Bering Strait - Geographic Overview

The Bering Land Bridge, also known as the Bering Strait, was a land bridge connecting present-day eastern Siberia and the United States state of Alaska during Earths historic ice ages. For reference, Beringia is another name used to describe the Bering Land Bridge and it was coined in the mid-20th century by Eric Hulten, a Swedish botanist, who was studying plants in Alaska and northeastern Siberia. At the time of his study, he began using the word Beringia as a geographic description of the area. Beringia was about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) north to south at its widest point and was present at different times during the Pleistocene Epochs ice ages from 2.5 million to 12,000 years before the present (BP). It is significant to the study of geography because it is believed that humans migrated from the Asian continent to North America via the Bering Land Bridge during the last glaciation about 13,000-10,000 years BP. Much of what we know about the Bering Land Bridge today aside from its physical presence comes from biogeographical data showing connections between species on the Asian and North American continents. For example, there is evidence that saber tooth cats, woolly mammoths, various ungulates, and plants were on both continents around the last ice age and there would have been little way for them to appear on both without the presence of a land bridge. In addition, modern technology has been able to use this biogeographical evidence, as well as modeling of climate, sea levels, and mapping of the sea floor between present-day Siberia and Alaska to visually depict the Bering Land Bridge. Formation and Climate During the ice ages of the Pleistocene Epoch, global sea levels fell significantly in many areas around the world as the Earths water and precipitation became frozen in large continental ice sheets and glaciers. As these ice sheets and glaciers grew, global sea levels fell and in several places across the planet different land bridges became exposed. The Bering Land Bridge between eastern Siberia and Alaska was one of these. The Bering Land Bridge is believed to have existed through numerous ice ages -- from earlier ones around 35,000 years ago to more recent ice ages around 22,000-7,000 years ago. Most recently, it is believed that the strait between Siberia and Alaska became dry land about 15,500 years before the present, but by 6,000 years before the present, the strait was again closed due to a warming climate and rising sea levels. During the latter period, the coastlines of eastern Siberia and Alaska developed roughly the same shapes they have today. During the time of the Bering Land Bridge, it should be noted that the area between Siberia and Alaska was not glaciated like the surrounding continents because snowfall was very light in the region. This is because the wind blowing into the area from the Pacific Ocean lost its moisture before reaching Beringia when it was forced to rise over the Alaska Range in central Alaska. However, because of its very high latitude, the region would have had a similar cold and harsh climate as is in northwestern Alaska and eastern Siberia today. Flora and Fauna Because the Bering Land Bridge was not glaciated and precipitation was light, grasslands were most common on the Bering Land Bridge itself and for hundreds of miles into the Asian and North American continents. It is believed that there were very few trees and all vegetation consisted of grasses and low-lying plants and shrubs. Today, the region surrounding what remains of Beringia in northwestern Alaska and eastern Siberia still features grasslands with very few trees. The fauna of the Bering Land Bridge consisted mainly of large and small ungulates adapted to grassland environments. In addition, fossils indicate that species such as saber-toothed cats, woolly mammoths, and other large and small mammals were present on the Bering Land Bridge as well. It is also believed that when the Bering Land Bridge began to flood with rising sea levels during the end of the last ice age, these animals moved south into what is today the main North American continent. Human Evolution One of the most important things about the Bering Land Bridge is that it enabled humans to cross the Bering Sea and enter North America during the last ice age about 12,000 years ago. It is believed that these early settlers were following migrating mammals across the Bering Land Bridge and for a time may have settled on the bridge itself. As the Bering Land Bridge began to flood once again with the end of the ice age, however, humans and the animals they were following moved south along coastal North America. To learn more about the Bering Land Bridge and its status as a national preserve park today, visit the National Park Services website. References National Park Service. (2010, February 1). Bering Land Bridge National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved from: https://www.nps.gov/bela/index.htm Wikipedia. (2010, March 24). Beringia - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beringia

