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The Greenhouse Effect, 2002. An analysis of an article that appeared in the "New York Times" about the melting of the polar ice caps. 900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 18.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses whether or not the greenhouse effect is really responsible for the earth's warming over the last century. It brings up the theory that perhaps this a part of the earth's natural cycle. This paper then discusses the Milankovitch Cycles which details the natural changes that the earth undergoes and the effect of these changes on the environment. The author feels that this theory, as presented in the article, disproves the greenhouse effect theory.
From the Paper "The same happens in reverse in a time of high temperatures.
The ocean circulation systems redistributes heat better and this accounts for the speed of the ice melting in the Antarctic.
Milankovitch Cycles are than able to explain the temperature differences noted in the Antarctic. The ice melting is a direct result of this rise in temperature. The higher temperatures effecting the ocean circulation system also adequately explains why the ice melts at a fast rate."
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Mars, 2002. An exploration of the Martian terrain, with reference to the presence of water. 1,620 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 31.95 »
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Abstract This paper is introduces and discusses features of the Martian terrain suggesting that water, and possibly life, may have been present in the distant past or that water exists today under the planet?s surface. Conclusions about this suggestion are made at the end of the paper.
From the Paper "The public?s fascination and with the red planet originated with Percival Lowell?s book, ?Mars,? published in 1895. Although Schiaparelli and others had discussed the possibility of Canals on Mars, Lowell?s drawings and his suggestion of intelligent life on Mars thrilled the public."
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The Climate of the U.S.A. and Canada, 2002. A discussion of the climate of the U.S.A. and Canada, with respect to climate classifications, its effects on farming and other activities. 2,405 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, £ 43.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses how climate governs the entire ecological structure of the planet earth. The author examines how climate, in relation to the topography and latitudinal location, determines the vegetative types, the hydrology, soil, agriculture and various human activities.
From the Paper ?Climate represents a long term average of various weather features such as temperature and precipitation. The World Meteorological Organization uses 30-year averages to define climatological "normals" for these various features. Climate determines how resources such as water and vegetation are distributed and, until the onset of technology, climate also determined where people lived and worked. Many factors, such as topography, proximity to large bodies of water, and latitude affect a particular location's long-term climate. It is important to note that because a region's climatology is a 30-year average, significant year to year variability is likely. For example, a particular location may have a dry, warm winter one year and a record snowfall the next year.?
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The Ice Age and Climatic Change, 2002. A look at this dramatic era from an ecological point of view with focus on Milankovitch's Theory of Climatic Change. 980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 20.95 »
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Abstract An examination of Milankovitch's theory which links the climate to seasonal and latitudinal variations in the solar energy received by the Earth. Through this theory we are given a better understanding of this time period. Criticism of the theory is also discussed and problems analyzed.
From the Paper "An ice age is a cool period in Earth history, where much of the Earth's land surface is covered by ice. What is most relevant here is that an ice age is defined by the lower temperatures, with the ice a symptom of this. An ice age then, can be defined as a period when climatic changes produce lower temperatures, which in turn cause the Earth to be covered by large sheets of ice."
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"When an Earthquakes Strikes", 2001. This paper narrates the first five days in the life of a public information officer after an earthquake strikes. 1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 29.95 »
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Abstract This paper gives a detailed first person account of the earthquake in Santa Clarita, California from the eyes of a public information officer. It describes the policies such as: activating the Emergency Alert System, restoring power and more. It details the responses that were received by disaster relief personnel and how several organizations of emergency workers were able to deal with this crisis.
From the Paper "On Thursday the 15th of last month, at 7:31 a.m., an earthquake of 5.9 Moment Magnitude struck Southern California. The epicenter was near Santa Clarita, a small suburban community about twenty miles north of Los Angeles along the I-5 freeway. I am the Public Information Officer for the Emergency Response Office for the City of Santa Clarita. The following is an account of the five days following that earthquake."
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Dinosaur Extinction, 2001. This paper examines the current theories and explanations surrounding the extinction of dinosaurs. 1,630 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 31.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the numerous theories that have been presented over time regarding the reason for dinosaur extinction. The author discusses explanations such as a sudden catastrophic event, like a meteor hitting the earth or a volcanic eruption, and also slow, environmental causes like global warming or shifting plate tectonics.
From the Paper "First, around the time of the mass extinction of the dinosaurs there was a global climate change. During this time, the environment changed from the warm and mild one present in the Mesozoic era to the cooler one of the Cenozoic. Second, evidence exists to support a massive terrestrial disturbance at the end of the Cretaceous period that included soot in the air, acid rain, the emission of poisonous gases, and a cooling similar to that of a nuclear winter. This terrestrial disturbance caused periods of darkness on the earth as well as a global greenhouse effect. Third, the dinosaurs were only one species that became extinct during this time. According to scientific evidence, approximately 60 percent of all species below the line of the K-T boundary did not exist above that line."
