Trees Water Pollution and Natural Air Filter Essay Example

Trees: Water Pollution and Natural Air Filter Paper Trees clean the air. Tree foliage works as a natural air filter of particulate matter such as dust, micro sized metals and pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulfur dioxides. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Combined with the cooling effect of trees, these processes can have a significant impact on reducing smog and overall air pollution. Trees improve water quality. A healthy urban forest can have a strong influence on our regions water quality. Tree canopies and root systems slow ND reduce storm water runoff, flooding and erosion. Trees also help filter water runoff reducing potential sources Of water pollution into our rivers and storm drains. Trees save energy. Trees cool the air naturally in two ways: through water evaporating from the leaves and direct shade. Homes shaded by trees need less energy for cooling which means lower monthly utility bills in summer and a reduced need for utilities to increase power generation to meet peak load demand. Trees raise real estate value. Shaded neighborhoods and well-landscaped arid have a positive economic influence on real estate values, timeliness of house sales and neighborhood desirability. Studies report that landscaping speeds the sale of a home by four to six weeks. We can save trees by * reducing the consumption of products made from trees (e. G. Paper) providing alternate fuel to rural poor for cooking (e. G. Ii gas) so as to reduce cutting of trees for fuel wood * avoiding indiscriminate disposal of plastic products (especially thin plastic pick up bags) so as to allow rain water to recreate into ground and prevent erosion of soil to save the root system of * planning new projects (especially Hyde power projects/water trees storage reservoirs) not involving deforestation/ submergence of forests under water * avoiding any human activity that may cause forest fires * making tours echo friendly * creating awareness among people about importance of trees and need for their conser vation. We will write a custom essay sample on Trees: Water Pollution and Natural Air Filter specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Trees: Water Pollution and Natural Air Filter specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Trees: Water Pollution and Natural Air Filter specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

A Responsibility of a Citizen essays

A Responsibility of a Citizen essays Voting is defined as a formal indication of a choice between two or more candidates or courses of action. Voting is an important tool in choosing our leaders and how they run our country, especially with the upcoming presidential election. The citizens hold the future of Americas economy in their hands, and it is their responsibility to choose the right leader to guide them to have a better country. A citizen should vote for his own good and for the good of all. However, not all citizens of America vote. Why should one vote? One should vote because it is a responsibility and the future and good of all depends on it. Voting gives us the power to lead our country to a better future, because through this process we choose our leader; the right leader to lead us to what is good. Our economys future fully depends on our leader, our guide; the rise and fall of our country is based on his decisions. The president controls the government, which consists of us. Sometimes we are not content with how the government runs our country, this is because of the bad leadership of the president. During the last election of 2000, many citizens, especially aged 18-25, did not vote because of lack of knowledge. As an educated person, that is absurd. We live in a modern world and there are so many ways to gather knowledge about the candidates especially through the media. The citizen may be uneducated but he is wise enough to seek knowledge for it is in our nature that we have knowledge within us even before we are born. It is through voting that we can achieve the best, we should never settle for the less. The war against Iraq was not the only way for America to obtain peace, Bush did it his way. Weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them as Lao-Tzu said in the Tao-te Ching. They could have compromised before attacking. Our Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld proclaimed to the world that nothing&...

Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts

Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle native to the United States. The species is named in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The turtle gets its common name from the ridges on its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator. Fast Facts: Alligator Snapping Turtle Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckiiDistinguishing Features: Large turtle with strong jaws and a ridged shell resembling alligator skinAverage Size: 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb); males larger than femalesDiet: Primarily carnivorousAverage Life Span: 20 to 70 yearsHabitat: Midwest to Southeast United StatesConservation Status: VulnerableKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelydridaeFun Fact: Although not aggressive, the turtle can deliver a bite powerful enough to amputate fingers. Description The alligator snapping turtle has a large head and thick shell with three ridges that feature large, spiked scales. In contrast, the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) has a smoother shell. Snapping turtle have strong, stout heads, powerful jaws, and sharp claws. Although alligator snapping turtles may be black, brown, or olive green, most turtles appear greenish from algae growing on the carapace. The turtle has golden eyes with a radiating pattern that aids camouflage. On average, adult alligator snapping turtles range from 35 to 81 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in) carapace length and weigh between 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb). Females tend to be smaller than males. Male alligator snapping turtles can be very large, potentially reaching 183 kg (403 lb). Of the freshwater turtles, only a few Asian softshell species reach a comparable size. Distribution The alligator snapping turtles makes its home in the rivers, lakes, and canals of the midwestern to southeastern United States. It lives in watersheds that ultimately drain into the Gulf of Mexico. The turtle is found as far north as South Dakota, as far west as Texas, and east to Florida and Georgia. Alligator snapping turtles live almost exclusively in the water. Females venture onto land to lay eggs. Diet and Predators Technically, turtles are omnivorous. But, for the most part, alligator snapping turtles are opportunistic predators. Their usual diet includes fish, carcasses, mollusks, amphibians, worms, snakes, water birds, crayfish, aquatic mammals, and other turtles. They will also eat aquatic plants. Large alligator snapping turtles have been known to kill and eat American alligators. Like other reptiles, they refuse to eat when the temperature is extremely cold or hot because they cannot digest their meal. The turtles tongue resembles a worm. reptiles4all, Getty Images Although the turtles tend to hunt at night, they can lure small prey during the daytime using their unusual tongues. The tongue of the turtle resembles a pink wriggling worm. A variety of predators may eat turtle eggs and hatchlings, including snakes, raccoons, skunks, herons, and crows. Humans are the only significant predator of the adults. Reproduction and Life Cycle Alligator snapping turtles become sexually mature around 12 years of age. They mate in the spring. About two months later, the female leaves the water to build a nest and deposit between 10 and 50 eggs. She selects a nest site near the water, but high enough or far enough to protect the eggs from flooding. Hatchlings emerge after 100 to 140 days, in early autumn. Their sex is determined by incubation temperature. In captivity, most turtles live between 20 and 70 years. However, they can potentially live as long as 200 years. Conservation Status The IUCN Red List classifies the alligator snapping turtle as a vulnerable species. The turtle is listed on CITES Appendix III (United States), with restrictions on its capture in several states within its range and on exportation. Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri are among states in which the turtle is considered endangered. Threats include collection for the pet trade, habitat destruction, pollution, pesticide accumulation, and trapping for its meat. Although threatened in the wild, the turtle is also kept in captivity. Conservationists are concerned release of captive turtles outside the species natural range may cause it to become invasive. In 2013, an alligator snapping turtle was captured and euthanized in Oregon. Some states prohibit keeping alligator snapping turtles as pets. Sources Elsey, R. M. (2006). Food Habits of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) from Arkansas and Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist. 5 (3): 443–452. doi:10.1656/1528-7092(2006)5[443:FHOMTA]2.0.CO;2Ernst, C., R. Barbour, J. Lovich. (1994). Turtles of the United States and Canada. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1560988231.Gibbons, J. Whitfield (1987). Why Do Turtles Live So Long?. BioScience. 37 (4): 262–269. doi:10.2307/1310589Thomas, Travis M.; Granatosky, Michael C.; Bourque, Jason R.; Krysko, Kenneth L.; Moler, Paul E.; Gamble, Tony; Suarez, Eric; Leone, Erin; Roman, Joe (2014). Taxonomic assessment of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae: Macrochelys), with the description of two new species from the southeastern United States. Zootaxa. 3786 (2): 141–165. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3786.2.4Tortoise Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group 1996. Macrochelys temminckii (errata version published in 2016). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Spe cies 1996: e.T12589A97272309. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T12589A3362355.en

