Problems With Underground Water Storage

Water demands across the United States have grown steadily since 2000. New approaches must thus be developed to deliver and store safe, quality water. While dams and reservoirs offer two solutions, underground storage is another alternative generally considered to be quite safe. This system is not without its own problems, however, which include concerns with water quality and the potential for system leaks. Underground water tanks may also be questionable because of inconclusive regulations and costly installation.

Water Quality

Water quality is an ongoing issue of concern with many types of holding facilities. Underground water storage in particular poses the question of contamination. According to the National Academies of Science (http://dels-old.nas.edu/dels/), such contamination is dependent upon several factors, including the water's source and the chemicals used for water treatment. Urban storm water, for example, often varies considerably in terms of quality and may be more polluted than other water sources.

The National Academies of Science indicates a need to understand the contaminants that may exist in underground storage tank waters. Disinfection methods are often needed before the water is stored, and those methods in turn need to be monitored for the subsequent creation of byproducts. Chlorine is generally considered the best filtration method for underground water storage systems.

Leaks and Damage

Underground water tanks sometimes have to be replaced in major metropolitan areas. In Boston, Massachusetts, for example, three tanks used to store clean water were leaking thousands of gallons each day. This raised concerns about the structures themselves and the potential to damage mechanical equipment.

Upon inspection, the three tanks revealed a large number of "bugholes," deteriorated concrete and corroded reinforcement visible through the concrete. Professionals surmised such problems were the result of insufficient concrete coverage over reinforcing steel, inadequate interior waterproofing and lack of maintenance. A repair system was thus established in November 2007.

Inconsistent Application of Regulations

Regulatory policies are often used to ensure the safety and quality of water management systems. Inconsistencies exist, however, with regard to federal regulatory requirements for underground water storage. What ensues is inconsistent application of these policies depending upon local jurisdictions. Some areas, for example, attempt to manage surface water contamination by diverting polluted above-ground water into groundwater systems. This can, in turn, contaminate underground water and storage systems without appropriate controls.

Cost of Installation

According to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (www.ose.state.nm.us/), the biggest problem with underground water storage for most people is the cost of installation. These systems generally cost twice as much as above-ground systems. In part, the large costs are owed to excavation and backfill, both of which are required for installation of underground water tanks and supplies. For example, underground storage systems must usually have longer runs of pipe, conduit and electrical wire. Additional costs as incurred by machinery, skilled operators removing large quantities of earth must also be factored.

Costs may also be incurred if problems with the underground tanks occur. Most of the water system is buried, and thus accessing tank walls and other parts may be difficult. Skilled technicians are thus required in such instances. Although rare, cleaning an underground tank may also pose a significant challenge (Reference 3).

Tags: underground water storage, storage systems, underground storage, underground water, water storage, water tanks

What Rocks Do Natural Magnets Come From

Rocks formed from cooled lava can be a source of natural magnets.

Natural magnets come from rocks that contain magnetite. Rocks with magnetic properties owe their magnetic force to the magnetized minerals they contain. A variety of rocks can become magnetized if magnetite is present when the rock formed. Igneous rocks tend to contain more magnetite than other types of rocks, but some sedimentary and metamorphic rocks can also yield natural magnets.

Magnetite

Magnetite is a type of iron ore that attracts certain metals, such as iron, nickel and cobalt. It is the most common magnetic mineral. The amount and distribution of magnetic minerals within a rock plus the size and shape of the magnetic particles determines the power of the rock's magnetic force. Tiny crystals of magnetite, an iron oxide mineral, can be found in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Lodestone is a form of magnetite that is a natural magnet.

Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks generally contain at least small amounts of magnetite. Igneous rocks form after volcanic eruptions, when lava cools and becomes solid. During the crystallization of igneous rocks, magnetite forms in the melted lava. These magnetic particles align with the Earth's magnetic field. Basalt and obsidian are two types of igneous rocks.

Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are generally nonmagnetic unless they contain a high proportion of magnetite. Sedimentary rocks form when loose particles called sediment become compacted and harden into layers over time. Sandstone is an example of a sedimentary rock. Sometimes sediment contains magnetite crystals. The magnetite retains its magnetic properties when the sedimentary rock forms and gives it magnetic properties.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks form when igneous, sedimentary or even other metamorphic rocks undergo physical or chemical alterations. The changes are spurred by intense heat or pressure, or the chemical action of hot liquids or gases. Quartzite and marble are examples of metamorphic rocks. Magnetite can occur in metamorphic rocks formed from sedimentary rocks that contain iron. Magnetite can form during chemical reactions that take place in the formation of metamorphic rocks. The presence of magnetite in metamorphic rocks gives them magnetic properties.

Tags: metamorphic rocks, magnetic properties, rocks form, crystals magnetite, form when, formed from

Understand Topographic Maps

A topographic map differs from other maps because it describes the surface features of the Earth. It uses special lines, called contour lines, to depict surface features. A topographic map has two parts. The map face provides a two-dimensional representation of the Earth's surface. The map margin surrounds the map face and provides information on interpreting the map face. Although the layout of topographic maps is similar between different maps, the specific information contained in the margins and on the map face are unique to each particular map.

Instructions

Margin Information

1. Locate the margin along the edge of the map face. Information is presented in the margin to facilitate the use of the map.

2. Find the margin at the top of the map. The title of the map is located on the right side of the top margin, and the author or agency that created the map is located on the left side of the top margin.

3. Locate the margin at the bottom of the map. Map production information is located on the left side of the bottom margin. Adjoining the map production information is the declination diagram. The declination diagram is a display of three arrows: one indicating true north, another indicating grid north and a third indicating magnetic north. The angle between these arrows is also displayed. The declination diagram allows the user to determine the correction between north on the map and north on a compass. Note that magnetic north varies each year, and the declination diagram is accurate for the year the map was made. For out of date maps, consult NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center in the resources for current information.

4. Find the scale at the center of the bottom margin. A fractional scale and a bar scale are posted here to aid in determining the real-world distances represented on the map. With the scale the contour interval of the map is given, which indicates the change in elevation between intermediate contour lines (light brown lines on the map face).

