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The Dust Bowl, 2005. An analysis of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in the Great Plains as one of the worst ecological disasters of the modern age. 2,534 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 42.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the causes of the original Dust Bowl, tackling issues such as soil composition, climatological factors, and farmer negligence. It also addresses the continuing threat of another Dust Bowl-like crisis and what needs to be done to ensure that it does not happen
From the Paper "The assertion that even without human-induced blunders there would have been at least somewhat of a crisis in the 30's seems like a distinct possibility. There was a definite shift in climate, consisting of severe blizzards, prolonged severe drought, and even a flood to start it all off. Temperature swings between summer and winter were even more severe than usual and dry spells and occasional downpours seemed to strike at the most inopportune moments time and time again (Bonnifield, 1979). Taking these things into account, it seems that even without over-planting, lack of erosion-control and other human mistakes, some sort of agricultural downturn would have taken place."
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Preparing for Tsunamis, 2005. A look at the need for developing ways to predict and warn people about oncoming tsunamis. 882 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 17.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the need for a rapid and reliable system for predicting and confirming the existence of a tsunami so that officials responsible for sounding the alarm of oncoming tsunamis are sufficiently prepared. The paper also describes efforts, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a network of six deep-ocean reporting stations that will track and report tsunamis in real time.
From the Paper "The word "tsunami" has become quite the catch phrase in light of the events that took place December 26th, 2004. All of a sudden people are aware of the destructive and awesome power of the Earth's oceans. But the reality is that between 1990 and 1999 ten tsunamis took more than 4,000 lives. In all, during that time span, 82 were reported worldwide. The idea of a large tsunami striking a coastal area and wreaking havoc is therefore not new. It is in fact a highly studied and researched area of the Earth sciences. The author of the article TSUNAMI!, From the May 1999 issue of Scientific America, Frank I. Gonzalez , is just one of many scientists working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle whose focus is on developing ways to predict and warn people about on coming tsunamis."
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Water, 2003. An analysis of water treatment and delivery issues in the United States today and in the future. 3,183 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 51.95 »
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Abstract This paper provides an overview of the problems currently being experienced in delivering sufficient quantities of water to those who need it, followed by an analysis of potential alternatives and their expected consequences. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "In Greek mythology, Poseidon used his mighty trident to rule over the entire world's supply of water. Today, though, just ten enormous global conglomerates are exploiting the murky regulations that govern international trade to do just the same. According to the research presented in Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World's Water, an emerging water cartel is exploiting cross-border pacts such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to buy up--and potentially dry up--the earth's over-extended freshwater supplies (Siegel, 2003). The trend continues in California and other western states, where the business of water-rights trading, particularly concerning the Colorado River, is gaining momentum. Furthermore, the niche market for bottled water (as exemplified by Nestle, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo) has proven to be lucrative, yet largely unregulated."
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Wind-Powered Generator, 2003. A discussion of alternative energy sources, focusing on the example of wind power. 1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 31.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the background of wind power as an alternative energy source and how it can be applied in an urban setting today. This paper includes several colorful graphics and links to actual plans on how to construct a wind generator as an alternative energy source.
From the Paper "No one is absolutely certain when the power of the wind was first used by mankind. Certainly, the Egyptians were sailing barges on the Nile as long as 5,000 years ago. Simple wind machines were probably used for grinding grain in Persian 2,000 years ago, and windmills with cloth sails have been used in Crete for centuries to pump water (Dineen 17). Today, one of the best ways of using the wind?s energy is to turn it into electricity (Cross 15). Windmills (and increasingly wind turbines) have been used for some time for produce electricity, but there are significant problems associated with the technology that limits its widespread use. This paper examines the background of wind power as an alternative energy source and how it can be applied in an urban setting today."
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Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador, 2004. A paper on Tungurahua Volcano of Ecuador that has been in active volcanic state since the October of 1999. 1,335 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 24.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the potentially disastrous effects of the Tungurahua Volcano on the village of Banos, which lies on the foothills of the mountain. The paper discusses the risks for the inhabitants and plans and solutions that could save the town.