Corium and Radioactivity After the Chernobyl Nuclear Meltdown

The most dangerous radioactive waste in the world is likely the Elephants Foot, the name given to the solid flow from the nuclear meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986. The accident occurred during a routine test when a power surge triggered an emergency shutdown that didnt go as planned. Chernobyl The core temperature of the reactor rose, causing an even greater power surge, and the control rods that might otherwise have managed the reaction were inserted too late to help. The heat and power rose to the point where the water used to cool the reactor vaporized, generating pressure that blew the reactor assembly apart in a powerful explosion. With no means to cool the reaction, the temperature ran out of control. A second explosion threw part of the radioactive core into the air, showering the area with radiation and starting fires. The core began to melt, producing a material resembling hot lava—except that it was also wildly radioactive. As molten sludge oozed through the remaining pipes and melted concrete, it eventually hardened into a mass resembling the foot of an elephant or, to some viewers, Medusa, the monstrous Gorgon from Greek mythology. Elephants Foot The Elephants Foot was discovered by workers in December 1986. It was both physically hot and nuclear-hot, radioactive to the point that approaching it for more than a few seconds constituted a death sentence. Scientists put a camera on a wheel and pushed it out to photograph and study the mass. A few brave souls went out to the mass to take samples for analysis. Corium What researchers discovered was that the Elephants Foot was not, as some had expected, the remnants of the nuclear fuel.  Instead, it was a mass of melted concrete, core shielding, and sand, all mixed together. The material was named corium after the portion of the reactor that produced it.   The Elephants Foot changed over time, puffing out dust, cracking, and decomposing, yet even as it did, it remained too hot for humans to approach. Chemical Composition Scientists analyzed the composition of corium to determine how it formed and the true danger it represents. They learned that the material formed from a series of processes, from the initial melting of the nuclear core into the Zircaloy (a trademarked zirconium alloy) cladding to the mixture with sand and concrete silicates to a final lamination as the lava melted through floors, solidifying. Corium is essentially a heterogeneous silicate glass containing inclusions: uranium oxides (from the fuel pellets)uranium oxides with zirconium (from the melting of the core into the cladding)zirconium oxides with uraniumzirconium-uranium oxide (Zr- U-O)zirconium silicate with up to 10% uranium [(Zr,U)SiO4, which is called chernobylite]calcium aluminosilicatesmetalsmaller amounts of sodium oxide and magnesium oxide If you were to look at the corium, youd see black and brown ceramic, slag, pumice, and metal. Is It Still Hot? The nature of radioisotopes is that they decay into more stable isotopes over time. However, the decay scheme for some elements might be slow, plus the daughter, or product, of decay might also be radioactive. The corium of the Elephants Foot was considerably lower 10 years after the accident but still insanely dangerous. At the 10-year point, radiation from the corium was down to 1/10th its initial value, but the mass remained physically hot enough and emitted enough radiation that 500 seconds of exposure would produce radiation sickness and about an hour was lethal. The intention was to contain the Elephants Foot by 2015 in an effort to diminish its environmental threat level. However, such containment doesnt make it safe. The corium of the Elephants Foot might not be as active as it was, but its still generating heat and still melting down into the base of Chernobyl. Should it manage to find water, another explosion could result. Even if no explosion occurred, the reaction would contaminate the water. The Elephants Foot will cool over time, but it will remain radioactive and (if you were able to touch it) warm for centuries to come. Other Sources of Corium Chernobyl isnt the only nuclear accident to produce corium. Gray corium with patches of yellow also formed in partial meltdowns at Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in the U.S. in March 1979 and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan in March 2011. Glass produced from atomic tests, such as trinitite, is similar.

Essay on Wuthering Heights Conflict Analysis - 994 Words

In Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontà «, revenge is one of the most prominent themes within the novel. This theme plays into a recurring literary theme of the war between passion and responsibility, seen specifically within Brontà «Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s character Heathcliff. In this case, Heathcliff’s passion is his overwhelming desire for revenge on the Earnshaw and Linton families in order to gain what he believes is rightfully his. With his mind solely focused on seeking vengeance on those who have hurt him, Heathcliff is unable to maintain the responsibilities of an adult, a father, or even a human being. Brontà « demonstrates throughout the novel the destructive nature of Heathcliff’s passion for revenge and how this passion conflicts with his humanly†¦show more content†¦Heathcliff’s overwhelming passion for revenge dominated his life and had serious and detrimental effects. His desire for revenge is at sometimes so strong that it corrupts his other em otions, including love. The extreme force of his acts of vengeance put so much stress on Catherine that she ends up dying, proving that Heathcliff’s plans of repayment were flawed in that they made him blind to his love and caused him to loose the woman he adores. The intense power of Heathcliff’s hunger for retribution is demonstrated when he states â€Å"while I’m thinking of [the best way to get revenge], I don’t feel pain,† (107) clearly showing how revenge suppresses and strangles all of his other feelings and emotions. Although Heathcliff believes that seeking revenge will justify what he has endured, he ironically makes himself more miserable than Hindley ever did through the process. When Heathcliff says he â€Å"[doesn’t] care how long [he] waits, if [he] can only [get revenge]† (65) on Hindley, Brontà « gives insight on the incredible depth to Heathcliff’s vengeance and the lengths he will go to. 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The most important character, which possesses the readersRead MoreThe Obsessive Nature Of The Love Felt By Othello, By William Shakespeare2617 Words   |  11 Pagesmay be because he is discriminative of Othello’s colour since Desdemona ran away in secret to become married to a foreigner. The reoccurring theme of racial prejudice and class that are pursued by the Italian’s in Othello can also be seen in Wuthering Heights when Heathcliff is described as ‘‘a little Lascar, or an American or Spanish castaway’’. Although the upper class rejected this new addition, this would have been expected during 18th century England. Assumingly, Bronte intentionally conveysRead MoreCause and Impact Analysis on the Main Character’s Suffering in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Novel Eat, Pray, Love7348 Words   |  30 Pagesevents of human life such their problem, struggle of life and conflict. They could not be separated from love, sacrifice, humanity and sorrow. We were able to appreciate human life and do out our problem concern with psychological, social, and others. The contribution of appreciation novel was the readers have to analyze for gaining the messages. Analyzed of main character would give us insight of human life about pressure conflict that impact of psychological of main character â€Å"Eat Pray Love†Read MoreThe Madwoman in the Attic4718 Words   |  19 Pagesfeminism into consideration. Nonetheless, I still find it useful in handling the relationship between women and language. In addition, with its multiple Asia-Pacific Science and Culture Journal, Vol. 1, No. 3 2 approaches including text analysis and psychoanalysis, the book greatly enables us to establish connections between it and other strands of criticism. One basic issue involved in the relationship between women and language is repression. Indeed, this is a centuries-old issue which