5. Locate the quadrangle location and road-classification key on the bottom right margin. The quadrangle location is useful in finding adjoining maps. The road-classification key shows how different types of roads are displayed on the map face. The date of the map is also located here.

6. Find the map numbers printed along the edge of the map face on the margin. These numbers indicate different coordinate systems, such as latitude and longitude, section, township, range numbers and UTM coordinate values. The names of adjoining quadrangles can be found in the corners around the map face.

The Map Face

7. Learn to identify common map symbols on the map face. These include the use of blue to indicate bodies of water, brown lines to indicate contour lines, and black boxes to represent buildings. A more detailed list of common topographic map symbols is available from the U.S. Geological Service.

8. Find the contour lines on the map. These brown lines represent an elevation for all points on that line. There are three types of contour lines displayed on the map: dark brown lines represent index contour lines, light brown lines represent intermediate contour lines, and dashed brown lines indicate supplementary contour lines. Index contour lines are numbered with the elevation of the line. Intermediate contour lines are spaced at equal increments of elevation between index contour lines. Supplementary contour lines (not always present) are located at an elevation halfway between the elevation of two adjoining intermediate contour lines.

9. Identify terrain features on the map by the location of contour lines in context to each other. Contour lines placed close together indicate steep slopes, while contour lines spaced farther apart represent gentle slopes. Closed circles of contour lines show hills. Contour lines in the shape of a "V" indicate a valley with the point of the "V" pointing up the valley. Contour lines in the shape of a "U" represent a ridge where the bottom of the "U" is pointing downhill.

10. Determine the direction of a slope by determining the contour line with the lower elevation. Draw an arrow to the higher contour line and this will indicate the direction, also known as aspect.

11. Calculate the slope of the ground by measuring the distance an elevation changes over a given distance. To determine this, measure the elevation change using the contour lines. Then use the map scale to determine the distance of the elevation change. Divide the change in elevation by the distance to estimate the slope.

Tags: contour lines, brown lines, declination diagram, brown lines represent, contour lines, lines represent

Scholarships & Grants For Trade School

Scholarships & Grants for Trade School

Students who attend trade school can become court reporters, electricians, construction workers, cosmetologists, cooks or chefs, carpenters, nursing and lab technicians, mechanics or electricians. They can also become secretaries, writers, accountants, graphic designers, game designers and technicians, and fashion designers and interior decorators, as well as many other job opportunities.

Cost

Trade school (also called vocational-technical school, or vo-tech) is not a cheaper option compared to a four-year college. It is often the option with the shortest route or the least time spent on formal education; the fast track, if you will, to career destination or goals. Those who attend trade school often still need financial assistance (grants or loans) to help pay for it. There are more than 10,000 private vocational schools in the nation. Though admission requirements for these schools vary, quarterly/semester tuition rates range from roughly $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the nature of the course and its length. Private and public loans are always an option, but for this article, we will look into non-repayable funds like scholarships and grants.

Scholarships

The Sallie Mae Unmet Need Scholarship is based purely on financial need. It pays from $1,000-$3,800 and students can qualify if their family income is less than $30,000 a year. This scholarship does not require that you attend a certain school. The Coca Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship is available for high-school seniors enrolling in a trade or vocational school where they will earn an associate degree. Applicants must have a record of participation in community service. The Educational Foundation for Women Accountants offers a scholarship for women who intend to practice accounting and the AWG Minority Scholarship program offers a $5000 (as of July 2009) annual scholarship for women who want to go into geology or geosciences. Prospective students can also ask their intended schools if they have apprenticeship scholarships available.

Grants

The most well-known government grants for individuals are the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. There are a few other grant programs available based on income, but not all are financial-need grants. Some have other criteria for qualification.

Benefits of a Trade School Certificate

Certificates obtained in trade school are called associate degrees or diplomas, although you can also receive qualification credits to become a licensed professional in your field. Most trade schools offer a one-year certificate or two-year degree program, or a six- to nine-month technical program. With the lion's share of the federal budget for 2009-12 going into health care, transportation, education and training, trade school is an excellent place to be for those who are re-inventing their career options and also for those who are just finishing high school.

Occupations

The courses with the highest enrollment are in health care and medicine; culinary arts and hospitality; psychology, law and justice, and digital arts and graphic design. Education and IT (information technology) are also popular options. A technical or trade-school job gives graduates the flexibility to own their own businesses in their field or industry and many do become consultants or entrepreneurs.

Tags: attend trade, attend trade school, Grants Trade, Grants Trade School, health care, scholarship women

Plant Shady Lady Tomato Plants

Shady Lady tomato plants are known for being heavy producers of large, juicy tomatoes. The plants themselves are large, with lots of foliage, and are relatively easy to grow. They also mature fast, making them ideal for areas with short growing seasons. You can go from planting to harvesting ripe tomatoes in fewer than 80 days. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prepare the ground in a sunny area by raking the soil and disposing of any rocks or twigs. Mix in topsoil--one cubic yard for every 100 square feet of land--and rake smooth.

2. Plant the Shady Lady tomato plants about 12 to 18 inches apart. Dig a hole three times as deep and as wide as the root ball, position the plant in the hole and fill with topsoil. Create a little indentation around each plant to allow water to collect.

3. Insert a stake or tomato cage into the soil. As the plant grows, secure its center stalk to the stake or wire rims of the cage with nursery ties (plastic-coated wire). When fruit grows, you might need to prop fruit-bearing stems up as well.

4. Water the tomato plants daily. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Mist the plant occasionally.

5. Check for insects, particularly the dreaded tomato horn worm. They can easily destroy a tomato plant in days. Handpick them off or use an organic pesticide such as Dipel Dust or Monterey Garden Insect Spray.