From the Paper "As of date, it has been nearly four years since the first of eruptions from the Volcano began spewing out ashes and poisonous smoke in the October of 1999. The authorities were swift to take action, and evacuated the entire population of the town of Banos, as well as all the adjoining areas to various shelters and larger cities to considerable distance from the volcano. In addition, all the roads and highways leading to the town of Banos, and villages at the foothills of the erupting volcano were sealed off for the public. Yet, the residents of Banos and villages wish to return to their homes, and after a brief confrontation with the authorities, villagers as well as townspeople were allowed to move back to their farms and homes, even though the heightened state of yellow alert is still in effect. (Dytt, 1929; Simkin, 1994; Ecuador Travel.Net, 2003)"
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Flooding on Park Lane, 2004. A case study to resolve the flooding problems of Park Lane in Columbia County, Georgia. 1,887 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 18 sources, MLA, £ 33.95 »
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Abstract The purpose of this case study is to perform analysis in order to recommend solutions to resolve the flooding problems from Reed?s Creek in the area at the end of Park Lane and also to convince the county commissioners to develop and implement a plan to provide a solution to the problem. It provides the background related to the problem, the magnitude of the problem, what the author believes to be the cause of the problem, and what affects the problem has on the residents.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Magnitude of the Problem
Causes of the Problem
The Affects of the Problem
Analysis
Goals
How the Goals Relate to the Problem
Alternatives for Achieving Goals
Costs and Benefits of Alternatives
How the Alternatives Affect the Problem
Assumptions
Pros and Cons of Alternatives
Preferred Alternative
Conclusion
Implementation Plan
Recommendation
Plans Success
From the Paper "It is plain to see that the alternative that should be selected is allowing commercial contractors, with strict guidelines, the opportunity to develop and implement a plan for the development of a nature park that would inevitably solve the main problem of flooding in the flood plain area and subsequently solve all the other minor problems the flooding brings. The reason I choose this alternative is because the project would be fully funded by commercial contractors and the project would be implemented quickly with the long-term goals being reached in a relatively short amount of time. There is no reason to place this tax burden on the residents of Columbia County when there are viable alternatives such as commercial development."
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Cosmic Impacts, 2004. A discussion of the result of meteor strikes on earth, the possibility of a 1 km meteor striking earth, and the effects the meteor would have. 888 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 17.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains how there is proof that earth has been bombarded by meteors in the past. These meteors have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, provided iron to jump-started the Iron Age, and caused a crater in Arizona. The possibility of a 1 km-sized meteor striking Earth, or even Duluth for that matter, is slim. This paper discusses the possible ramifications of such an event in the future.
From the Paper "Earth is a target for destruction, but it?s not aliens or terrorists who are planning its ruin. Meteors have assaulted the Earth ever since our home planet came into existence, and they continue to bombard the Earth with broken pieces from asteroids and comets. Some of these results have been disastrous, and some have furthered along human development. In my essay, I hope to show that these meteors have crash-landed on Earth in the past, that meteors do pose a threat to Earth, and evidence for the need for protection against them."
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The Bermuda Triangle: Myth or Mystery?, 2004. Discusses the different theories about the Bermuda Triangle and the disappearances that have occurred there. 1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 26.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses some of the strange disappearances that have taken place in the geographic area known as the Bermuda Triangle and explores the different theories that have been asserted to explain these disappearances.
From the Paper "A variety of grim nicknames have been used to describe this area of the Atlantic Ocean over the past forty years, such as: the Devil?s Triangle, the Hoodoo Sea and the Limbo of the Lost. The most commonly used name, the Bermuda Triangle, was coined by researcher and author Vincent Gaddis in 1964 in his article, ?The Deadly Bermuda Triangle?."
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Importance of Wetlands, 2004. A paper that explains the ecological importance of wetlands. 1,323 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 24.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines why wetlands are essential for correct balance in an ecosystem. It discusses the dangers of wetlands disappearing and how this may affect the wildlife in those specific areas.
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."