Punic war and its influence on roman domination of mediterranean Essay

Punic war and its influence on roman domination of mediterranean - Essay Example The Romans developed a system of written communication and numbers that are still in use today and, with this ability to record information, were also able to develop elaborate feats of technology. They introduced the concept of civil engineering and developed many new forms of architectural design such as the Roman arch. They were able to exert this type of long-range influence thanks largely to their successes experienced during the Punic Wars. To understand the tremendous influence the Romans were able to garner out of these victories, it is necessary to have some background into the three wars that are collectively referred to as the Punic Wars, the reach of this influence and the way in which this influence managed to dominate the thinking and culture of what has become known as the ‘Western’ world. The first Punic War was fought on the island of Sicily in 264 BC (Hooker, 1996). However, the beginning of the war seems somewhat confused. â€Å"Carthage occupied the Sicilian town of Massana in 264 BC, after the Mamertines, a group of mercenaries, appealed to Carthage for help against Hiero II, king of Syracuse (a Sicilian city-state). This concerned Rome, since Massana is in the northeast corner of Sicili, very near the Greek towns of Italy which fell under Roman protection. Once the problem with Heiro II was solved, the Mamertines appealed to Rome for aid in fighting off the Carthaginians† (Stackhouse, 2007). While Carthage looked forward to winning a new port placed in an ideal position for achieving domination over the entire Mediterranean, Rome felt winning the city would provide them with a strong location for land defense. â€Å"Although the two powers had no quarrel before, they also had no shared racial or cultural heritage† (Stackhouse, 2007). With Rome bes ieging the cities, Carthage opted to break

Reflective Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reflective Learning - Essay Example One of our primary goals was to make the work innovative, original and creative to the maximum extent. In order to achieve that, we used to do brainstorming. It helped us collect the required information at the outset so that we would be able to be articulate in manipulating the data thus retrieved. The ideas collected through brainstorming were exchanged with one another and the best and most practicable ones were selected for further consideration. The communication generally went calm and meaningful. Owing to the diversity of cultures we came from, each one of us had his/her own mother tongue that was different from others. Nonetheless, it was essential to select one language as a medium of communication so that the inconveniences could be minimized. Therefore, we mutually decided to conduct all conversations in English alone. This solved the problem to much an extent. Those of us, who were not very fluent in English in the start, started to gain confidence with the passage of tim e, and improved English speaking skill. Quite often, we used to indulge in functional conflicts. The criticism made by team members was carefully constructed and was based on prudent observation. Accordingly, the team members took criticism positive and used it as a means to improve their individualistic and collective performance. In order to make sure that the quality of relationship and understanding between individual members of the team did not decline, we would conduct a complain and confront session in which every body would be free to say anything to anyone and criticize one another. This session not only helped regulate the tensions, but also used to be a very enjoyable activity. In the very first meeting, we had divided our responsibilities according to one another’s interests. Belbin team roles like implementer, shaper, and coordinator had to be distributed among the team members. Each of these roles had their own requirements. Fore example, playing the role of imp lementer required the individual to be quite well organized in his/her approach and to be predictable. The individual, as an implementer, should choose ideas and implement them slowly but effectively. The role of shaper asked the individual to invest too much energy and action in the work. The individual was supposed to insensitively challenge other team members to make them move on. The one who assumed the role of coordinator would make others concentrate on the work and would be in a controlling position. Roles were assigned according to individuals’ interests. Where two or more people had the same interests, it was essential to assign the responsibility to only one while others had to sacrifice. In order to solve such issues without any fuss, we would conduct the voting. The individual who won maximum votes would be assigned the responsibility to his/her choice, while others had to select from the remaining options. Thus, rational measures were taken to make important deci sions in minimum time and with maximum efficiency. In every work that is to be accomplished by a team, it is quite essential for all members of the team to always be fully aware of the progress of work. We had a meeting at the end of every single day in which we would make one another aware of the progress made during the very day and would plan the target for the following day. We looked up to the meetings in order to