Tags: Shady Lady, tomato plants, Lady tomato, Lady tomato plants, Plant Shady, Plant Shady Lady, Shady Lady tomato

Pick An Emerald Birthstone

Pick an Emerald Birthstone

The emerald is the birthstone symbolic of love and success, so it makes the perfect gift to celebrate a marriage or major accomplishment in business or personal life. This rare and expensive gem, which ranges in color from pale sea green to a deep forest hue, is instantly recognized by most people. The emerald is the birthstone for those lucky enough to be born during the month of May. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Celebrate With Emeralds

1. Shop for emerald jewelry as a gift for a twentieth or thirty-fifth wedding anniversary or for a May birthday.

2. The gem's rich green color has special significance in America as a symbol of financial success.

3. Consider the gift of an emerald for a milestone achievement, such as a university or professional degree or a major business promotion. The gem's rich green color has special significance in America as a symbol of financial success.

Buy Quality Emeralds

4. View emeralds for color and cut, and compare before you buy. The most desirable emeralds are a rich, medium green and should be cut to reflect a maximum amount of light. These will also be the most expensive.

5. Locate a dealer affiliated with a national organization, such as the American Gem Trade Association, or pick a jeweler with a strong local reputation (see Resources below). These sources will be the most likely to offer the highest quality stones and ethical business practices.

6. Learn the history of the emerald you wish to purchase. Find out where it was mined and whether it is natural or treated.

7. Pick an emerald with character and brilliance. See how it looks against your skin tone. Pass on stones that seem dull and lifeless in your hand.

Tags: America symbol, America symbol financial, color special, color special significance, emerald birthstone, financial success, green color

Display A Rock Collection

After amassing your rock collection, the next logical step is setting up a display to house your rocks. Rocks often make for a beautiful natural showcase, especially if you follow a proper setup. Try to always keep rocks behind glass so that you can minimize dust and avoid frequent cleaning. This also helps to ensure that guests do not handle the rocks.

Instructions

Set the Stage

1. Choose optimal lighting. Florescent lighting complements collections housed on a bookcase or shelf, while swing-arm lamps best suit a free-standing collection.

2. House the collection. Use a glass display case to keep dust from settling on the rocks.

3. Search for anti-glare glass. Cases made from this type of glass cut down on glare, thereby enhancing the beauty of your rocks.

4. Employ the use of contrast to create a dramatic backdrop. For instance, light-colored rocks look best against a jewel-toned background, and vice versa.

5. Visit a geology museum. Take note of their rock displays and mimic their qualities in your own display.

Showcase Your Rock Collection

6. Consider quantity. Some collectors use one display while others employ different types of displays to house multiple collections.

7. Group the rocks into a logical order. Type, color and texture are popular and easy categories to use.

8. Keep it simple. Over-decoration, competing color schemes and overcrowded displays can ruin aesthetic appeal. Remember to let the rocks be the focus of your display.

9. Consider using simple wooden stands to display your collection. By creating different levels for the rocks to rest upon, your collection will appear more interesting.

10. Build it or buy it! Display cases can be assembled on your own or purchased through a manufacturer like USADisplay (see Resources below).

11. Catalog your collection. Keep an organized record of everything you know about each rock so that you can share this information with friends and refer back to it as your own collection grows.

12. Label each rock. By using tiny, numbered labels or small dabs of paint, you can easily utilize the information contained in your rock collection record.

Tags: your collection, each rock, your display, your rock, your rocks

What Kind Of Training Do Geomorphologists Have To Obtain

Geomorphologists train in river ecology to predict floods and future land formations.

Geography is a broad field that covers many areas. One of these areas is geomorphology, which is the study of the Earth's topographic landforms and water bodies. Geomorphologists study present and past landscapes and formations, and use observations, experiments and numeric models to analyze patterns and predict future land formations and floods. There are key areas that geomorphologists need to be educated in to succeed in the field.

Education

Geomorphology is a specialty of geography. Usually, geomorphologists earn a bachelor's degree in geology or earth sciences, with a concentration or minor in geomorphology. It is common for someone in the field to hold a geomorphology-specific master's or doctoral degree. Schools with geomorphology graduate programs include Boise State University and the State University of New York at Binghamton. These graduate degrees generally focus on a certain type of geomorphology, such as fluvial or tectonic geomorphology.

Certification

Geomorphologists can become certified in a specific type of the science, such as fluvial or quantitative geomorphology. Certification does not guarantee employment, but it may help. Texas A&M University and the University of California, Davis, both offer scientific certification programs, such as "green building and sustainable design," that include geomorphology in the certification.

Fieldwork

In most geomorphology graduate programs, students are required to complete a certain number of hours of fieldwork, outside the classroom, in locations that might include the desert, mountains or forest. Fieldwork varies depending on the program and type of geomorphology the student is specializing in, but typical fieldwork consists of numerical modeling, experiments and different chemical analyses.

Intro to Geomorphology

Every prospective geomorphologist must take an introductory course to understand the basics of the field. This course usually includes an analysis of how existing land formations and water bodies on Earth formed and how elements such as gravity, wind, ice, water, waves and humans have aided these formations. Other topics might include studying the physical properties of rock, soil and water, and analyzing glacial landforms and processes.

Tectonic Geomorphology

A main area of the field is tectonic geomorphology. Tectonics refers to plate tectonics, which is the movement of the earth's plates. When studying the tectonic process, geomorphologists gain a better understanding of land formations such as volcanoes, mountains or valleys. Geomorphologists also learn about earthquake fault lines between the plates, and different soils, minerals or land patterns along these faults that may help predict future earthquakes.

Fluvial Geomorphology

To understand the relationship between land formations and flooding, most geomorphologists must be exposed to training in fluvial geomorphology, which is the study of a river's ecology. This is important since factors such as river sediment, river route, mineral makeup of the water and plant life are all fundamental in giving scientists a better understanding of what future effects the river could have on terrain, or what future dangers it may pose.

Flood Forecasting

Geomorphologists learn predict floods. Flood forecasting is a required course in many geomorphology programs, and includes training that teaches what indicators to look for when a stream is about to change its course or swell, how high water levels will rise, and what causes water to rise and fall in specific situations. Through this training, geomorphologists learn to make recommendations to municipalities that may need flood solutions.

