Abstract The following paper explores various types of pollution in the ocean. Pollution from oil spills, run-offs that result in toxic wastes in the ocean and the dumping of foreign particles in the ocean are discussed.
Abstract The paper focuses on a Pentagon Report that was released to the world media in 2004 predicting that the north Atlantic current would stop in the near future, bringing global catastrophe. The paper explains how ocean currents work and describes the phenomenon of global warming. The paper concludes that the events put forth in the Pentagon Report are a plausible scenario, although many scientists contest the events as something which is not likely to happen in the near future.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Theory
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
From the Paper "The Pentagon Report was released to the world media in 2004 predicting that the north Atlantic current would stop in the near future, bringing global catastrophe. It is known that in the past the ocean currents have been affected by changes in climate, although the lack of direct observations make it difficult for scientists to discover the exact nature of changes which are currently being observed. There have however been changes noted in currents in the Pacific and in the Atlantic Oceans related to climate change, suggesting that the events predicted in the Pentagon Report may occur at some stage in the future, although it is difficult to predict exactly when. If such changes in ocean current did occur, it is likely that the changes would impact on a global scale."
Abstract The deadliest tsunami in the Indian Ocean ever occurred at 7:59 AM local time on 26 December 2004. This paper looks at how the tsunami was one of the most damaging tsunamis observed in recent times and caused death to hundreds of thousands of people alongside billions of dollars worth of damage to the towns and villages affected. The paper examines the oceanic processes which led to the extent of the tsunami as well as the damage which was caused and the ways in which oceanographers can contribute to limiting damage from future tsunamis through monitoring the oceanic processes.
Outline:
Introduction
Oceanic Processes
Observations of Oceanic Processes
Data from Indian Ocean Area
Data from Outside Indian Ocean Area
Satellite Altimetry
Near Field
Far Field
Impact of the Disaster
Effects Near the Epicenter
Effects on Human Environments
Effects on Natural Areas
Monitoring and Prevention
Use of Data from the 2004 Tsunami
Predicting Future Tsunami Effects
Conclusions
From the Paper "The 2004 tsunami was originally caused by an earthquake which occurred on the ocean floor, out at sea in the Indian Ocean. The specific type of earthquake was crucial in the type of tsunami which formed as a result. The specific earthquake was caused by thrusting type of source rupture. It created a megathrust earthquake which was moment magnitude 9.3. The earthquake occurred along 1300km of oceanic subduction zone in the eastern Indian Ocean which is located 100km west of Sumatra and the Nicobar and Andaman Islands (Stein & Okal, 2005). The seismic changes which occurred caused vertical displacements of up to 10m in the ocean floor. These were accompanied by sudden horizontal movements of up to 20m in adjacent plates. Overall it was a combination of these two thrusting movements which led to creation of highly destructive waves (Bilham, 2005)."
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." "
Abstract This paper presents facts about global warming and the effect it has, and will have, on the oceans and the delicate marine life and habitat. The discussion involves the melting of polar caps and the effects resulting from such devastation. The paper examines how warmer temperatures will destroy marine life and concentrates on the delicate coral reef system which is already feeling the effects of the warmer ocean temperatures. The temperature rise and ocean rise are discussed, along with ideas on halting the progression of dangerous toxins contributing to higher climate temperatures.
From the Paper "As the coral reefs die, so do many other species of fish, crab and several other species. Large increases in the volumes of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are already apparent. At current rates of change, carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere will double by the end of the next century (2100 AD). Calculations indicate that this rate of change in carbon dioxide alone will may result in a warming of between 1.5 and 4.5?C. The most likely effect of sustained global warming will be a melting of the polar ice caps, and a rise in sea level, while on land the deserts will expand."
Abstract This study analyzes the style of impressionism and oceanic themes that arise in the piece, "Marine View with a Sunset" by Claude Monet. The writer notes that with Monet's background as a son of a marine supply tradesman, he implies a deep love for the oceanic seaside and its various lighting and movements. By understanding this infatuation with the way that light, movement, and his brush strokes created this painting, one can understand the impressionistic values he implies in his perception of the sea. In essence, this study examines the impressionistic techniques used to create this ocean scene in relation to Monet's understanding of marine life from his own familial background and in the European art culture of the late 19th century.
From the Paper "In this manner, Monet used short brush strokes that appeared unfinished, but were essentially a deliberate and nuanced way of changing how lighting, color, and images were abstractly located and applied in the composition.
