Essays on Estuaries

Introduction

Climate change is among the significant factors impacting ecological diversity on a worldwide scale. The growth of industries and the increasing human population globally have resulted in a rise in the volume of greenhouse gasses, which scientists have argued are the greatest contributors to the menace. The Florida Keys is one of the ecological treasures of the U.S. that continues to be impacted negatively by climate change and anthropogenic activities. This ecological treasure, which is located at the tip of the state of Florida, comprises about 1,700 islands that stretch for more than 200 miles to the west ...

Introduction

Sharp Park, which is named after George Sharp, has a long, rich history. Mr. Sharp owned a more than 400-acre estate that he established with a vision for the San Francisco residents to enjoy recreation in a natural setting. When he died together with his wife, the property was left to the San Francisco City Council under strict instructions that it would only be used for recreational purposes. Sharp Park is in California off Highway 1 along the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco. It has existed since 1917; the golf course was established in 1930s. In 1941-internment camp was established ...

Abstract

Global warming is a concept which is still developing in the modern times due to the continuing studies and researches regarding its natural cause and effects. Global warming is a term used to describe the rise of the average temperature of the earth which is experienced for only a century. Global warming and climate change could also refer to the current changes in the climate system of the earth as well as its effect on the ecosystem and on humans. The common cause of global warming and climate change is the great increase in the amount of greenhouse gases ...

Human Impacts on Salt Marshlands

Salt Marshes Although less regarded by the public as an important ecosystem, salt marshes are among the most fertile and abundant coastal habitats on earth. According to Bromberg Gedan, Silliman, and Bertness from Brown University and University of Florida, Gainesville (2009), salt marshes provide more ecosystem services (anthropogenic benefits from nature) to coastal populations than other ecosystems. These intertidal habitats are composed of salt-tolerant grasses, herbs, and low shrubs, in great depths, and serve many functional dynamics. Salt marshes are located in a range of climates, from arctic and subtropical regions, and are always found along global coastlines. The ...

Sustainable Development Plan

Introduction Sustainable development plan is a preparation that guides a city to face present and future challenges. This plan includes seeking unique opportunities of the city and focusing on land use challenges in order to obtain a developed city and to produce a long-term resolution for environmental, social and economic challenges ahead. The recent devastation in New Orleans and the areas around it delivers the city as well as the region with a significant opportunity. The opportunity is rebuilding the communities in the city, in which their rich history will be promoted while making a new interpretation of a developed city of the 21st century. ...

Both estuaries and coral reefs play significant roles for the survival of ocean organisms as well as terrestrial lives. Estuaries are semi- enclosed bodies of water which is created when the salt water of the ocean combines with the fresh water from rivers. It is considered to be the transition zone between sea and land. Estuaries serve as a venue for the congregation of fish, birds and other animals to feed, grow or migrate . On the other hand, coral reefs are one of the world's richest ecosystems. Coral reef ecosystems are exceptional, diverse biological systems recognized as an important environmental ...

Abstract

Different physical and ecological events along the Gulf of Mexico allows the toxic phytoplankton – red algae to become dominant. The phosphorus-rich nutrient supply encourages phytoplankton succession. The objective of the paper is to study the background of red algae, and why the downstream red tides have only increased over the last couple of decades. The toxic red tides are seen in similar coastal habitats of the western boundary currents China, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa.

Introduction

The Gulf of Mexico is looked at as a marginal sea as it is linked to the major oceans and the procedures that occur ...

According to Warrick (1993), global warming is the main contributor to the rise in global sea level since the Industrial Revolution. Human activities such as burning coal and oil and cutting down tropical forests increase atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping gases. The three main factors leading to the rise in sea levels include: thermal expansion, ice loss from Greenland and West Antarctica and melting of glaciers and polar ice caps. Land ice, that is, glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets, stores nearly two-thirds of the world’s freshwater and is shrinking in response to higher temperatures. Glaciers partially melt ...

Introduction

The Everglades is a part of a wide wetland system that is over 200 kilometers from the Kissimmee sequence of lakes southern through the Lake Okeechobee into the fresh water wetlands of the Everglades and to the mangrove estuaries. The southern part of end contains the Florida bay, and its associated mangrove estuaries while the western system molds into the swamps of the Big Cypress. The uplands of the program consist of pinelands, real wood jungles, and herbaceous rock lands and in the uplands contains an assortment of moderate and exotic varieties. The environment reinforced a huge range of animal varieties. Very ...