Quantitative Geomorphology

Quantitative geomorphology, or the study of landforms using analytic and numeric modeling, is another main area of geomorphology. The University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Northern Texas are among the schools offering courses in quantitative geomorphology techniques within broader degree programs such as geology or earth sciences.

Tags: land formations, better understanding, earth sciences, future land, future land formations, geology earth, geology earth sciences

Build A 3d Model Of Virginia

Make a map of Virginia.

Mapping the state of Virginia can become a work of art. Instead of creating a flat map, use materials that can create a 3-D map that actually shows the highs and lows of Virginia. Tom Patterson of the U.S. National Park Service says, "Because 3D relief closely resembles how mountains appear to humans on the surface of earth, it is easier for people to understand at a glance." Help viewers understand the terrain of Virginia by creating a 3D map.

Instructions

1. Cover a piece of heavy cardboard with aluminum foil. Paint the right edge of the foil blue. Let it dry. Use a black marker and trace a large map of Virginia on the aluminum foil. Leave a space for a map key.

2. Mix the flour, salt, oil and water together. Knead the mixture until it is smooth. Add more flour if it is still sticky.

3. Divide the dough. Place two-thirds of the dough on the aluminum foil. Roll it out until it covers the outline of Virginia. Trim off any excess.

4. Use the remaining third of the dough clay to get the topography of Virginia. Include the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the east. Add the Piedmont Plateau in the central region of the state. Build up the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the northwest and the west. Let the dough dry for 24 to 48 hours.

5. Paint the map according to the elevation of the area. Use yellow for Virginia's coastal areas. Apply green for the plateau and brown for the mountain areas. Different shades of each color demonstrate higher elevations. Use darker shades for higher elevation and lighter shades for lower elevation.

6. Make a map key using the colors for elevation. List the elevations with a marker. Attach the key to the map in the designated area.

Tags: aluminum foil

Pan For Gold In The Usa

It's still possible to hit the mother lode.

During the gold rush of 1849, early prospectors panned for gold in the rivers and streams of California. Today, you can still pan for gold throughout much of the United States. Panning for gold is the process of using a specialized metal or plastic pan to sort river sediment from gold. Gold is heavy, so it stays behind when you wash the dirt out of the pan. Much of the country's public federal and state lands are open to gold panning, and gold panning is allowed even on some federal lands that have commercial mining claims.

Instructions

1. Locate a stream in the United States that may have gold. Historical gold mining areas such as parts of California, Alaska and Oregon are the most likely bet, because over time new gold has been washed into the streams in the wake of prospectors. A stream that didn't have gold during the rush, however, is unlikely to have any now. See the Resources for a link to a list of possible gold-panning locations in different states.

2. Plan your trip and get supplies. If you're going to pan on public land where camping is possible, camping out overnight may be a fun way to relive the experience of a prospector. In the United States, most public land is open to gold panning unless there's a commercial mining claim on it.

3. Buy a gold pan online. Plastic and metal pans are available. If you're using a plastic pan you can use a magnet to help you separate the gold from the soil.

4. Find a spot in the stream where gold is likely to settle. Gold is much heavier than sediment, so it tends to collect in areas of slow water. Try the inside edge of a bend, areas where streams have overflowed and the downstream side of obstructions like boulders.

5. Fill the pan about three-quarters of the way with dirt and gravel from the stream bottom.

6. Submerge the pan so that the surface is just underwater. Shake the pan to loosen the material, but not enough to wash anything out.

7. Switch from shaking the pan to gently swirling it so that the water and materials in the pan begin to revolve. Most of the dirt and clay will wash out of the pan. Pluck out any moss or rocks.

8. Tilt the pan slightly away from you, still holding it underwater. Swirl it gently from side to side, with a slight forward "tossing" motion. The lighter sand will be washed out over the edge of the pan, and you will be left with the heavier black sand, called the "concentrate."

9. Take the pan out of the water. Leave about an inch of water in the pan, along with the concentrate. Again swirl the pan with a slight forward toss, washing out the dirt. Be careful not to accidentally wash out any gold. Gold is heavier than sand, so it should separate from the sand and stay behind when the sand is washed out. If you're using a plastic pan you can hold a magnet to the underside of the pan to attract and collect the gold.

10. Pluck out the gold with tweezers as you swirl the pan, and set the gold (if any) aside in another container.

Tags: gold panning, United States, behind when, commercial mining, gold Gold, have gold

Earth Science Education Grants

Many grant programs aim to help kids develop a lifelong love of nature.

Many environmental science grants help teachers and community leaders to provide hands-on opportunities for kids to help their environments. Grants usually focus on empowering kids to learn about and help their local environment, thus gaining exposure to global issues and solutions. Some awards go to schools, and others support local nonprofits.

National Foundations

National foundations are an excellent grant resource for science teachers and environmental nonprofits. The National Environmental Education Foundation, which works closely with the Environmental Protection Agency, awards an annual Green Prize in Public Education of $10,000 to a school that has become environmentally friendly using innovative methods. The school also should educate its students about sustainable living. These schools should serve as models for other schools, using methods that can be easily emulated by other institutions. The foundation also gives annual $5,000 grants to two other schools to recognize their efforts in sustainable design improvements.

Private Foundations

Local, regional and national foundations sponsor environmental education awards as well. The Captain Planet Foundation, for instance, gives $250 to $2,500 to programs that engage youth in environmental projects. Successful programs empower kids to solve environmental problems together through both planning and hands-on activities within their communities. Kids should also gain a deeper understanding of the environmental issues they are addressing. Schools and nonprofit community organizations may apply for these grants.

Nonprofits

Nonprofits sometimes provide education grants, too. The Earthwatch Institute's Education Fellowship lets teachers join an Earthwatch Expedition led by the institute, in which teachers learn new methods of field research. Teachers also gain an understanding of groundbreaking science from professionals in action. Teachers must develop lesson plans related to their experiences in the field and should present what they have learned in other public forums. The fellowship waves the expedition fee and covers on-site travel, meals, housing and some or all travel to the site.

