| Papers [1-14] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 8] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 —> | Search results on "GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEM": |
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The Great Lakes Basin, 2005.
This paper discusses the potential for the development of ecotourism in the Great Lakes Basin.
4,295 words (approx. 17.2 pages), 22 sources, APA, £ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Great Lakes Basin offers an abundance of ecological points to support ecotourism; moreover, if ecotourism becomes an important economic and social factor, it will have a positive affect on some of the ecological concerns of the region. The author points out that the tourism industry in the Great Lakes Basin is stagnated and the most appealing method to this revitalizing program is ecotourism, which would bring tourism to the area to generate both income to continue conservation efforts and interest in conserving the Great Lakes Basin's ecosystem and historic sites. The paper states that the first thrust of developing an ecotourism program is to survey Canadians and visitors to determine their interest in eco-travel and to evaluate potential financial benefits and to create an agency to manage ecotourism efforts in the Great Lakes Basin. Tables, charts, maps and illustrations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Sustainability, Community Interest, Marketing and Mapping
Exotic Biologicals of Interest to Tourism and Ecotourism
Tourism Policies: Legal Issues Affecting Tourism Development in the Area
Tourism Statistics
Canoeing, Kayaking and Sailing
Power Boating
Recreational Fishing
Swimming
Most Popular Sports
Recommendations for Short, Medium and Long Terms
Ontario Tourism Forecast
Short-Term Recommendation
Medium- Term Recommendation
Long- Term Recommendation
Assorted Maps Useful for Planning Ecotourism
From the Paper
"In addition to the scientific ecotourism potential in this species migration (and the list above is a very small part of it), there is the land-based cultural aspect, particularly sustainable if exploited because "the history of exploration, colonization, settlement, and commercial development of the Great Lakes by European settlers spans almost four centuries. Throughout this period, non-indigenous aquatic animal and plant species have been introduced both intentionally and accidentally." Here, cultural history also enters the picture because, for medicinal purposes, early settlers imported non-native plants, such as bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) as well as importing favored edibles, such as watercress (Rorippa nasturtium aquaticum), which thrived in the new environment, pushing out older native species."
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The Great Lakes, 2002.
An examination of the geology of the Great Lakes.
2,397 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the various geological processes that form the features and natural resources of the Great Lakes and provides a summary of the geologic history of the area. The Great Lakes are a chain of inland lakes, including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior which stretch from New York to Minnesota.
Spanning a surface area of 95,000 square miles, the five lakes represent the greatest stretch of fresh water on the planet.
Outline
Introduction
Geological Processes and Characteristics
Brief Geological History
Geology of the Great Lakes
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Observation of existing ice sheets and glaciers indicate that they invariably flow downhill from elevated regions (Cox, 1999). Still, the postulated, hypothetical flow of the ice of the glacial theory was uphill out of basins and depressions like the basin of Lake Ontario. The ice is assumed to have flowed uphill out of Lake Ontario, over the steep cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, and flowed uphill towards the area of northwestern New York. There are many geologic characteristics of the Great Lakes, including bedrock. The geologic setting of the Great Lakes basins began billions of years ago, with the formation of bedrock. The foundation for the present Great Lakes basin began about three billion years ago, during the Precambrian Era. Most bedrock is made up of sedimentary rock of Paleozoic age (which can be up to 600 million years old). However, the rock around Lake Superior, the deepest of the Great Lakes, is much older igneous and metamorphic rock, Pre-Cambrian in age (up to two billion years old)."
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Geology of the Great Lakes, 2002.
An overview of the geologic history of the Great Lakes region.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 52.95
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Abstract
During the Ice Age, a great deal of the northern part of North America was engulfed in glaciers. As the climate warmed, these great ice caps advanced and receded many times, creating a complex and diverse geography in what is now the Great Lakes region. This paper discusses the various geological processes that formed the features and natural resources of the Great Lakes, as well as provides a summary of the geologic history of the area.
From the Paper
"Fast-flowing rivers, glacial ice, and the pounding of waves against the shore occurred over the next 300 million years, wearing down most of the mountains. There was no vegetation protection to slow down these geological processes. As a result, the mountains disintegrated.
The eroded rock debris built up as thick layers of sand, gravel, silt and clay eventually transformed into sedimentary rock. Thus, volcanic activity was the major geological process in the Great Lakes area. Gradually the sand grains cemented together forming sandstone, which can be found in all the lakes."
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Coastal Processes of the Great Lakes, 1993.
A look at the causes and effects of coastal processes of the Great Lakes, including water levels, human influences, erosion, waves, currents, shorelines and storm surges.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 13 sources, £ 39.95
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From the Paper
"Coastal Process of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a series of giant tubs linked by rivers and smaller lakes (Gorrie, 1988, p. 20). The flow starts in Lake Superior (the largest and deepest of the chain) and then passes through the St. Mary's River to Lake Huron and Lake Michigan (Gorrie, 1988, p. 20). Because these two are joined by the broad Straits of Mackinac, they behave as a single sea (Gorrie, 1988, p. 20). Their waters are connected to Lake Erie by the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River; the Niagara River connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario (Gorrie, 1988, p. 20). Eventually, much of the Great Lakes' water egresses to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence River (Gorrie, 1988, p. 20). In recent years, this system of waterways has attained some of the highest water levels recorded this century (Cobb, 1987 ...."