Irish Dance Essay Example for Free

Irish Dance Essay Dance has always been an integral part of social gatherings and it is likely that it evolved before or autonomously of music as we know it today, as the human body contains rhythms of its own in heartbeat and breathing, therefore it is somewhat a natural instinct of movement. The earliest social dances were circular and linear chain dances, dating to 1400-1200 BC, of these the ‘ring’ dances, which used a sacred tree or stone as central focus are most likely the oldest. Couple dances arose in the twelfth century as a break up of the line into pairs in procession, and/or in response to the ‘courtly-love’ concept in the songs of the Troubadours, which developed within the courts of Europe presenting differentiation from court and folk dance. In particular, French cotillions a ‘square’ dance for four couples developed and moved to England, America and Ireland as did the later quadrilles (sets). In Irish dance history specifically: haye, rinnce fada and rinnce mor are the three names used to referring to the action in old literature. The first reference to dance in the Irish language is 1588. Rinnce appears first in 1609 amd ‘damhsa’ ten years later. HB15 It is not until the 17thC that we have any real documention referring to dance not just confined to Ireland worldwide. Citm: The common people in Ireland may have been dancing more free-form, simple dance, to fiddle and pipes. As well as courting, dancing had important social ritual functions. Rinnce fada is described as being performed on May-eve and dancing is associated with other important times are the year, e. g. Bealtaine, births, weddings, wakes. It is a matter of speculation whether country dances had an identifiably Irish form, but seems highly likely that group dance was part of the native Irish tradition in this period. Step dance itself is an accurate, rhythmic performance genre that focuses chiefly in predetermined leg movements. Done either in group or solo. hard shoes enhance the percussive nature of the treble reel, jig, hornpipe and solo set dances whereas soft shoes emphasise the graceful, airborne nature of the reel, slip/single/light jig. The primary solo Irish step dances are the jig, reel and hornpipe. The jig is first mentioned in Ireland in 1674. Four variants exist within Irish dance traditions: double, single, slide and slip, the most common of these being the double. Double: most common dance tune after the reel. 6/8 time characterised by rhythmic pattern of groups of three quavers. While jig tempo is generally lively when played solo, competitive dancers usually call for a greatly reduced tempo in order to execute their complicated footwork. Single: either 6/8 or 12/8 time. Crotchet followed by quaver. Associated with specific soft-shoe solo dance still performed in competitions today, usually by female dancers. A fast version of the tune is referred to as a slide and is used in the dancing of sets. Slide: essentially dance music. Long-short rhythm of tune is echoed by movements of dancers. Dancing of sets and, along with the polka is particularly associated with music and dance traditions of Sliabh Luachra, where it is brisk tempo of 12/8 tunes that dominates. Slip: 9/8 time. Distinct from other jig types usually in single form, continues to be danced in competitions usually by females in soft shoes. The reel is done to the music of tune type with same name and given its present dominance in music and dance, it may seem surprising that the reel is a relative latecomer to the Irish scene. Scholars are agreed that the reel as a dance tempo with its associated faster figures and stepping did not attain universal popularity in Ireland until the late eighteenth century, whereas across the water in Scotland it had long existed in many forms. The hornpipe originates from the mid eighteenth century and has maritime connections. The later, common time version made its way to Ireland where it was adopted by the dancing masters as a showpiece. Heavy stepping deemed it unsuitable for female dancers and for a number of years was solely male domain. Today, is used in solo dance and certain set-dances. Most likely came from England in late 1700s. There it had taken its present form in 1760s and was a figure dance, its older forms in 3/2 time and was performed between acts of plays usually by professional dancers. In Ireland, it became the supreme display of intricate footwork. HB: A sole reference in 1718 to the hornpipe is not necessarily a solo dance, as the measure was also used in some country dances. Very different initially to what it is known as. Other dances include: The German is a variant of a nineteenth century popular continental ‘schottische’, adopted as a couple dance in Co. Donegal, in 4/4 time and similar in tempo to a barn dance. Mazurka 231: is in ? time and is a round dance done by four couples, implemented more vigorously than the sensuous waltz. Adopted into Donegal tradition, it is one of the many local couple dances but is no longer commonly danced. Barn dance 25: is a form of ‘round the hall’ social dance most popular up to 1950s that is generally performed to hornpipe time (4/4), but in relation to marching practice is danced to 6/8 time in north Co. Antrim. March 228: among the most ancient music forms in any country. Originally related to military activities and incorporated into dance in Ireland to utilise the number of tunes so called. Quick march used in popular early 1900s dance as the ‘quickstep.’ in Irish tradition most common in 4/4, 2/4 and 6/8. During the ceili band ear many common song melodies were recruited as march tunes. Because of the redundancy of the bulk of traditional music in dancing entertainment, the march has fallen out of popularity and will almost never be heard played except in a limited fashion in ceili dances. Sean-nos 383: ‘old style’. traditional style of solo step dance. Freedom of arm movement, steps do not follow prescribed pattern and stepping is close to the floor. Public presentation highlighted one of Connemara culture features which was unrecognised by and possibly even unknown to the authorities of Gaelic League. Prior to the 1970s the local term was simply an bhatrail (the battering) and was on verge of extinction but such was the enthusiasm engendered by its new community staging, that many local people began to see this dance as a badge of culteral identity and a source of pride. Set dance 346: ‘a set of quadrilles’ and comprises a combination of irish dancing steps and French dance movements, danced to irish music. Developed by 18C dancing-masters who travelled in various parts of Ireland. Originally taught solo step dancing and created group or figure dances for their less talented pupils. In time the also included new dances such as the minuet, cotillions, and quadrilles. Brought from France, to England, Scotland then Ireland by military personnel and other travellers of the time. Dancing masters first taught them to upper classes in big country houses and later to the ordinary people in barns or at crossroads in the summer. Irish sets have most likely evolved from these or from other quadrilles that are no longer popularly danced. Today, most of the sets are named after their local town or area. Historically, ‘set’ dancing has been frowned upon by religious authorities of all denominations. Set dancing had been banned too by the Gaelic League in the early 20C and new ceili dances were taught by the Dancing Commission. It enjoyed a remarkable revival all over Ireland throughout late 20C, attributable to work of individual set-dance teachers, and also to CCE and the GAA network of set-dance competitions since the 1970s. 23. Main event of 18th C in dance terms introduction of reel and hornpipe measures. 19th C saw arrival of quadrille. 25. Quadrille sets (or half sets for 2 couples), were initially ballroom dances, moved from â€Å"polite† society (via dance masters or local enthusiasts) to country houses of rural Ireland and urban centres. Far from adopting these new dances, the Irish dance tradition absorbed them and made them something new in terms of figures, musical tempo and stepping. This cross fertilisation of new imports with elements of older dances - result in a new and identifiably Irish product. 27. Certain areas became associated with particular sets. 28. Apart from sets, most popular new dances in 19th C were ballroom dances such as the scottische, barndance, military two-step and waltz. When reached areas where traditional dance was strong, absorbed into the repertoire and subtly changed by effects of Irish stepping and local musical tastes. Fintan Vallely: The Companion to Irish Traditional Music.