Corporations

Many corporations give to environmental education programs. The Lexus Environmental Challenge gives $10,000 to $30,000 to teams of five to 10 students in grades six through 12 who work under the guidance of a teacher to solve local environmental issues. Teams participate in a "challenge," in which they work to address a pressing issue, and the teams deemed most successful win prizes. Part of the funds is distributed between the team members with the intention of supporting future scholarship, and part is given to the school. Additionally, the Lowe's Outdoor Classroom Grant Program awards $2,000 to $20,000 to public schools to help them construct outdoor classrooms where students learn about the natural world in a direct way. Projects can also improve an existing outdoor classroom.

Tags: also gain, environmental issues, help their, learn about, nonprofits National

Hotels In Oak Creek Arizona

The Grand Canyon is a two-hour drive from Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

Oak Creek Canyon is located in Sedona, Arizona. The area is home to an outlet mall, art galleries and museums. Additionally, it is approximately a two-hour drive to the Grand Canyon from this area. Oak Creek itself is called the "smaller cousin" of the Grand Canyon. Outdoor activities in the area include hiking, fishing and biking. There are also two golf courses. There are many hotels near Oak Creek in Sedona.

Premiere Vacation Club at Bell Rock

Home to the Sedona Spa, the Premiere Vacation Club at Bell Rock offers visitors either studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites. Amenities include two on-site heated pools, picnic areas and whirlpool tubs. A golf course is adjacent to the property, and there are quite a few restaurants nearby including a bistro and Mexican restaurant. Attractions in the area include the Grand Canyon National Park, Cliff Castle Casino, Jerome State Historic Park and the Sedona Historical Museum.

Desert Quail Inn

The Desert Quail Inn provides scenic views of the Arizona desert. Some rooms come equipped with Jacuzzis, and apartment-style suites with a full kitchen are available. Another hotel feature is the heated pool. A Mexican restaurant and an American-style cafe are within walking distance. The Desert Quail Inn is across the street from the Oak Creek Factory Outlet stores.

Las Posadas of Sedona

Across the street from the Sedona Golf Resort, Las Posadas has luxurious amenities including a fireplace in every suite, a daily three-course gourmet breakfast, a kitchenette in each room and a separate tub and shower. There are also many restaurants in the area, including an American-style cafe and an Italian restaurant.

The Views Inn Sedona

A motel centrally located in Sedona, there are two golf courses within walking distance. Downtown Sedona is an approximate 15-minute drive from the hotel. Tourists will enjoy walking through the shops and art galleries of the area. On-site amenities include a laundry room, complimentary wireless Internet access and a swimming pool.

Tags: Grand Canyon, Desert Quail, within walking distance, American-style cafe, area include, Bell Rock

Difference Between Slate And Flagstone

Slate and flagstone are similar but have distinct differences.

There is considerable confusion as to the difference between slate and flagstone. In many discussions on this topic, terms such as shale, slate, limestone, bluestone, paver, flagstone and landscaping stone are bandied about. Unfortunately, this only serves to further confuse the issue. Does this Spark an idea?

Flagstone

Flagstone is the general term used to refer to a number of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. These types of stone are called flagstone because they tend to split easily into flat segments that can be used to pave walkways, build rock walls and serve in any number of creative home and garden uses. When someone refers to a rock as "flagstone," they are not referring to the stone's proper name, only to its suitability for use as a paving tone.

Slate

Slate is a a type of rock often referred to as flagstone. In reality slate is a low-grade metamorphic rock. Slate is popularly used for flagstone because it is very easily split into thin layers and is extremely common and reasonably priced. Slate is actually the metamorphosed form of the sedimentary rock shale.

Shale

Shale, the base component of slate, is a fine-grained sediment that forms into rock when exposed to pressure over a long period time just below the earth's surface. It is comprised mostly of organic matter that settles into mud and builds up until the pressure turns it into shale. The large amount of organic matter in shale makes it an ideal source of natural gas.

Metamorphism

Metamorphism is the process by which shale is converted into slate. Over time, geological processes can cause shale to move deeper into the earth's crust. There, pressure and heat increase tremendously. Shale exposed to these extreme conditions for long periods of time undergoes chemical and textural changes that eventually change it to the metamorphic stone we call slate.

Tags: flagstone because, organic matter

Continuing Education Courses In Louisiana

Louisiana has many continuing education options.

Numerous academic institutions offer continuing education courses in Louisiana. Continuing education, also referred to as distance learning or adult education, is a way for busy non-traditional students, or students who are geographically isolated, to advance their learning. Louisiana's colleges and universities offer continuing education courses through a campus extension department or division. Schools often deliver courses through a variety of mediums, such as the Internet, and offer traditional classroom courses at remote campuses or proxy sites.

Baton Rouge Community College

Baton Rouge Community College offers courses through its continuing education division. The school delivers courses through its On-line Instruction Center or in collaboration with Gatlin Education Services, a web-based customized training provider. The college provides courses in allied health and health care, accounting and business, construction management, solar panel design and installation, first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER), art design, education, environmental, hospitality and food services, human resources, information technology and web design, and law enforcement. Baton Rouge Community College also offers continuing education courses for student who are 50 years or older, including computer basics, photography and jewelry making. Students can take some courses as credit toward a certificate or degree or for no credit if they are not striving for a grade.

Baton Rouge Community College

5310 Florida Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-216-8402

mybrcc.edu

Louisiana Delta Community College

Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe offers more than 5,000 continuing education courses to non-traditional students. Courses are all online through the school's eLearning instruction center and Gatlin Education Services. The college has courses in which students can earn a certificate in a number of fields such as business, criminal justice and medical, or courses through the eLearning Center that students can apply toward an associate or bachelor's degree in a variety of careers. Louisiana Delta Community College also features what it refers to as "personal enrichment courses." These continuing education courses help students improve their knowledge in a particular field or hobby. Courses include writing, music, gardening design, psychic training and nutrition.