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The Great Lakes Ecosystem, 2002.
An examination of the Great Lakes region.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the Great Lakes ecosystem moderates weather extremes in the region, and provides aesthetic beauty and intellectual stimulation that lift the human spirit. It also examines alterations in the ecosystem resulting from human intervention, and analyzes the effects of these human impacts.
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The Ecosystem of Mono Lake, 2002.
A paper which introduces the term 'ecosystem' and studies the ecosystem of Mono Lake, California.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper defines the term ecosystem as an area which includes all the living organisms, their physical surroundings, and the natural cycles that sustain them. It also gives several examples of ecosystems such as forests. The paper then studies the ecosystem of Mono Lake in California. It covers issues such as tools used to study the ecosystem, the biogeography of the area, plants and animals of the area, the food web, water recycling and the human impact.
From the Paper
"For at least the last 5,500 years, Paiute Indians have lived off the land and waters of the Mono Basin. Using shallow skimming baskets, Kutzadika?a Paiute women collected kutsavi, the pupae of alkali flies?an excellent source of protein. The arrival of miners and those who supplied them with food, clothing, and other goods brought the peaceful coexistence of the Kutzadika?a with their surroundings to a rapid end.
Settlements of gold miners came and went quickly in the last half of the 19th century. With the collapse of mining in the 1880s, Mono Lake began its irregular career as a resort destination. As late as the 1930s, hotels attracted tourists to the lake by claiming its waters had healing properties. Until the 1950s, excursion boats sometimes ferried tourists to the islands for hiking and picnics."
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The Impact of Global Warming on Sweetwater Lake?s Fish, 2004.
An examination of the relationship between global warming, its hydrological consequence,s and the ecological dynamics and distribution of Sweetwater fish in the Great Lakes of America.
3,693 words (approx. 14.8 pages), 25 sources, MLA, £ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the equilibrium in a lake as an ecological ecosystem is directly dependant on the regional hydrological cycle and how, since that cycle is dependant on climate patterns, it is assumed that global warming will have an immediate effect on the lake?s physical conditions and, thus, its inhabitants. It explores the Great Lakes system in the eastern United States, which includes thermal niches suitable for the three guilds. In order to get the most accurate prediction, this paper includes parameters, such as depths, water volumes, thermocline depth, and the Great Lakes water chemistry. The main conclusions show that there are three levels of direct effect: 1) thermal niche size changes; 2) changes in growth rate and food consumption; and 3) changes in reproductive success and population size.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Research Area
Data Collection
Fish and Thermal Niches
Results
Food Consumption and Growth Rate Changes
Population Response
Ecosystem Response
Impacts of Changes in the Hydrological System on the Habitat
Global Warming Impact on Thermal Niches
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Smallmouth bass communities thrive today in warm niches and are unlikely to be affected in the future global warming conditions. A positive response is predicted for the cool water niche, where a 9-fold increase in yearlings population and a 23-fold increase in the fishable populations are expected. This is in fact a mediocre response, intermediate to influence on cold and warm water niches.
The extended reproductive success and the increase in mature individual numbers are logical, since the growth season is expected to be longer and the winter, when the ?winter kill? phenomena (Jackson, 2002) takes place, to be shorter."
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Internal Phosphorus Loading in Shallow Lakes, 2008.
Explains that phosphorus released from sediments in shallow lakes plays an important role in the inability to manage the eutrophication process.
6,170 words (approx. 24.7 pages), 27 sources, APA, £ 103.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in lakes that have suffered years of external loading, high levels of bound phosphorus are released from pools into the surrounding water column. Phosphorus in pools is bound in many forms including redox-sensitive iron compounds and loosely bound organic compounds. The paper describes the microbial action, chemical reactions and physical disturbance to the sediment layer, which contribute to the release of phosphorous into the water column. The paper also reviews several management techniques, such as removing heavily contaminated sediment from the lake floor and precipitation by the addition of iron or alum, which help speed the recovery process of the lake.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Phosphorus forms in Sediment
Phosphorus Release Mechanisms
Chemical Release Mechanisms
Physical Release Mechanisms
Biological Release Mechanisms
Management and Restoration Techniques
Source Reduction Strategies
Physical Reduction of Phosphorus Availability
Chemical Removal
Analysis and Summary of Findings
Analyzing the Unknowns
Conclusions/Recommendations
From the Paper
"The first is the use of physical means such as dredging and flushing to remove sediments containing high concentrations of phosphorus. Another method is the use of agents such as Aluminum Sulfate or gypsum to bind phosphorus in the water system. Yet, other methods have focused on long term reduction of external loading as the ultimate solution to the problem. The success or failure of these methods depends on the source and fractionation profile of the lake.
It was once thought that reducing external loading of the lake would rapidly decrease phosphorus levels in lakes."