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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, £ 32.95 »
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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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Desalination Processes, 2008. This paper explores Perth, Australia's reverse osmosis desalination plant. 1,278 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 25.95 »
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Abstract The paper looks at the three main mechanical processes of desalination commonly used today: electrodialysis reversal, thermal desalination and reverse osmosis. The paper discusses how the preexisting water supply was not enough for Perth, Australia to handle all the new people moving to the city. The paper describes how Perth began using the desalination process of reverse osmosis to treat its seawater. The paper examines the problems of costs and energy sources as well as their solutions. The paper concludes that Perth's new reverse osmosis plant has proven to other parts of the world that desalination can be a clean, efficient and cost-effective process.
From the Paper "Desalination is a mechanical process by which saltwater from oceans can be converted into drinking water for human consumption by removing the salt. There are three main mechanical processes of desalination commonly used today; electrodialysis reversal, thermal desalination, and reverse osmosis.
"Electrodialysis reversal is the most intricate and cost effective desalination system of the three commonly used processes. Electricity is used to ionicly charge the salt in the seawater molecules, and then it is passed through an ion permeable membrane filtering the charged salt molecules. On the other side of the membrane, the water is clean and safe to drink. This process is problematic because of its extensive use of electricity, which is expensive and sometimes unavailable."
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Earthquake Facts, 2008. This paper is written as a speech on the topic of earthquakes. 1,133 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 23.95 »
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Abstract The paper reveals that one earthquake is felt on our fragile planet every thirty seconds! The paper then describes how earthquakes happen, their costly and destructive results and how they are measured. The paper relates that while earthquakes cannot be predicted, it is possible for us to limit the damage and impact they have, by building structures using earthquake resistant designs and ensuring that the interiors of our buildings are safe from falling objects. The paper concludes that ultimately, what is important is to educate people about earthquake safety.
From the Paper "One earthquake is felt on our fragile planet every thirty seconds. There is a 100% chance that somewhere, today, an earthquake is shaking the ground. We have no way of predicting how and when an earthquake will strike. We can only say that it might. No one can say for sure if the tremors that are felt will be enough to kill and wreak havoc. What we can be sure of is that earthquakes are perhaps the most powerful and destructive forces of nature. We should all know the facts and what if anything we can do to be prepared for such a catastrophe."
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Hurricane Katrina: A Disaster in Preparedness, 2008. An overview of hurricanes, procedures for dealing with them and why Katrina was such a disaster. 1,369 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 26.95 »
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Abstract A category-4 hurricane named Katrina exploded onto land August 29th, damaging large parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. With 145-mph winds, huge storm surges and torrential rains that flooded whole towns, Katrina left hundreds dead or missing, more than one million others temporarily homeless, and caused at least $25 billion in damage. This paper relates that many of the people in the affected areas who died could have been saved and the damage could have been less devastating if the government's response had been planned with more awareness and sensitivity of the known destruction of hurricanes. The paper contends that Hurricane Katrina changed the Gulf Coast area forever because local authorities did not establish better communication systems with other government departments for help before the storm hit and because superior evacuation policies were not set up in the cities that would be most affected. The paper also examines how President Bush and his cabinet were not fully prepared to deal with the high level of responsiveness that was needed for the residents of the affected areas.
From the Paper "The communication between all government divisions was so badly executed that Federal and State officials have blamed each other for the disastrously poor response in New Orleans and neighboring states. Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin have blamed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the slow response. Federal officials said that initial evacuation and hurricane preparation plans were the responsibility of Louisiana and New Orleans authorities. Also, the Feds blame those officials for not asking for the help of the federal government soon enough, and for not being more specific when they eventually requested help. It was not a matter of pointing fingers and worrying about who was responsible for handling the preparation of the evacuation; it was a matter of helping the people of New Orleans and assisting them in the evacuation, which again shows that the law enforcement was not prepared as well as they should have been to minimize the damage and destruction of the hurricane. "
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The 2002 Central European Floods, 2007. An analysis of the cause and impact of the 2002 central European floods. 2,134 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 20 sources, MLA, £ 39.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at floods in general, their possible causes and general impact. The paper then takes a look at the 2002 flood that drowned Dresden and Prague, in particular, and explains that this flood greatly illustrates both the severity and impact of river floods and that of the changing climate. The paper also briefly touches on the media coverage at the time.