Louisiana Delta Community College

4014 Lasalle St.

Monroe, LA 71203

318-342-3700

doe.state.la.us

University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans has a continuing education division referred to as the Distance Education center. The school delivers courses by compressed video to remote classroom sites at the Lakefront and Avondale campuses, the Jefferson Center in Metairie and at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Remote courses include business administration, education, anthropology, geology, engineering management, psychology, sociology and mathematics. The university's virtual campus also offers continuing education courses delivered through an Internet blackboard. Internet courses include English, education, management, history, music, mathematics, psychology and philosophy fields.

University of New Orleans

2000 Lakefront

New Orleans, LA 70148

888-514-4275

de.uno.edu

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge has continuing education courses for students seeking college credits toward a degree or certificate, or to simply enhance their personal or professional development. The university offers courses in business, computer and information technology, health care, architecture and engineering, environmental management and paralegal. The continuing education outreach programs are taught through correspondence, and course materials are delivered by priority mail. Students have nine months to complete courses, and must take exams, if applicable, on campus or a university-approved proctor.

LSU Continuing Education

1225 Pleasant Hall

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

800-234-5046

outreach.lsu.edu

Tags: Community College, Baton Rouge, education courses, continuing education, courses through, Baton Rouge Community, continuing education courses

Petroleum Engineering Job Description

Petroleum engineers figure out ways to find oil and gas.

There is a race to find new sources of natural gas and petroleum. According to College Board, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities, the United States acquires 63 percent of energy from these sources. A petroleum engineer finds these sources, figures out ways to retrieve them from the earth and processes them.

Roles

According to the Occupational Information Network, petroleum engineers figure out ways to improve the production of oil and gas wells through research and design. These engineers search for new sources of petroleum and natural gas. Petroleum engineers decide whether new or enhanced tool designs are necessary in removing oil or gas from the earth. Petroleum engineers may also oversee drilling. These workers offer technical advice with the objective of achieving satisfactory and economical results.

Working Conditions

Petroleum engineers work indoors and outdoors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers can be found within offices, laboratories or plants. Petroleum engineers can also be found outdoors at sites for oil or gas production and exploration. Some may travel domestically or internationally to visit work sites. Most engineers work the typical 40-hour work week. During deadline crunches, engineers may work overtime.

Education and Training

Petroleum engineers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or a related degree. According to the Princeton Review, petroleum engineers may also hold an undergraduate degree in an engineering or earth science, such as geology, geophysics, mining or tectonics. The majority in this field continues into graduate school. For petroleum engineers who wish to instruct and research at a university, a Ph.D. is necessary.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers earned a national mean hourly wage of $57.67 and a national mean annual wage of $119,960 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of petroleum engineers included the oil and gas extraction industry with a mean annual wage of $126,090; support activities for mining, $102,190; architectural, engineering and related services, $120,980; petroleum and coal products manufacturing, $123,690; and management of companies and enterprises, $125,470.

Job Outlook

According to the National Employment Matrix from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for petroleum engineers is expected to increase at a rate of 18 percent through 2018. The reason for the increase is due to the need to develop new petroleum resources, as well as figuring out new ways to extract oil from existing sources. Job prospects are projected to be excellent due to the small number of graduates to fill the larger number of job openings. Because oil companies are multinational, the best employment opportunities may be in other countries.

Tags: Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, engineers also, engineers work, Labor Statistics, According Bureau

Obtain Maps Of Old Railroad Lines

You can find maps of old railways online at the Library of Congress website.

As the United States has grown and technologies have changed, rail lines have been abandoned and torn up, to be replaced by roadways. According to the Library of Congress, old railroad maps are "an important historical record" that depict how travel and settlement happened throughout the United States. A wide variety of resources for obtaining maps of old railroad lines exist for the average person, from viewing them online to purchasing antique railway maps.

Instructions

1. Search the Library of Congress archives. The Library of Congress maintains a searchable online database of thousands of railroad maps dating from 1828 to 1900. This collection includes railroad line maps, general maps depicting railroad lines, and right-of-way surveys. Collectors may order reproductions of the maps directly from the Library of Congress website.

2. Contact the National Railway Historical Society. The society maintains a library with antique railroad line maps, among other information on the history of U.S. railroads. The library does not circulate materials, however, it will make photocopies of the collection on request.

3. Purchase maps from an antiquarian mapseller. The International Antiquarian Mapsellers Association (IAMA) maintains a directory of retailers of old maps that you may contact to purchase a railway map. Additionally, the IAMA has an online database of maps available for purchase that you can search for railway or railroad oriented maps.

4. Go to the Miami International Map Fair. In January or February, the Miami Historical Society holds one of the largest antique map fairs in the world. Hundreds of map dealers and thousands of cartography enthusiasts attend the fair each year. With hundreds of thousands of antique maps on-site, you will likely be able to find railroad maps from all over the United States.

Tags: Library Congress, railroad maps, United States, Congress website, Historical Society, Library Congress website

Ph D Programs In Geography

Whether interested in weather and climatology, urban planning or cartography, studying geography in a Ph.D. program is a way to fulfill your interest. Geography is also a field in which you may combine interests such as those listed above. Before applying to any program, be aware that you will probably be required to complete the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE.

Kansas State University

At Kansas State University, students in the Ph.D. program must have a master's degree prior to completion of the first semester of doctoral study. However, you do not have to have previous coursework in geography to apply. The program is complete at 60 hours or more of study with 30 in courses and 30 in dissertation research.

Kansas State University

Graduate School

103 Fairchild Hall

Manhattan, KS 66506

785-532-6900

k-state.edu/artsci

Portland State University

The Ph.D. program for geography at Portland State University is offered in conjunction with the Environmental Science and Management Program. This program combines several disciplines: biology, chemistry, civil engineering, economics, geography, geology and physics. Students with bachelor's degrees in areas other than geography are allowed to apply, but they must complete specific courses in geography before admission or before the end of the first year.

Portland State University

Geography Department

Portland, OR 97207

800-547-8887

pdx.edu/clas

Rutgers University

Students from backgrounds other than geography can apply to the geography doctoral program at Rutgers University. Students may apply with either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Before graduating, doctoral students will have completed 24 research credit hours and 48 hours of coursework.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Department of Geography

B254 Lucy Stone Hall

54 Joyce Kilmer Ave.

Piscataway, NJ 08854

732-932-7711

http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu

Syracuse University

Seventy two credit hours, with 60 in coursework and 12 in dissertation research, are required for the Ph.D. program in geography at Syracuse University. Students with master's degrees are allowed to apply, but they must complete at least 30 credit hours in residence at Syracuse, and they must take all courses in the Syracuse master's program if equivalents haven't been taken previously.

