How did El Nino change weather patterns and affect crops around the world? What are humans doing to help or hinder the health of the world's oceans? And what hurricane event happended for the first time since 1893? Whether you're a student writing a report, or a professional in need of some quick answers, you'll find what you're looking for in the "Earth Almanc." Covering the state of the four major geophysical topics associated with the Earth: the atmosphere, oceans, fresh water, and land, this new edition presents an incredible amount of usable information about the changes in our planet during 1999. Details of whole earth events and human-made and natural disasters are chronicled along with the necessary background information and statistics for understanding the science involved. Hot topics such as global warming, ozone depletion, and El Nino.

Goldstein explores specific major geophysical events and then continues with information on the latest scientific developments in fields such as geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Readers will also discover hot topics entries that are unique to this almanac--namely information on human-made events (pollution, carbon dioxide, oil spills urbanization, and water conflicts). Current and complete with more than 300 photos, charts, and statistical graphs, no other reference book compares to this one-stop resource. Topics covered include

Air Pollution

Cryosphere: The Ice

El Nino

Fresh Water

Geological Processes

Global Warming

Land Use

Ocean Fundamentals

Structure of the Atmosphere

Whole-Earth Events

From his early childhood in Dunbar, Scotland, through his wilderness wanderings in the American West, John Muir has always been surrounded by natural beauty. Muir was able to use his love for nature to become a famed naturalist and advocate for wilderness preservation. His work and influence would lead to the establishment of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Club, which began in 1892, making it the oldest environmental organization in the United States. Using Muir's own words, this book looks at the events that shaped Muir's life and examines the development of his worldview, his love of nature, and his passion for preservation.

This is a first-stop resource on the expansion of global trade.Globalization is a popular buzzword these days, yet it means very different things to different people. In today's globalized economy, an article of clothing is likely made in several different countries. For example, the raw material, such as cotton or wool, is produced in one country. Then the raw material may be shipped to a second country where it is woven into cloth. The woven fabric may then be sent to a third country where it is cut to a clothing pattern. The cut pieces are often shipped to yet a fourth country to be sewn together and assembled into an article of clothing. Only then is the final product put on the market for sale.""Globalization and Free Trade"" outlines the history of the expansion and globalization of national economies and explains how globalization evolved to its present state. This informative volume reviews current issues surrounding globalization, and presents case studies on several countries - including the United States, East Asia, Brazil, Russia, and China - to illustrate both the promise and the problems inherent in today's globalized markets.

When actor Michael J. Fox revealed to television audiences that he suffers from Parkinson's disease, he put a celebrity face on a debilitating disease that causes uncontrollable muscle tremors and rigidity of movement and often affects people later in life. ""Parkinson's Disease"" reviews the history, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this chronic, progressive neurological disease. Discussing research into the possible genetic cause of Parkinson's, this title also covers the exciting new treatments (or possible cure) that scientists are currently developing and testing.

Human expansion and interference have detrimental effects as civilizations continue to encroach on previously undisturbed habitats. As a result, many species of animals and plants must struggle to survive. Biodiversity reveals the important role each of these life forms plays in its ecosystem as well as the irreversible and extensive consequences that would result from a massive loss of biodiversity. It explores the ecological and evolutionary processes, how these processes depend on the cohabitation of a wide range of life forms within an ecosystem, and how the existence of these diverse organisms maintains a crucial stability in the natural world. Beginning with an introduction to biodiversity, this new volume discusses its importance and history, the difficulties in maintaining it, and past and current efforts to protect ecosystems from greater destruction. It examines five specific case studies, including the United States, Indonesia, New Zealand, Madagascar, and Costa Rica, describing the current status and history of biodiversity, obstacles, and conservation efforts in the country at hand.<\p>

This title offers an objective look at the controversial topic of global warming. It is an undisputed fact that the Earth's climate is changing, and although the scientific community continues to debate the exact correlation between human activity and climatic change, there is now almost universal consensus that humankind directly impacts Earth's climate - an idea referred to as global warming. Scientists are continuously gathering data that hints at a bleak future. Despite ever-increasing technological advances, recent events such as Hurricane Katrina in the United States and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar reveal how vulnerable humanity is to the weather. This is the reason many scientists advocate that countries take an active role in limiting the damages they cause, expanding the global warming movement from an environmental issue to a political and social one. ""Global Warming"" offers a clear, objective account of the science behind climate change, the potential harm that industrial economies cause to the environment, the international debates that have emerged, and the potential for mitigation. This new volume explores specific case studies, including the United States, Brazil, Australia, Germany, and China, analyzing the effects each country has had on the climate and the steps they are taking to ensure a sustainable future.

All animals have to eat, but feeding behavior goes far beyond predators and prey. Animals have a variety of ways to find food. Some sit and wait for food to come to them. Others chase or trap their food. Other animals are scavengers and decomposers, breaking down the leftovers of other animals' meals. ""Animal Hunting and Feeding"" explains these various techniques as well as the importance of food chains and food webs.