From the Paper "Most simply put, the cause of river flood disasters is rainfall. River floods normally result directly or indirectly from climatological events, such as excessive or prolonged rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of the two. Therefore, most floods occur in spring and early summer, during the periods of snow- and icemelt. Other factors may be ice jams, landslides or the failure of dams and control works. Floods in river valleys occur as a result of a rapidly increased stream flow that exceeds the streams capacity and overspills. Meanwhile, the water-table may rise above the ground surface, when upstream river basins were already saturated from earlier rains. This is often the precursor for overspilling as the ground can no longer absorb the excess water. In urban areas, flooding often results from overspilling but may also be a result of surcharged stormwater drains."
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The 1925 Tri-State Tornado, 2007. An analysis of the cause, impact and coverage of the 1925 Tri-State Tornado. 2,006 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, £ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper describes the causes and mechanisms of tornadoes in general, with a focus on the 1925 Tri-State Tornado, and briefly touches on media coverage of the tornado. The paper looks at how the Great Tri-State Tornado, an F5 that devastated eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois and Southwestern Indiana on March 18, 1925, stands out as a distinct statistical rarity and how it has remained the single deadliest tornado in history, even after decades of record keeping. The paper also touches on media coverage of the tornado at the time.
From the Paper "The week prior to the tragic date of March 18 was unusually warm across the Midwest. A cold front was expected to bring showers and thunderstorms and cooler temperatures from Canada. On the 18th, temperatures rose into the 70s, about 10 degrees warmer than normal for that time of year (NOAA News). Severe thunderstorms formed just behind the approaching cold front over southeast Missouri in the early afternoon. This cold-front helped create the tornado's parent thunderstorm that was centered over northwestern Arkansas, as shown in the Weather Bureau's daily weather map issued that morning. The same parent thunderstorm originally developed within a low pressure area that was centered over western Montana two days before the tornado hit (Potter)."
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The Planet Earth, 2007. A look at Earth as compared to the other planets in our solar system. 1,957 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines why Earth is the only planet in our solar system capable of sustaining life and how it is the only planet that has plentiful liquid water and an atmosphere that can protect the planet from the harmful ultra-violet rays of the Sun. The paper attempts to determine what makes Earth so special by using comparative planetology to understand what makes Earth a habitat for life and what makes it so different from the other planets in our solar system.
Outline:
Terrestrial Planets
Jovian Planets
Conclusion
From the Paper "If we were to look at Earth as a starting point to compare the other eight planets in our solar system, the first thing we notice from space is the magnificent blue color and swirls of clouds. This is an inviting sight and is the first hint at why life is found on our planet. Earth has many features that the other planets do not have. Earth has many features that make it unique. Earth is made of rock and metal. It is one of the four terrestrial planets and has the largest Moon in the solar system. Earth has abundant volcanic activity because of its size in comparison to the other terrestrial planets. With the abundance of water and oxygen, Earth's atmosphere stays in balance and is able to continue supporting life. The liquid oceans help to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the presence of a stratosphere helps protect the surface from the deadly ultra-violet rays of the Sun. Another unique feature of Earth is plate tectonics. Plate tectonics acts as giant conveyor belt that moves the mantle of Earth around, which constantly changes the look of our planet. Although Earth's interior needs much more exploration, scientists can tell about the composition of the deepest regions of Earth by using seismic waves following an earthquake. By reading this seismic data carefully, scientists get a better understanding of interior Earth."
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Hurricanes, 2007. A description of how hurricanes are formed and how they strengthen and weaken. 1,448 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 28.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes hurricanes. It discusses how hurricanes are formed and describes their structure. The paper discusses the affects of hurricanes on their surrounding environment. It then describes what is needed in order for a hurricane to increase in strength, as well as how it can become weaker. The paper concludes with the writer's personal memories and experiences with hurricanes.
From the Paper "Hurricanes are warm storms fueled by thunderstorms near their center. But before we can call any storm a hurricane, there are certain criteria that have to be met. Sometimes hurricanes can use pre-existing systems of disturbed weather to form; although in this system they must have some sort of circulation as well as a low pressure center. Another component that helps to form a hurricane is low wind shear. High wind shear would prevent the formation of a feedback loop which helps power the storm. Warm water is another and probably the most important component in the formations of hurricanes. Water temperatures have to be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit down to a depth of at least 150 feet. Hurricanes are known as warm storms so it would only make sense that they form in warm water. The last component that will be mentioned is, distance from the equator. The minimum distance that a hurricane can form from the equator is 310 miles or 5 degrees on a map. This distance allows the Coriolis Effect to circulate the storm system giving it the appearance of a pin wheel (Wikipedia, 2007)."
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