Maxwell School of Syracuse University

Department of Geography

144 Eggers Hall

Syracuse, NY 13244

315-443-4492

syr.edu/gradschool/index.html

Texas State University-San Marcos

The Ph.D. program at Texas State University offers three specializations: environmental geography, geographic environment and geographic information science. Admission to the Ph.D. program requires a master's degree in geography or a similar program. You will need to complete 31 credit hours of coursework and 15 credit hours of dissertation preparation.

Texas State University-San Marcos

Department of Geography

601 University Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-245-2581

liberalarts.txstate.edu

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University offers four areas of specialization for geography doctoral candidates: urban, regional and global Systems; GIS and spatial analysis; environment and society; and atmospheric and climatic studies. Ph.D. candidates must complete two courses that deal with theories and methodologies, as well as all of the prerequisites to get into these courses.

Ohio State University

Department of Geography

1036 Derby Hall

Columbus, OH 43210

614-292-9444

http://sbs.osu.edu

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Prior experience in geography, whether through a degree program or by taking a certain set of courses, is required for admission into the University of Nebraska, Lincoln's geography Ph.D. program. Students can choose from several areas of emphasis, including GIScience, human geography, historical-cultural geography and environmental studies. Students will complete 90 hours total for the Ph.D. These include: 30 hours from the master's degree; 36 additional hours of coursework; 24 hours of dissertation preparation; and nine hours of research courses.

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

School of Natural Resources

306 Hardin Hall

3310 Holdrege St.

Lincoln, NE 68583

402-472-2878

unl.edu/gradstudies

University of Nevada, Reno

To get into the University of Nevada, Reno Ph.D. program for geography, students must have completed a master's degree in geography or similar field of study. The program is complete after 72 hours of courses, of which 24 credit hours are taken during completion of the master's degree.

University of Nevada, Reno

College of Science

Department of Geography

Reno, NV 89557

775-784-6869

www.mines.unr.edu/mackay

Tags: State University, credit hours, master degree, Department Geography, hours coursework

Weathering Effects

Weathering is a process of breaking up rock materials under the influence of air and water. It designs the Earth's surface by shaping it through different physical and chemical processes. Each of these processes has a different effect on rocks and their minerals, and different rocks react differently to weathering, depending on their structure. The three types of weathering processes are mechanical (or physical), chemical and biological weathering.

Effects of Mechanical Weathering

Mechanical or physical weathering includes two main processes: fracturing and abrasion, which may be intense in wet and dry regions. Wind, rain, snow, ice and other geological events cause mechanical weathering. This type of weathering leads to splitting of rocks and minerals into fragments. Big and sudden changes in air temperature, which are very common in deserts, or water temperature changes always cause expansion or contraction of minerals. For example, when water enters a crack and freezes, it widens the crack and eventually leads to breaking of the surface. Plant roots have a similar effect when they grow so big that they reach the crack in the rock. At some point, the rock will fall apart.

Effects of Chemical Weathering

This type of weathering changes the mineral composition of rocks by chemical processes and it can sometimes lead to dangerous conditions. Water is the basic agent in chemical weathering because it initiates the whole process. Some of its effects are oxidation (rusting), hydration and carbonization. Chemical weathering also causes loss of chemical elements by solution in water. Caves, stalactites and stalagmites are created by different chemical processes of weathering.

Effects of Biological Weathering

Biological weathering is a process of rock and mineral disintegration caused by physical and chemical agents of living organisms. Whether weathering is caused by bacteria or a plant or an animal, it may have both physical and chemical effects on the surface. These effects include breaking of particles, movement and mixing of materials, production of carbon dioxide by breathing and a biological process of chelation (production of organic substances). Organisms also have an effect on the pH of the soil.

Resistance to Weathering

Rock resistance to weathering depends on its mineral composition and porosity. Physically soft minerals may be easily crushed and broken apart, while it is not so simple to do with harder minerals. The arrangement of a rock's mineral grains and their size is what controls the process of weathering.

Tags: physical chemical, chemical processes, mineral composition, rock mineral, This type, This type weathering, type weathering

Not Fall Into An Earthquake Fault

Not Fall Into an Earthquake Fault

The U.S. Geological Survey has reassured America that the idea of fault opening up in a huge earth-swallowing earthquake contradicts good science and represents a figment of some moviemaker's imagination. But, if you can't get past the fear those screen images conjure, here are some tips to help you avoid falling into an earthquake fault.

Instructions

1. Watch your step. When walking in Alaska, the state with the most earthquakes, watch where your feet hit the ground. If you see a large crevice in the snow that seems to be opening, do not step there.

2. Drive around shaky bridges, not over them. If you are caught in San Francisco during an earthquake as large as the deadliest quake ever recorded in U.S. history -- the 1906 San Francisco quake -- do not cross the Golden Gate Bridge. The waters may not part like the Red Sea for Moses, but the bridge might.

3. Avoid earthquake-prone areas of the United States. This means you can only live in one of four states - Florida, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The other 44 states all have documented fault lines running through them.

4. Practice jumping in case the U.S. Geological Survey is wrong and you have to leap for your life when the "big one" happens.

Tags: Earthquake Fault, Fall Into, Fall Into Earthquake, Geological Survey, Into Earthquake, Into Earthquake Fault

Negotiate Relocation Assistance

Relocation expenses can be significant whether you are moving to accept a job with a new employer or relocating with your current employer. In either case, employers often pay the costs of your move, either as a reimbursement or as an advance against which you must provide documentation in the form of receipts and service contracts.

Instructions

Negotiate Your Relocation Assistance Package When the Time Is Right

1. Project a budget of relocation assistance items prior to your job interview to avoid being caught trying to do the math on the spot.