"The location of the sailboats in the painting reveal how Monet sought to change the focal point often used by painters in realist schools from Great Britain. By placing the boats lower than the horizon line, they were actually becoming non-objects that took the focus off of them as normative objects that centralized the composition. This type of painting took precedence in many of his painting the depict sunsets and sunrises where the light was often bleak, yet filled with obscure colorations that took away the focal points of the sailboats as essential aspects of "Marine View with a Sunset"."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the problem of ocean pollution, and how it is affecting marine life. It also looks at what is being done to control pollution in the United States and around the world. The paper shows that, as the world become more industrialized, the pollution in the ocean is becoming more of a problem.
From the Paper "There are numerous pollutants contaminating the world's oceans ? they have been building up for hundreds of years, and they are both man-made and natural, although man-made pollutants are much more common than natural pollutants. Over 900,000 gallons of oil spills into the oceans every year, either from leaking tankers, oil spills, or leaks from oil dredging machinery. "In 1997, the 22 oil spills reported worldwide involved a total of 15 million gallons (57 million liters) of oil" ("Water Pollution")."
Abstract This paper studies the causes and effects of pollution in the world's oceans. The paper lists the causes of this pollution, including oil spills, tanker discharges, untreated municipal wastes and agrochemical residues. In addition to these major causes, the paper also includes a look at the smaller ,yet more common causes, such as medical wastes, beach visitors? garbage and waterfront businesses.
From the Paper "An ocean organism's internal environment is highly influenced by many external factors. Many marine invertebrates are conformers and have the ability to thrive around the world. They have no need to control their internal environment since the external environment is fairly constant in terms of temperature, oxygen tension, and nutrients. However, with the threat of pollution, the marine invertebrates ability to live within the dirtied and toxic waters are compromised, therefore, resulting in fewer numbers for reproduction, production and harvest."
Abstract This paper examines the topic of ocean tides, the periodic rise and fall of the ocean waters due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the surface of the earth. It looks at what causes tides, what are high and low tides, the different types of tides, the phenomenon of tidal currents and waves, the effect of tides on the coastlines and on fishing and how tides can be harnessed for energy. It also discusses other areas in which knowledge of tidal data can prove useful.
Outline
What Causes Tides?
High and Low Tides
Lunar and Solar Tides
Tidal Period
Spring and Neap Tides
Diurnal, Semi-Diurnal and Mixed Tides
Effect of Tides on Coastlines
Effect of Tides on Fishing
Tides in Gulf of Mexico and the Texas Gulf Coast Regions
Tidal Energy
Other Applications
From the Paper "The gravitational force of the earth at its surface acts in an inward direction towards its center. This force keeps the ocean (and other) waters confined to the surface. At the same time, the gravitational force of the moon and the sun exert an outward pull on the surface of the earth. Since the earth solid surface is a rigid body, it remains relatively unaffected by this ?pull.? However, the ocean waters, being liquid and less rigid, are physically pulled outwards towards the moon and the sun by their gravitational force. This outward pull is not uniform over the earth's surface since the gravitational force of the moon (or the sun) acts on the side of the earth facing it. Hence "high tide" is produced in the ocean waters by the "heaping" action resulting from the horizontal flow of water towards regions of the earth facing the moon or the sun."
Abstract This paper focuses on key elements of ocean pollution: Oil pollution, toxic materials, dangerous debris and deposits and withdrawals. The author gives an overview of the efforts underway to prevent further pollution of the world's oceans.
Abstract This paper examines how the film "Ocean's Eleven" is part of a trend of films that are popular because they present an aura of 'coolness' around the main characters. In particular it explores how the movie uses film making techniques to push the boundaries and question the conventions of what is considered 'cool'.The essay is split into the following sections: semiotics, narrative structure, genre, audio-visuality and editing. Each section explains key points (with references) and applies them to "Ocean's Eleven" to construct a central argument about film and the conventions of 'cool'.
Outline
Introduction
Section 1: Semiotic Construction of Meaning
Section 2: Narrative Structure
Section 3: Codes and Conventions of Genre
Section 4: Audio - Visuality
Section 5: Editing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Semiotics can convey more complicated messages when signs are combined. The first time the audience sees Rusty, the suit he is wearing signifies that he is successful and stylish. In particular it brings to mind a James Bond style hero. This would be considered to be part of the paradigmatic axis: the suit was chosen from a whole range of outfits Pitt could have worn, because of what it signified. At the same time, instead of sipping vodka-martini like James Bond, Rusty is eating fast-food with his fingers; in fact he is frequently seen eating this way throughout the film. The syntagmatic axis describes how signs are combined. In this case, Rusty is certainly not the generic, sophisticated hero."