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The Acidification of Canadian Lakes, 2006.
A look at the damaging effects of acid rain on Canadian lakes.
1,458 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the environmental damage that acid rain has caused in Canada. It explains what acid rain is and details the threat it poses to the environment, to wildlife and to human life. The paper also discusses its causes, what needs to be done to prevent further damage, and why very little has been done, thus far, to address the problem of acid rain.
From the Paper
"While Canada has far more open land, and less population and industrialization than many other nations,. The seriousness of the acidification of its lakes is beginning to pose a serious problem, to wildlife drinking the water, to fish in the water and to humans who may use lake-water pumped into potable water supply in cities and towns. The one area that seems to be "safe", or virtually so, are the Great lakes, because enormous amounts in limestone both in and around the lakes purify and filter the acids."
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The Great Lakes Crisis, 2002.
An examination of this historic conflict between central African nations.
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the conflict between the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda and their tribes called the Hutus and the Tutsis. It provides a history of the current problem and examines the ethnic issues at the core of the conflict. Zimbabwe's relation to the conflict is also discussed as well as the impact of this crisis on central Africa's society and economy.
From the Paper
"The African region has always been a region at war with itself. Since the time when this region was under the colonial umbrella, to now when the influence is mainly indirect in the form of TNC?s, Africa has been unable to find the answer to its internal problems. When the colonialists lost their direct influence in the region, it was expected that finally the time has come that Africa?s own leaders will stand up for their respective country?s rights but that did not materialize as one after the other, self serving leaders found their way to power. The Great Lakes Crisis is a saga in the epic that concerns the nations that were previously under the French sphere of influence. "
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Coal-Fired Power Plants, 2004.
An analysis of coal-fired power plants with a focus on the Great Lakes region.
956 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired power plants. The paper focuses on the older power plants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired power plants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired power plants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.
From the Paper
"Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."
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Biodiversity in Lake Baikal, 2004.
This paper discusses Lake Baikal, located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, which offers an excellent example of one of the largest and oldest fresh water ecosystems that sustains a wide variety of flora and fauna, including innumerable endemic specie
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, for millennia, Lake Baikal?s ecosystem has flourished in total isolation, untouched by the human population. Unfortunately, today, this precious Siberian ecozone is feeling the negative effects of human abuse. The author points out that the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM), one of the region?s oldest functioning industries (around 40 years), is the major polluting source because it exploits an old and highly dangerous method of bleaching pulp by using chlorine. The paper relates that, over the last decade, world environmentalists have helped improve the situation and limited the damage to the delicate ecosystem, but a coordinated effort from the Russian and Mongolian governments is indispensable for tackling this environmental crisis.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lake Baikal
Importance of Lake Baikal
Environmental Effects (Air and Water Pollution)
The BPPM
Mineral Mining Plants
Conservation Projects
Baikal Watch and Baikal Environmental Wave
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The biological importance of Lake Baikal is evident from the UNESCO declaration of Lake Baikal as a world heritage site and ?the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem?. The range of climatic conditions within the surrounding areas of the lake has contributed to a rich variety of plant life in the region. While the Coniferous forests occupy the western regions, pine forests are common in the eastern areas and deciduous forests predominate the northern region. The fauna found in the lake is amongst the most diverse in the world with more than 255 amphipod species and 80 types of flatworms. The epishura, a tiny crustacean is the natural cleaning mechanism for the lake as it consumes all the decaying matter in the water. The most important and the only mammal species in the lake is the endemic Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)."
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Ecosystem Succession, 2006.
An examination of primary ecosystem succession and secondary ecosystem succession.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper examines two instances of ecosystem development--one instance being primary succession, the other instance being secondary succession--and explores how abiotic and biotic factors can create and/or perpetuate a ecological system. The paper concludes briefly by looking at the various mechanisms which hinder or help an ecosystem recover after a catastrophic event.
From the Paper
"In our course textbook there are two especially interesting illustrations. The first of these depicts primary succession on a glacial moraine in Glacier Bay, Alaska. In this instance, the barren, rocky landscape is colonized by lichens and mosses and shrubs. Afterwards, dwarf trees and more mature shrubs emerge and then spruces come to predominate. In the second illustration, we are confronted with secondary succession in North Carolina wherein, after one year after cultivation, there is the emergence of crabgrass and then the subsequent emergence of annual and perennial weeds. A few years later, pine seedlings and saplings develop and these are followed by young pine forest and by the developing "under-story" of hardwoods. Finally, 150 years after the field was first abandoned, there is a mature hardwood forest present."
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Marine and Forest Ecosystems, 2006.
An examination and assessment of a marine and forest ecosystem and the relationship these systems have to the well being of humans.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This essay examines a marine ecosystem and a forest ecosystem and identifies and ranks the three most important ecosystem services that are provided by these two systems, describing the nature of the relationship between two of the ecosystem services and the well being of humans. Furthermore, the essay discusses the most significant direct and indirect drivers of degradation within the two systems and discuss the scenarios that would best protect them as well as the scenarios that are most likely to happen.
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