Human Rights Influence Administrative Law - 913 Words

Human rights influence administrative law in number of different ways: First, administrators by a mere submission to the existing administrative law principles can protect and promote human rights. Government administrators are expected to set exemplary roles in the protection of human rights. By doing their job responsibly, administrators’ can influence Australia in advancing its human rights record. Non fulfilment of the administrator to adhere with administrative law principle is as good as repudiating the human rights of an individual. Section 38 of the Charter provides that it is unlawful for a public authority to act in a way that is incompatible with a human right or, in making a decision, to fail to give proper consideration to a relevant human right. Public authorities are therefore subject to the obligation stipulated section 38(1) of the Charter that is to act in consistent with human rights and to give proper consideration to relevant human rights when making a decision The case in Metro West Housing v Sudi (Residential Tenancies) and Director of Housing v Sudi Justice Bell held that the Director of Housing was a public authority within the meaning of section 4(1)(a) of the Charter . Justice Bell also added that â€Å"the scope of a human right is identified in its plain state, purposefully and generously, by reference to the cardinal values which it expresses and focusing on the interests which it was meant to protect, without taking justification of potentialShow MoreRelatedProcedural Propriety Exercised By Administrative Bodies997 Words   |  4 Pages The central issue in this case had been the lack of procedural appropriateness exercised by administrative bodies, namely the Parole Board. Here, the principle of fairness was first expounded by Lord Smith in R (Smith and West) v Parole Board , and Lord Reed’s judgement in the 2013 case had been an amplification of that principle in a clearer framework: decision makers, prior to exercising their capacity to decide individual lifelines, are to apply fairness into the procedure of decision-makingRead MoreSocial And Political Order : Seat Belt Laws1102 Words   |  5 PagesPolitical Order: Seat Belt Laws Social and Political theories aim to define the relationships between government and citizen, and concerns the organization and basis of government. (Merriam-Webster, n.d). In application, the necessity to find a balance between two primary theories becomes apparent. Modern day social and political theories can largely be attributed to ideas of two individuals, Thomas Hobbes and Jean Jacques Rousseau. 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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The Role of Women Essay Example For Students

