– Critical Environmental Concerns and Physical Geography
The past president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) said, “… humans have emerged as a new force of nature.” In March 2001, United nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and recipient of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize, spoke to the Association of American Geographers annual meeting. In part, he said,
“As you know only too well the signs of severe environmental distress are all around us. Unsustainable practices are woven deeply into the fabric of modern life.”
In this assignment, you will write an essay that will discuss several concerns/issues that critically impact our environment. List and describe, in your own words, at least 3 topics of the critical environmental concerns mentioned in the text – leaf through the book, check the index, check the reading: Earth and the Human Denominator (attachment ). Add any two additional concerns that did not mention in the textbook but you think they should be considered in physical geography. Also state your reasons why these two additional environmental concerns should be addressed.
What to submit:
You are required to write a paragraph essay that addresses the above issues. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and supporting sentences. The essay should follow these structures:
Introductory paragraph: The introductory paragraph should include the statement, which serves as a mini-outline for the paper. This paragraph tells the reader what the essay is about. The last sentence of this paragraph will serve as a transition to the first paragraph of the body of the paper.
Body (paragraphs 2, 3, etc.): The body paragraphs expand the statement in the introductory paragraph. You should include supporting details, which reinforce the topic sentence, in the body paragraphs.
Concluding paragraph: The concluding paragraph should include the followings: a restatement of the purpose; a summary of the main points from the body of the paper; and a closing sentence.
You will submit one typed (in Times New Roman 12 pt. font) and double-spaced paper. Submit a digital copy (in a MS Word) through Blackboard. I will not accept emailed papers!
Identical and nearly identical papers will be awarded a zero credit. The paper should not exceed four pages.
Reference:
Christopherson, R. W. (2012). Chapter 21 Earth and the Human Denominator, Geosystems, 8th Edition (pp. 616-623). Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
(Class Topics)
1. Earth/Sun Relationships (Declination of the sun) – For example, you can take a photograph of something with shadows and explain why and how the shadow length will vary throughout the year. Please note that this concept is not the same as day length.
2. Humidity – Either high or low humidity. Also explain what humidity is.
3. Temperature Inversion Layer OR Lifting Condensation Level (LCL) – The inversion layer
(temperature increases with height) is unpredictable, bring your camera with you when you
are out and about. LCL is common at times (e.g., clouds are formed) when inversions are not.
4. Rocks – Identify the rock type, how it formed why you classified it as such. It would be better if
you used exposed bedrock where you can actually touch it as that will aid in the identification
process.
5. Atmospheric Lifting Mechanisms – There are four types; orographic lifting is easy is identify.
6. Weather – Describer the weather for a particular day – you might want to include newspaper
or online weather information for that date. What were the contributing factors to that day’s
weather?
7. Climate – Do not just take a picture of nice weather. What is our climate and how does the
vegetation reflect this? No palm tree or oak or cactus pictures for this or #8. I want to see the
whole landscape.
8. Climate Inappropriate – What vegetation/landscaping is NOT appropriate for our climate and
why?
9. Earthquakes – Do not just take a photo of a crack in the ground and say “earthquake.” Why do
we have earthquakes?
10. Mass Wasting/Movement – Identify type of mass wasting and cause.
11. Stream Processes – Not just take a pretty picture of stream, I want a process: transportation,
erosion, bedload …
15 days ago
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