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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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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 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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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 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 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 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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Continental Drift, 1995.
This paper analyzes 18th -19th Century German scientist Alfred Wegener's ideas of continental drift, which led to the plate tectonic theory.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, $ 79.95
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From the Paper
"During the past century, considerable advances have been made in the field of geology. The discovery of plate tectonics has provided researchers with a unifying theory that explains many fundamental earth processes. Of the various hypotheses that led to plate tectonic theory, the most important was proposed by Alfred Wegener. Wegener's ideas on continental drift were supported by much evidence. However, perhaps because of its overwhelming implications, the theory was met with considerable resistance. Only in recent decades has scientific investigation collected sufficient evidence to definitively establish the validity of the continental drift hypothesis.
The theory of plate tectonics describes a lithosphere consisting of approximately the Earth's outer 100 kilometers.... "
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Timber in Tectonic Architecture, 2006.
An explanation of tectonic architecture and how this form of architecture can make use of timber.
2,245 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper explains what tectonic architecture is, examines the trend towards this form of architecture, discusses its history, describes the different modes of tectonic architecture and looks at the role that timber can have in tectonic architecture. The paper further explains why a return to tectonic architecture is an environmentally sound move and why timber is an appropriate material to use in tectonic construction.
From the Paper
"There is a growing movement towards tectonics in architecture, a return to the basic form and styles of the old schools of architecture. This movement has occurred as a result of the current tendency to reduce architecture to scenography. Architecture at the end of the 20th century has mostly been treated as a large commodity, with attention to cultural details minimized. Kenneth Frampton says that "among the seductions of the scenographic is the fact that the results are eminently amortizable, with all the deleterious consequences that this attitude entails for the future of the environment." Architecture of this century has been subject to the concept of spatial invention as an end in itself, with abstract art and visual obscurity the high points. The movement back to using the structural unit as the essence of architectural form is gaining strength."
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Seafloor Spreading and Earthquake Activity, 2004.
An assessment of the relative contribution that geoscience has made to our contemporary understanding of physical oceanography.
3,072 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper purports to investigate our greater understanding of the unified theory of plate tectonics and seafloor spreading. The structure of the earth and the traditional theory of continental drift is examined, followed by a look at the more unified theory of plate tectonics. The global ramifications of this theory is investigated by examining the damaging tectonic activity caused by seafloor spreading, specifically earthquakes as well as the hazards these earthquakes in turn generate, namely tsunamis. Case studies are provided to illustrate the damaging nature of these natural forces. Finally the paper examines whether these hazards can be predicted or prepared for given our greater understanding of their causes.
From the Paper
"The Earth is a layered planet consisting of the crust, mantel and core as illustrated in Figure 1 below. Due to the intense heat during the formation of the planet, Earth was mostly molten. The more dense materials sank to the centre forming the core while the lighter materials floated to the surface and gradually formed a rigid layer called the lithosphere (Byatt 2001:18). The upper part of this lithosphere is called the crust, a layer about 80km to 40km thick (Strahler & Strahler 1989:254). The lithosphere also includes the upper part of the mantle called the asthenosphere, which is highly heated to a state that is semi plastic. The rigid, brittle lithosphere, which is broken into large fragments called lithospheric plates, has the capability of moving over the soft, plastic asthenosphere."
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Oceanography, 2007.
This paper presents an in-depth look at oceans and earth science in general.
3,165 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 26 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the points in the globe that are most surrounded by water and land. The paper compares the land and water areas in the northern and southern hemisphere and discusses flying and sailing between the two most distant points. The paper discusses convergent plate boundaries and the correlation between ocean depths and plate tectonic processes. The paper examines major ocean surface current patterns, swells, breaking surf, tsunamis and tides. The paper also looks at depositional coasts versus erosional coasts.
Outline:
Identifying the Current Location
The Point Most Surrounded by Water
The Point Most Surrounded by Land
Comparison Between the Land and Water Areas in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Flying Between the Two Most Distant Points
Sailing Between the Two Most Distant Points
Convergent Plate Boundaries
The Correlation Between Ocean Depths and Plate Tectonic Processes
Major Ocean Surface Current Patterns
Swells, Breaking surf, Tsunami
How do Tides in a Bay Depend on its Location in the Ocean?
Depositional Coasts versus Erosional Coasts
Marine Organisms in Pelagic and Benthic zones
From the Paper
"New York belongs to the state bearing the same name and is situated on the north-eastern coast of the U.S.A, at the point where the Hudson River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city's geographical coordinates are latitude 40047'N and longitude 73058' W. The city is renown for its cultural aura, but also for its financial, business, and trading organizations which play a major role to the national and world economy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City)."
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San Andreas Fault, 1990.
This paper discusses the role of the San Andreas fault in California earthquakes: Geography and geology, tectonic plates, discovery and major earthquakes.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"This paper will be concerned with earthquakes caused by the San Andreas Fault in the state of California. There are numerous earthquake fault systems to be found throughout California; however, the San Andreas Fault is by far the largest and "most conspicuous in the state".
Approximately 650 miles long, it is clearly the longest fault in the state. In addition, it is one of the deepest, dropping as far as 20 or 30 miles into the earth's crust at certain points. The San Andreas Fault varies widely in width throughout its stretch. In some sections, the fault is less than 100 yards wide. However, in other locations, the San Andreas Fault is "several hundred yards to a mile or more in width and is interlaced with any number of sub-parallel fault lines". The San Andreas Fault basically runs along the Coast Mountains which follow the ... "
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