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: The Role of Women Essay Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: The Role of Women In the fourteenth century, chivalry was in decline due to drastic social and economic changes. Although feudalism-along with chivalry-would eventually fall for other reasons, including a decrease in cheap human resources due to a drop in population caused by plague epidemics and the emergence of a mercantile middle class, the Gawain author perceived a loss of religious values as the cause of its decline. Gawain and the The poem warns that a loss of the religious values behind chivalry would lead to its ultimate destruction. Although superficially Sir Gawain and the Green Knight appears to be a romantic celebration of chivalry, it contains wide-ranging serious criticism of the system. The poet is showing Gawains reliance on chivalrys outside form and substance at the expense of the original values of the Christian religion from which it sprang. The first knights were monastic ones, vowing chastity, poverty and service to God, and undertaking crusades for the good of their faith. The divergence between this early model and the fourteenth century knight came with the rise of courtly love in which the knights were led to their great deeds by devotion to a mistress rather than God. The discrepancy between this and the churchs mistrust of women and desires of the flesh is obvious, and the poet uses women in the story to deliver this message. In contrast to reality at the time, women in the story are given great power: Mary, when properly worshiped, gives Gawain his power, Lady Bertilak operates alone in the bedroom and singlehandedly taints the chevalier, and Morgan the Fay instigates the entire plot, wielding enough power. The author is using them as a metaphor for other anti-social forces and dangers outside the control of feudalism and chivalry, drawing upon biblical and classical examples in his audiences minds of where femininity is linked with subversiveness. Lady Bertilak is clearly seen in the Biblical role of the temptress, the Eve who led Adam astrayin Gawain, she represents the traditional female archetypes of courtly love, disobedience, lust and death. Eves antithesis is the Virgin Mary, who is the only women who achieves motherhood while maintaining her chastity; she represents spiritual love, obedience, chastity, and life That Gawain is Marys Knight is made clear as he is robed for battle; the pentangle represents the five joys of Mary, and he has that queens image / Etched on the inside of his armored shield (648-649). As long as he is solely focused on his quest for the Green Knight, he derives his prowess and courage from his special relationship with Mary. On his journey to look for the Green Knight he is beset by a number of hardships, and is finally brought to the point of despair. Alone and freezing in the forest, he prays to Mary for shelter and a place to say mass on Christmas Eve. She answers his prayers and leads him to Bertilaks castle; however, his arrival at Bertilaks court throws him into a totally different world. Here, Gawain impresses courtiers of Bertilaks castle with his prowess in the field of courtly love rather than the feats of daring or his upholding of his honor, traits that would draw compliments in Arthurs court. Camelot is portrayed in its youth, long before it too is tainted by Lancelot and courtly love; Arthur is young, child-like (86) and the fine fellowship of Camelot was in its fair prime. The analogy is obvious: Arthurs court embodies chivalrys pure roots, where martial exploits were the primary subject of interest, whereas Bertilaks castle represents the low point of the degeneration the poet perceives chivalry to have undergone. Photosynthesis EssayThe Ladys association with courtly love also ties .

Courage of Atticus Finch free essay sample

Atticus Finch, a dedicated lawyer and compassionate father of two, shows many instances of great courage as he fights against racism to ensure justice when an innocent black man is accused of rape in a small southern town. His actions through out the trial, as well as his personal life, each one displaying compassion, courage, and dedication idolized him in many peoples eyes and eventually won him the title of fims number one hero of all time. Buddha defined compassion as that which makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others. † The book of Leviticus expresses it more simply as â€Å"love thy neighbor†. In To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus Finch shows compassion in every aspect of his life; in the upholding of his career, the raising of his children, and his determination to follow his own conscience while facing critique, slander, and threats. Atticus’ compassion for Tom Robinson earned him the hatred of many racist citizens in his small, southern town. We will write a custom essay sample on Courage of Atticus Finch or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He was insulted, threatened physically, at one point even approached by a mob of angry, poteentially violent men, but Atticus took all of this undeserved abuse with grace and the assurance that he was right in his decisions. When even the children began to hear of Atticus new reputation as a n***** defender Scout asked her father how he could possibly be doing the right thing if it it made everybody so angry. Atticus replied ; â€Å"The one thing that doesnt abide by majority rule is a persons conscience. † Atticus, though an extremely dedicated lawyer, loves nothing more than his children; Jem and Scout Finch. He treats them as equals, allowing them to call him by his first name, and uses reason and compassion, rather than punishment, to help them mature and see their faults. One of his most important lessons was teaching Scout the concepts of compassion and empathy. When she came home angry with her new teacher he asked her to envision life from the teacher’s perspective. â€Å"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. This is a lesson that stuck through Scout all the way through the novel’s conclusion when she faces the neighborhood from Boo Radley’s porch. Winston Churchill has said that â€Å"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. † Through out the course of The Robinson Trials Atticus displays both forms of these courage; taking on James Wright’s role of the ‘accusing finger’ in the face of his town, and holding on to a remarkable belief in peacefulness and pacifism while facing both verbal and physical attacks. The witnesses for the State, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption the evil assumption that all Negroes lie, all Negroes are basically immoral beings, all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women. An assumption that one associates with minds of their caliber, and which is, in itself, gentlemen, a lie, which I do not need to point out to you. Atticus Finch’s closing statement on behalf of Tom Robinson. As a white man, standing in front of a jury and an audience of white, southern men Atticus accused the entire town of ign orance and racism, putting his reputation, his life, and, unknowingly, even his children at risk in his desire to speak the truth. â€Å"Dedication is not what others expect of you, it is what you can give to others. † Atticus showed true dedication to his work, not in the pursuit of money, but in the true desire to help his friends and neighors, and bring justice and peace to his small town. Atticus remained faithful to his client, with no concern for his personal reputation or the opinions of his peers. He had dedicated his life to the law, and refused to lose that dedication to appease the ignorance of others. In 2003 Atticus Finch was declared the number one literary and screen hero of all time by The American Film Institutes CBS special. Though Atticus does nothing nearly as dramtic or spectatular as the heroes following him on the list, Indiana Jones and James Bond, his personality is marked by dedication, compassion, and the quiet, everyday courage we all yearn to have.