Abstract This paper examines how the worldwide problems of global warming are not new to the average American citizen and how attempting to control them through managed forestry of the ocean would be a new and interesting topic of discussion. It looks at how this type of scientific exploration is the topic of the article, "The Ocean's Invisible Forest," by Paul G. Falkowski in the August, 2002, issue of "Scientific American".
From the Paper "Phytoplankton, as well as all land dwelling plants, use the energy in sunlight to convert CO2 into organic matter. This process releases oxygen into the atmosphere which makes possible all animal life on Earth. This is known as primary production. Until recently it was unknown just how great the productivity of phytoplankton actually was. In 1997 NASA launched the Sea Wide Field Sensor (SeaWiFS). This was the first satellite that was capable of monitoring phytoplankton populations on a global level every week. By 1998 it was realized that phytoplankton are responsible for incorporating 45 to 50 billion metric tons of inorganic carbon into their cells."
Abstract "The Deep End of the Ocean" is a book about grief and how an imperfect American family deals with the loss of a son. The book explores the themes of grief and loss, uncertainty, and of guilt, as it delves into the Cappadora's reactions to the loss of their three-year old son, Ben. The paper analyzes this central theme of the novel and how it influences the characters.
From the Paper "There are several themes explored in Mitchard's book. Primarily, The Deep End of the Ocean is a book about the emotion of grief. Mitchard delves deeply into the theme of grief and loss, and chronicles this experience in all of the immediate family members. This grief is the focal point of the novel, and runs through almost every experience the family has after loosing Ben. Before his disappearance, Ben worries that the ocean is too deep, and will harm him, Beth replies, "Don't be afraid. Mama would never let the ocean snatch you away" (page 126). The deep end of the ocean is an excellent metaphor for the grief, and depth of loss that Beth and the other family members feel after Ben is disappears."
Tags: grief, loss, guilt, uncertainty, emotions, parent, child, family, america
Examines conditions conducive for the exploitation of cold oceans by fish, adaptations, dangers, growth rates, protein synthesis, migration and genetics.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 16 sources, 1999, $ 63.95
Abstract "Despite the extreme harshness of the environment, there are many reasons for marine fish to attempt exploitation of polar and sub-polar oceans. In addition to the relative greater availability of oxygen in cold water (15), there are rich food supplies, making expansion into these regions a potentially good strategy at the evolutionary level. In
From the Paper "Despite the extreme harshness of the environment, there are many reasons for marine fish to attempt exploitation of polar and sub-polar oceans. In addition to the relative greater availability of oxygen in cold water (15), there are rich food supplies, making expansion into these regions a potentially good strategy at the evolutionary level. In order to survive and thrive in such a habitat, polar fish have evolved physiological, biochemical and behavioral compensatory mechanisms to minimize the effects of exposure to the frigid waters. The mechanisms examined here not only allow these fish to exploit a rich habitat but also enhance their ability to expand their populations even further in the polar oceanic realms.
The low ambient water temperature seen in the oceans of polar regions profoundly impacts the marine life which is exposed ..."
Abstract This paper examines Stephen L. Carter's "The Emperor of Ocean Park" about of a chain of events that begin with the death of a conservative African-American lawyer named Oliver Garland and how Oliver Garland's life has to some extent been ruined by the fact that he has lost a chance to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. It shows how Carter, through his protagonist, explores contemporary American political and academic life ? and the nature of race, class, and power in the United States today. It discusses how the subjects that are debated by the characters are certainly not new ones, the effect that a person's race has on him or her, the extent to which inherited wealth affects one's life, what difference feminism has or has not made in the lives of American women and how feminism (and gender) intersect with race.
From the Paper "But a closer reading of the text, and further reflection upon the experiences of men like Carter himself as well as other conservative black jurists like Clarence Thomas makes us question our initial reaction. The view of the author and of his protagonist seem alien to us not because we are unaware of the fact that there are powerful, wealthy blacks in the United States ? or even that there are powerful, wealthy, conservative blacks in the United States. Any disbelief that we feel over Talcott's vision of the world as one in which personal connections among rich conservatives are what makes the political wheels go round stems not from a disbelief that there are blacks who think the way that Talcott does."
