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The Gaia Theory of the Earth and Plate Tectonics, 2001.
An examination of the Gaia theory which maintains that soon after the formation of life, organisms began to change the environment, as well as adapt to this environment.
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, $ 42.95
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Abstract
Gaia and the plate tectonics; is the Earth alive?
This paper examines the Gaia theory that has emerged concerning the earth, its formation, and the living and non living creatures that adorn it. The paper also examines plate tectonics, living organisms, formation of water, etc.
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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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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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Plate Tectonics in California, 2006.
A study of plate tectonic activity and earthquakes in the state of California.
1,680 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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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)."
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Plate Tectonics, Fault Lines and Fault Line Movement, 2006.
An analysis of how plate tectonics have and will affect the California coast.
2,275 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper studies how plate tectonics and fault line movement are impacting the shape of the California coastline. The paper begins with a discussion of how plate tectonics have changed the earth's surface, including through earthquakes. Then the paper turns to one of the most famous major fault lines, the San Andreas fault. The paper examines its historical, current and future influence on California, such as the major earthquakes of the 1800s and 1900s. The paper concludes with a discussion of other fault lines, including active and inactive ones.
From the Paper
"Plate tectonics is responsible for the building of mountain ranges, the separation of continents through creation of new crust when the seafloor spreads as new lithospheric material pushes out of rifts on the ocean floor, and for earthquakes and volcanic activity (including the creation of volcanic islands and mountain ranges). The regions where the action of plate tectonics is most discernible is where adjoining tectonic plates are most active: pressing into each other, sliding over or under each other, sliding past each other. This activity usually takes place at a geologic pace--that is, so slowly that it escapes the notice of short-lived creatures such as human beings. Humans are unlikely to see mountain ranges forming or continents drifting apart. When two great tectonic plates, such as the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, move relative to each other along the Pacific coast at an average rate of 2 inches a year, who would notice? But the these gigantic plates do not move only by drifting or creeping at such an imperceptible pace. As they mash into each other, portions of their adjoining edges get hung up or frozen in place for years at a time, even for centuries or thousands of years. The pressure on these junctures finally gives way as much larger movements which humans perceive (can hardly ignore!) as earthquakes."
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Plate Tectonics, 2002.
A paper that identifies and argues that plate tectonics is responsible for changing continental landmasses through geological occurrences
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 19 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper help explains how Plate Tectonics has caused changes in continental landmasses through geological occurrences. It presents the main controversy in the Plate tectonic theory - whether the movement of the plates has displaced landmass across the continents or not and whether it is the sole reason for the change of the landmass or it is through atmospheric influence.
From the Paper
"Thousands of years ago the earth?s surface has been hypothesized as one big landmass. The Earth's surface has been constant motion. ?Fragmented into giant sheets of solid rock that glide atop a layer of hotter, more pliable material, the globe's appearance is forever changing.? [Cowen, 1999] . These plates are semi rigid, floated on flow of mantle. The plates measured around 50 miles, thickness of 25 miles on land and 4 miles thick under the oceans. Their movement was categorized by an average of a few inches a year. Even today, geologists and tectonicists hypothesize the earth to continue this movement in similar slow manner, even if we do not notice it. The plates? movement is called the Plate Tectonic Theory, a theory presented in 1912 but upheld in 1960 . "
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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 Gaia Theory, 2005.
A look at the theory proposed by British atmospheric chemist, James Lovelock, which characterizes earth as a complex living organism rather than merely an inanimate host for the many terrestrial life forms dependent on it for sustenance.
1,643 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explains and examines the Gaia Theory, which proposes that the earth is itself a tremendously large and complex super-organism, comprising all of the other life forms dependant upon it in very much the same fashion that the human body comprises the many trillions of individual living cellular organisms that, collectively, constitute a human being. The paper first details some of the criticisms as well as the support for Lovelock's theory, outlines the essential elements of the theory, and then provides a critical analysis of the theory.
From the Paper
"In the 1960?s, James Lovelock, a British atmospheric chemist, was engaged in research commissioned by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States. Specifically, the studies were intended to develop a method for determining reliably whether or not biological life existed on Mars. Part of Lovelock?s work involved analyzing certain elements of Earth?s atmospheric properties and mechanisms, in order to understand how a planet teeming with biological life might be differentiated accurately from interplanetary distances from a planet completely devoid of biological life (Enteractive, 1995)."
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Plate Tectonics on Venus, 1993.
A look at the discoveries relating to Venus' geology with the Earth's crust including plates, rifts, etc.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 14 sources, $ 87.95
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From the Paper
"Plate Tectonics on Venus?
The plate tectonic theory is now widely accepted as a unifying basis for the physical geology of the earth as a whole. Not only does it explain most of the tectonic phenomena on Earth, but a number of key points have been well substantiated by paleomagnetic and seismologic studies (4). Venus, Earth's nearest neighbor, and similar in size, density, and age (8) might be expected to have similar tectonic activity. Indeed Soviet and U.S. explorations of Venus during the 60's and 70's revealed several features that could be interpreted as past or ongoing tectonism (Fig. 1). These included large calderas and arachnoids suggesting volcanism, dome uplifts, low ridge belts on planes, high mountain belts, heavily deformed areas called tesserae, and the circular coronae unique to Venus (9). Now that the..."
