Abstract
The writer gives a background of the Big Bang Theory and explores the theory as an explanation of the beginning of the universe. However, since the 1940s and the introduction of this theory, scientists have raised questions as to the validity of the explanation and continue to research other ways in which the universe might have been created. The paper traces some of this research.

From the Paper
"One such area of research has been the model for the expansion of the universe and so for the Big Bang. One theory offered to explain this is the inflationary model, and over the last two decades what has happened to this model shows some of the ways scientific truth is pursued and fine-tuned. Alan Guth developed the idea in 1979 and wrote it in his notebook. Inflation was the name for the mechanism Guth proposed for igniting cosmic expansion and which might have operated for as little as 10-35 seconds. Still, it would have whipped up all the matter and energy in the universe and laid the seeds for galaxies and galaxy clusters in that brief time, and in that time the universe would have blossomed exponentially from as small as 10-24 centimeters across to perhaps the size of a pumpkin. Michael Turner of the University of Chicago describes inflation as "the most important idea in cosmology since that of the big bang itself.""

Tags:universe, creation, science, astronomy, research

Abstract
This paper explains how a hurricane forms, looks at the special and unlikely circumstances which led to the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew, and describes the damage caused in various states and why faulty building techniques were partially to blame.

From the paper:

"David Fisher?s book on hurricanes describes a Category 5 hurricane as the ?scariest place on Earth, and Andrew was a Category 5 hurricane when it hit both south Florida and Louisiana.
A hurricane is a giant heat pump (Fisher, p. 61). Both the heat of the sun and the heat generated as evaporated moisture condenses contribute to the development of the hurricane. As the spinning winds contract, they speed up, much as a skater speeds up by pulling her arms in more tightly to her sides. Organization of the storm also requires an upper level high over a lower-level low, which allows the tropical depression to organize into a well formed, rotating tropical storm. If these conditions persist, the tropical storm may strengthen into a hurricane."

Tags:pressure, clouds, ocean, wind, damage, storm

Abstract
The factors responsible for the reef devastation are directly attributed to human actions. This paper looks at the questions surrounding this destruction and offers many examples of why and what is causing the reef's destruction. In the end, the author recommends ways in which the destruction may be halted.

From the Paper
"For the last fifty years marine biologists have chronicled the deterioration and destruction of corals on reef systems worldwide. Coral reefs provide sanctuary for over a fourth of the world's marine fish species and consist of as much biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, both are now disappearing at an astounding rate"

Tags:algae, band, black, bleaching, bloom, coral, disease

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 ... "

Abstract
This paper deals with both the scientific and political details of global warming. The author describes how global warming is a disturbing and controversial trend that has received increased attention in recent years and how politics often come into play when dealing with international global warming issues.

From the paper:

"Global warming has been a topic of scientific research and debate for decades. In recent years there has been a significant increase in public and political concern over the issue. Many people wonder if global warming is nearly as bad as scientists claim it is. Some question its very existence, insisting that the world is wasting its time and money researching the effects of global warming. Although many people believe that global warming is not a problem, it is an important issue because there are international complications, there is sufficient evidence of its existence, and it is a potentially dangerous situation."

Tags:alternate, atmosphere, atmospheric, caps, carbon, change, climate, depletion, dioxide, effect, forest, gas, greenpeace, house, kyoto, melting, methane, monoxide, polar, temperature

Abstract
A paper which examines the arguments that refute that it is not accurate to mainly attribute the problem of global warming to the increasing carbon dioxide emission caused by human activities. The paper discusses the issue of global warming and explores the reasons behind the argument that carbon dioxide emissions are most likely the cause of the global warming. This paper provides the necessary information needed to support the argument presented, as well as discusses and analyzes the opposing arguments that are given in light of this controversial environmental issue. In the last part of the paper the author contends that despite opposing claims refuting the main argument, increased carbon dioxide emissions are still the primary reason why global warming has been prevalent over the years.

From the Paper
"There are significant effects in the health of human beings and the environment due to global warming. Human health is threatened because too much heat in the atmosphere causes certain deadly diseases to propagate. Malaria is an example of this disease, which propagate under local climates (hot and humid climates). Excessive heat also result to respiratory ailments and death. Heat strokes attack many people especially when they encounter heat more than their body temperature can take or adapt to. Environmental elements such as water resources dry up due to excessive evaporation. Climate changes occur when excessive precipitation happens because of uncontrollable conditions in the atmosphere. Different landforms become barren and dry, making it impossible for plants to thrive. When this happens, animals that live in their habitats will leave, and may not survive. All of these effects in the environment contribute to the imbalance in ecological diversity."

Tags:Greenhouse, effect, US, Environmental, Protection, Agency, United, Nations

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."

Tags:drift, earthquakes, floor, hazards, lithosphere, plate, sea, spreading, tectonic, tectonics, tsunamis

Abstract
This paper is divided into two parts. The first part distinguishes between glacial erosion and weathering and the second part discusses the varying influence of the factors affecting the rate and type of glacial erosion. The paper shows that the main type of glacial erosion is abrasion and the characteristics of both the bedrock and the abrasive rock have a large influence on abrasion rates.

From the Paper
"The concept of glacial erosion can be considered using the "systems approach", with the factors that influence the erosion as the inputs, the type and rate of the erosion itself as the processes, and the resultant landforms and characteristics as the outputs. The type of erosion that has the largest effect on the landscape is abrasion. Abrasion is the process by which entrained, subglacial debris grinds against the bedrock as the glacier moves, and wears the bedrock away as a result. There are three factors that are essential for abrasion to occur."

Tags:geography, glacier, meltwater, Pressure, Melting, Point

Abstract
The following paper examines both sides of the global warming issue. The writer discusses the first issue, by making reference to ecological perspectives that claim that certain human activity such as population growth, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning, have lead to increasing solar radiation or heat in the earth's atmosphere, thus increasing the natural temperature of the earth. The paper also deals with the reverse argument which questions whether humans are really increasing the earth's temperature at a alarming rate, or whether humanity is just a ripple in the earth's pool of history, and warmth is simply nature taking its course.

From the Paper
"Global warming is a very important environmental issue concerning the world today and the future of humanity. The issue with global warming is certain human activity such as population growth, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning, have lead some scientists to hypothesize that humans are increasing solar radiation or heat in the earth s atmosphere, thus increasing the natural temperature of the earth. Some greenhouse gases are naturally produced in the Earth s atmosphere from water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The earth s history also shows how the overall temperature of the earth s surface has fluctuated throughout its existence. A problem that arises with the global warming debate is weather patterns have only been traced back to about one hundred and fifty years; therefore it is hard to predict the outcome of the future with such a short past. Another argument surrounding global warming is, are humans really increasing the earth s temperature at a alarming rate, or is humanity just a ripple in the earth s pool of history, and this warmth is nature taking its course? The answers to these questions depend on who you ask, or your view of nature s role on earth."

Abstract
This paper is on the Wetlands and the effects civilization is having on them. The author contends that there exists a need for action, through the use of education, and federal/ locally sponsored programs. He fears that without major steps, and an increase in federal protection, we may reach a point at which we are too late, and serious damage to the Wetlands will be done.

From the Paper
"Wetlands" is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas found in generally flat vegetated areas, in depressions in the landscape, and between dry land and water along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Because they are so varied, wetlands can be difficult to recognize. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, ranching, and the building of roads, dams, and towns. Yet their importance is critical is the proper functioning and balance of our many ecosystems."

Tags:environment, epa, protection, water