper explains that Hurricane Andrew was a small, but extremely ferocious hurricane that inflicted an unprecedented economic devastation all along its path through the northwestern Bahamas, the southern Florida peninsula, and south-central Louisiana. The paper contends that record amount of damage has been updated to well over forty billion dollars, making Hurricane Andrew one of the most expensive natural disasters in the history of the United States.
From the Paper
"A hurricane is basically a very big tropical cyclone like weather system that develops in the tropics. There are certain storm classifications that distinguish types of storms: Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm and a Hurricane. One major distinction between these different types of storms is the speed of the associated winds. A Tropical Depression usually has all of the makings of a storm such as persistent clouds and thunderstorms but the maximum sustained winds are at most thirty eight miles per hour. A Tropical Storm also has strong thunderstorms and winds blowing between thirty nine to seventy three miles per hour. In the case of a Hurricane, the tropical weather system's winds range from seventy four miles per hour and up."
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Geothermal Energy, 2005.
A definition of geothermal energy and its uses today.
1,354 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
Geothermal energy is described as the natural, internal heat of the earth that is trapped in rock formations deep within the crust, but only a fraction of this vast storehouse of energy can be extracted. The paper looks at the way this energy source is used and the limitations of its widespread use.
From the Paper
"In recent years, the use of geothermal or natural steam power has greatly advanced. Deep wells have been driven at the Geysers region in northern California where the capacity has been estimated to be over 400,000 kilowatts. In addition, the use of geothermal steam power has been used to some extent in New Zealand, Japan, Mexico and Italy where recent efforts have been made to develop geothermal power as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, due to the fact that geothermal power is extremely clean and moderately cheap to harness."
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Phylum Arthropoda, 2005.
A look at the family of organisms made up of animals with multiple legs, like spiders, crustaceans, scorpions, etc.
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the phylum of arthropoda. Specifically, the paper introduces this phylum to the reader, including general characteristics of the phylum, an overview of the taxonomy within the phylum, the number of organisms within the phylum, where these organisms live, their ecological or economic importance, and any interesting facts about organisms within the phylum.
From the Paper
"The arrangement of animals in this phylum is quite varied. These creatures are usually divided into four classes: Trilobita (trilobites, which are now extinct, but the fossils look like flat beetles or sea creatures), Chelicerata, (which include spiders and scorpions, mites and ticks, horseshoe crabs, daddy-longlegs, and other animals with eight legs), Crustacea, (which include crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and other sea creatures), and Uniramia, (which include insects, millipedes, centipedes, and insects like these). These four main classes hold literally millions of insects and members. Since there are so many diverse insects and spiders on the planet, and scientist know they have not all been discovered, many people believe there are thousands that are not yet classified, and the entire class holds many millions of animals. Estimates place arthropods at about 80 percent of all known animals on Earth (Tatner). Within these four classes, the animals are broken down even further into numerous sub-classes."
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