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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, $ 53.95
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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, $ 54.95
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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, $ 43.95
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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, $ 39.95
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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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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, $ 66.95
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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, $ 63.95
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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, $ 62.95
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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, $ 48.95
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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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The Agricultural Industry in British Columbia, 2006.
A discussion of how climate and soil affect the agricultural industry in three British Columbian regions.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
Perhaps no other industry is as dependent upon variables over which it has no control as the agricultural industry is. This paper produces a cross sectional comparison and contrast of three regions in British Columbia: Cariboo region, Peace River, and Kootenay. The paper highlights how climatic factors and soil composition factors impact upon the respective agricultural sectors of the aforementioned areas. In addition to illuminating how areas that are fairly close to one another geographically can still produce astonishing climatic and geological diversity the paper also reveals how primary industries like agriculture take on new shapes in different regions because of the physical feature of the land.
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Water Usage in the Middle East, 2006.
A case study of water usage patterns in the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the Middle East in general.
2,925 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 1 source, $ 115.95
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Abstract
Water usage patterns in the Gulf Cooperation Council states and in the Middle East overall are not consistent with sound conservation policies and continued industrial and commercial expansion in the region without change will be unsustainable even in the short-term. This case study points out, the entire Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in particular, is experiencing rapid growth in demand for water resources and water based products and this trend is expected to continue.
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The Climate on Mars, 2006.
This paper discusses aspects relating to the climate on Mars.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this essay the writer offers a short overview of Martian climate. First, the composition and characteristics of Martian atmosphere are presented. Then the major features of Martian climate are given with a special emphasis on wind formation. The final part is devoted to dust formation and dust storms on the Red Planet. A short fact-sheet about the planet is provided as introduction.
From the Paper
"Mars is the fourth planet of our Solar System. Its average distance from the sun is 2.28 x 10^8 km, which is 1.54 times larger than Earth's average distance. As a result Mars years are much longer - 687 Earth days. Compared to Earth's orbit, Mars' orbit is more elliptical bringing the planet 206.5 million km from the sun at perihelion and 249.1 million km at aphelion."
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Clouds and the Greenhouse Effect, 2006.
A look at the different possible effects that clouds can have on the greenhouse effect.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the effect that clouds have on the greenhouse effect. The paper is written as if it were discussing the opinions of three groups of scientists. The first group believes that clouds counteract the greenhouse effect; the second says they make it worse and the last don't know.
From the Paper
"The greenhouse effect is one of the least understood environmental problems. Most people think of the greenhouse effect in negative terms. However, it must be realized that the greenhouse effect is essential for life of earth. For example, in A Green History of the World Clive Ponting states, Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to trap outgoing terrestrial infra-red radiation, the average temperature on the earth would be about -18 degrees Celsius and too cold for life. These gases primarily carbon dioxide and methane, maintain the temperature at about 15 degrees Celsius (Ponting, 1991, p. 387)."
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