How the concentration of an acid affects the rate of reaction on marble chips :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

How the concentration of an acid affects the rate of reaction on marble chips Background: These different speeds of reaction are referred to as their rates. The rate of reaction depends on how often and how hard the reacting particles collide with each other. Particles have to collide in order to react, and the have to collide hard enough as well. This is called the collision theory. When the temperature is increased the particles all move quicker. If they are moving quicker then they are going to have more collisions. Reactions only happen if the particles collide with enough energy. At a higher temperature there will be more particles colliding with enough energy to make the reaction happen. This initial energy is known as the activation energy, and it is needed to break the initial bonds. If one of the reactants is a solid then breaking it up into smaller pieces will increase its surface area. This means the particles around it in the solution will have more area to work on so there will be more useful collisions. A catalyst works by giving the reacting particles something to stick to where they can bump into each other. This obviously increases the number of collisions too. If the solution is made more concentrated it means that there are more particles of reactant knocking about between the water molecules, which makes collisions between the important particles more likely. Chemists overseeing large reactions in industrial situations must carefully consider the rates of reactions. For some reactions, such as the production of a final material, fast reactions will be desirable to increase production and therefore sales profit. For other reactions, such as the degradation of a material, reducing the rate may be beneficial to increase the lifetime of a product. Times Education Series Chemistry GCSE Plan: I will investigate how the concentration affects the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate (marble chips). The rate of reaction can be measured by measuring the amount of gas produced after a certain amount of time. The reaction will take place in the conical flask from where the gas produced will travel into the up-turned measuring cylinder. The gas will then displace the water in the tube. I will measure out exactly 50ml of 1molar hydrochloric acid into the conical flask. I will then weigh out exactly or as close as possible to 2 grams of small sized marble chips. I will put the chips into the flask with the acid and immediately place the bung over it so as to lose as little gas as possible. I will then take readings at intervals of fifteen seconds.