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Earthquake Hazards in Western British Columbia, 2003. Discusses potential hazards of a northern West Coast earthquake and its impacts on urban populations. 1,747 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 31.95 »
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Abstract Western British Columbia is situated near an active subduction zone. The most densely populated part, the Lower Mainland, is actually sitting on the subduction zone. This paper explains that this dynamic geological setting subjects the region to frequent seismic activity and is, in large part, responsible for a higher risk of destructive earthquakes in comparison to other parts of Canada. While the principal city of Vancouver and its surroundings have not experienced a damaging earthquake so far, large earthquakes with nearby epicenters have been strongly felt, and there is paleoseismic evidence for very large earthquakes in the late Holocene. Hazards associated with earthquakes are discussed in detail, and recommendations are given on how to minimize the impacts of a megathrust earthquake and its accompanying hazards. Paper contains 6 figures and charts.
From the Paper "Western British Columbia is situated at a dynamic geological setting which causes it to be the most seismically active in Canada and makes it one of the few sites around the world capable of producing a megaquake of a magnitude of ~9. While such a quake has not hit the region in settled time, paleoseismic evidence, oral history traditions and Japanese records date such a quake as having occurred in 1700. There is also evidence which point to these megathrust events as happening at irregular intervals which range from 200 to 800 years. Vancouver lies at the north end of a seismically active region which extends down into Washington State and has its end south of the Puget Sound. Areas directly off the coast of Vancouver Island and all along the Juan de Fuca plate and Cascadia Subduction Zone are very seismically active. The impact of an earthquake over 6 in magnitude with an epicenter near the Lower Mainland would be devastating on the region, if it occurs off the coast of Vancouver Island, even greater damages would be incurred by tsunami. While new building codes to increase safety structures are due to be released in 2005, it may be too late, as a large quake could hit the region any time, and we have no way to predict such quakes."
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Madison and Waycross Geography, 2004. Examines the climate, soil, and vegetation patterns of Madison, Wisconsin, and Waycross, Georgia. 1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 26.95 »
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Abstract In the states of Wisconsin and Georgia, geographical studies have helped experts gain better knowledge of the vegetation, soil, and climate in the regions tested. In order to give an idea of the specific approach that studies have adopted, this paper considers Waycross in Georgia and Madison in Wisconsin. In assessing the climate, soil, and vegetation in these areas, the paper deciphers the similarities and differences between the two regions.
From the Paper "Roadways that are constructed or repaired in urban and suburban activity experience loss of resource at much higher rates. Research reveals that without vegetative protection erosion takes place much quicker. It is estimated that without proper vegetative cover, erosion may exceed 350 tons per acre annually in this region. Erosion at Madison isn?t as much as it is at Waycross, and hence agriculture isn?t affected negatively. Employment in the agricultural industry does not suffer the way that it does at Waycross (Arnalds, 1995)."
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Synthetic Diamonds, 2004. This paper discusses the industrial and gemstone capacities of synthetic diamonds. 1,675 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 20 sources, MLA, £ 30.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that synthetic diamonds have the same unique qualities as natural diamonds, hardness, density, superlative strength, and thermal conductivity. The author points out that synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory, avoiding the high costs of mining, transportation, foreign taxes, and tariff issues. The paper relates that the future of synthetic diamonds is limitless, especially their use as radiation sensors, light emitters, and unwettable coatings.
From the Paper "In addition to the time saved, there is also a cost issue. Natural diamonds are produced in a limited number of countries, including Australia, Botswana, Russia, and Congo Republic. There is only one mine found in the United States. Since Americans are the consumers of over 50 percent of the world?s diamonds, this produces a costly problem. The costs of mining in foreign countries are high. According to De Beers mine, a leading producer of natural diamonds in South America, 250 tons of ore would need to be excavated to find one stone that would be large enough to equal a one-carat diamond."
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The World's Oceans and Climate, 2004. Discusses the role the oceans have in climate control. 890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 17.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the vital role that the oceans play regarding the regulation and control of the world's temperature, winds, and precipitation.
From the Paper "Through the agency of ocean currents, heat and cold may be distributed over thousands of miles, for it is possible to follow the course of a mass of warm water that originates in the trade wind belt of the southern hemisphere, where a good portion of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans can be found. This redistributing function of the ocean tends to compensate for the uneven heating of the globe by the sun. As it is, ocean currents carry hot equatorial water toward the poles and return cold water equatorward by surface drifts, such as the Labrador Current, and other deep water currents."
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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, £ 50.95 »
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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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