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Tectonic Plate Movement, 2006.
A look at tectonic plate movement and some of the destruction it can cause.
961 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses tectonic plate movements and how they affect the surface of the earth by causing massive destruction produced by earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis.
From the Paper
"The global ramifications of tectonic plate movement is scrutinized by examining the damaging tectonic activity caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruption as well as the hazards these earthquakes in turn generate, namely volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. The damaging nature of these natural forces cause the world united grief as chilling images of vast wreckage are imbedded in their minds forever. These unstoppable tragedies remind us that we are insignificant in the greater scheme of life and we are still at the mercy of the throes of tectonic plate movement."
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The Connection Between God and Gaia, 2000.
This essay is a review of James Lovelock's book "The Ages of Gaia." Written for a Geology class, this paper compares the Creation Theory to the Evolution Theory, and how God could have had a part in the formation of the Earth.
2,042 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 1 source, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This is a critical essay on the concept of Gaia (the earth being one living breathing organism) as put forth by James Lovelock in his book, "The Ages of Gaia". The author addresses three questions put forth by Lovelock: What would the Universe be like without God? How can we use the concept of God as a way to look at the Universe and ourselves? How can we use the concept of Gaia as a way to understanding God? Through these questions, the author gives us her own opinion regarding the co-existence of both God and Gaia.
From the Paper
""Gaia is a religious as well as a scientific concept, and in both spheres it is manageable. Theology is also a science, but if it is to operate by the same rules as the rest of science, there is no place for creeds or dogma. By this I mean theology should not state that God exists and then proceed to investigate his nature and his interactions with the Universe and living organisms. Such an approach is prescriptive, presupposes his existence, and closes the mind to such questions as: What would the Universe be like without God? How can we use the concept of God as a way to look at the Universe and ourselves? How can we use the concept of Gaia as a way to understanding God? Belief in God is an act of faith and will remain so. In the same way, it is otiose to try to prove that Gaia is alive. Instead, Gaia should be a way to view the Earth, ourselves, and our relationships with living things" (Lovelock 194). In this passage, Lovelock states that the concept of Gaia is both religious and scientific. I agree with him, but not under the same terms. In this essay, I will contend Lovelock's assumptions and propose new ideas for thought, with an interconnection between God and Gaia, instead of keeping them as separate principles. "
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The Continental Drift, 2005.
A discussion regarding the continental drift, plate tectonics and the human race.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 13 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how science has developed many theories of how the earth works to explain natural disasters and why they are a continuous part of human life. According to this paper, one such theory concerns the continental drift and plate tectonics that was explored to explain why certain natural formations upon the earth and in the seas are consistently changing.
From the Paper
"Redfern attempts, through his writing, to explain a concept of science that has been beneficial to humankind by exploring natural change sin the earth. Redfern contends that the concept behind the continental drift is that the earth is formed in large plates, which are massive sections beneath the surface. Redfern states that Continental crust is very different from the crust that floors the oceans. Ocean crust is predominantly magnesium silicate, whereas the continents contain higher proportions of aluminum silicates. They also contain less iron than the denser material of the mantle or of the ocean floor. "
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Earth Odyssey: A Review, 2001.
This is a book review of Mark Hertsgaard's book, "Earth Odyssey: Around the Earth in Search of our Environmental Future."
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper is a discussion and analysis of the environmental issues that are discussed in Mark Hersgaard's book, "Earth Odyssey." Some of the topics examined are nuclear technology, humanity's addiction to the automobile, the health of the planet and the affects of unbounded capitalism. The author also discusses poverty, and some of the reasons for the disparities between the richer and poorer countries and their populations. The author also poses several solutions to some of these problems.
From the Paper
"But Hertsgaard also brings up other ways we are destroying our environment, that beyond our own selves. According to Hertsgaard, ?the automobile may well be the ultimate symbol of the modern environmental crisis? (p.90) The world?s fleet of cars contributes ? between 20 and 25 percent of current greenhouse gas emissions; only electric power plants, with 25 percent, and deforestation, with 25 percent, are as damaging.? (p.94) And then there?s health effects: ?A study released by Harvard University researchers in 1995 found that 30,000 Americans die every year from respiratory illnesses related to car exhaust, while another 12,000 people die prematurely because of such exhaust? (p.95) Clearly, this is a point in his argument he feels especially strong about. And more importantly, it?s one we as a population can control."
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"Gaia and God", 2004.
A review of Rosemary R. Ruether's book, "Gaia and God: An Ecofeminist Theology of Earth Healing".
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses environmentalist feminist literature.The paper analyzes the book, "Gaia and God", by Rosemary R. Ruether, which illustrates an understanding of Christian theology combined with an analysis of environmentalism in a way that ultimately produces a number of workable, helpful suggestions for better human interactions with each other and the environment.
From the Paper
"In Gaia and God, Ruether offers a critique that is solidly based upon Christian theology. In examining three cornerstone creation stories of Western thought (the Enuma Elish, Plato's Timeaus, and Genesis), Ruether argues that early Christianity's melding of these three sources has resulted in the formation of two assumptions. The first is that nature was originally an untouched paradise that was a benign human environment. The second was that human sin brought about human mortality. Further, she argues that these two assumptions have created an environment were human attitudes of domination over nonhuman creation are inextricably linked with the Christian concept of sin."
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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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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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