2. Request copies of all written benefit and compensation policies prior to your final interview, but delay specific discussion of relocation assistance until the appropriate time in the hiring process.

3. Negotiate your relocation assistance package after you have been offered the job or told explicitly that you are the person your employer wants to hire for the job.

4. Include any of the following items for which you anticipate significant expenses: moving your household belongings, temporary lodging during the move, assistance in selling or renting your existing home, exploratory trips while you look for permanent lodging or work in your new office prior to the actual move, gas and food expenses until you are situated and trips to spend time with your family if, for instance, they remain in the previous home through the end of the school year.

5. Put other items on the table if you have a legitimate case for them in negotiations: child care, mortgage points or a bridge loan to help you transition from one house to another.

6. Try to negotiate an advance against the full amount of your relocation budget, since many costs need to be paid on the spot and this can create a serious cash-flow burden if you have to meet them out-of-pocket.

7. Get your relocation assistance package in writing, even if in an informal memorandum, before you sign an employment contract or take any irrevocable steps that commit you to accept the new position.

8. Make an effort to save your employer on your relocation costs after you negotiate your package by bargaining effectively for services such as a moving van. It will help to stamp you as a fair team player if you are able to refund a portion of your advance when you submit your receipts after your move is completed.

Tags: your relocation, advance against, assistance package, prior your, relocation assistance, with your, your employer

Track A Cell Phone On Google Earth

Google has revolutionized the way geographical information is used with their Google Earth program. What began as a simple, free map has developed into a comprehensive collection of geographical tools. People can now see aerial views of the Earth from a satellite, visit streets from a virtual car and tour 3D images of historic buildings without leaving their home. Google's Latitude, the latest addition to this innovative map system, now allows friends and family members to track each other through their cell phones.

Instructions

1. Go to Google's Latitude website, www.google.com/latitude, and log into your Google account.

2. Enter your cell phone number in the box that says, "Enter your number or visit google.com/latitiude on your mobile browser." Press the "Send a link to my phone" button; you will receive a text message with a link to a website inviting the cell phone user to accept latitude.

3. Follow the link on your cell phone's web browser to go to Google's latitude website. Note that cell phone providers may charge additional fees for using mobile web; this will not work without mobile web. If you are tracking a friend's phone, they will also have to complete steps three and four.

4. Allow Google to use your current location. Select "Yes" when the dialog box appears that says, "Allow Google Latitude to view your current location."

5. Follow the cell phone. An image displaying the cell phone location will appear on the Google Earth map for the computer that initiated the latitude request. As long as the cell phone remains connected to the latitude website, Google will follow the cell phone. Note that locations are only displayed if the cell phone users chose to share their location with their friends.

Tags: cell phone, Google Earth, Allow Google, current location, Enter your

Things To Do In Grand Turk

Crystal blue waters of Grand Turk are inviting.

Grand Turk, the capital of the British oversees territory of the Turks and Caicos islands, is located south of the Bahamas and north of the Dominican Republic. The seven mile-long, one-and-a-half-mile-wide island is 575 miles southeast of Miami. Grand Turk is everything you might imagine a tropical island to be. Constant trade winds keep the climate between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit on average.

Grand Turk Cruise Center

Make your first stop the Grand Turk Cruise Center at the southern end of the island. The center has a 3,000-foot pier where cruise ships come to port. Here you will find a Bermudian-style welcome facility with vintage chimneys. The center features a 14-acre recreation area that includes the world's largest Margaritaville; 1,000 feet of beach; the Grand Turk FlowRider water attraction; and a swimming pool. Here you can also buy island attire at a 45,000 square-foot shopping complex.

Historical Sites

In Cockburn Town, between Town Beach and West Road Beach on the west side of Grand Turk, walk along Duke and Front streets to explore the 18th- and 19th-century colonial-style architecture. The Salt Raker Inn, on Duke Street, is a historic landmark built in the 1850s for Bermudan shipwright Johnathan Glass. It has been converted into a guest house with 12 rooms and a restaurant.

Visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum in the Guinep House that is believed to be more than 180 years old. The museum, located on Front Street, features the Natural History Gallery, which tells the story of the development of the geology, plant and animal life of the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Other exhibits include the history of the native Lucayans and the Molasses Reef Shipwreck. Another interesting collection is the "Message in a Bottle" exhibit, a collection of messages in bottles found on the beaches of Grand Turk over a 40-year period.

Grand Turk Lighthouse was built in 1852 in the United Kingdom and was later transported to the northern tip of Grand Turk. The location overlooks North Creek, believed to be the point where Christopher Columbus made landfall in 1492, according to the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. It is not only an interesting historical site, but also an ideal spot for seeing whales during February and March.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is one of the biggest attractions of Grand Turk, because the island has a protected coral reef that drops to 8,000 feet. Water temperature ranges from the high 70s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. Tunnel arches, undercuts and outcrops also make Grand Turk a desirable diving destination.

On the leeward side of the island, Bohio Dive Resort is situated on Pillory Beach, north of Cockburn Town. You can dive right off the beach in the resort's protected sandy bay. More experienced divers can go over "the wall," which drops more than a mile into the Grand Canyon of the Caribbean. It is a great place to see rare corals, stingrays, dolphins, turtles and sharks. Note that summer is the best time to see manta rays. You can also board the dive boat to venture out to other dive sites.

Grand Turk has more than 25 permanently moored dive sites located in the Columbus National Park. One is a British warship wrecked in 1790. Blue Water Divers, a PADI Gold Palm 5-Star Resort, can take you to these dive locations.

Golfing

Play golf at the Waterloo Golf Club, a niine-hole, par 54 course on the grounds of the Office of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The governor himself was one of the volunteers who built the course, which is open to tourists. Green fees are $25 per day. You can play as many times as you want in a day. You will need to call the governor's office ahead of time to schedule your play, since only 36 players are allowed on the course at any given time.

Tags: Grand Turk, Turks Caicos, more than, Cockburn Town, Cruise Center, dive sites

Make A 3d Model From A Topographic Map

Topographic map

When a flat topographical map is transformed into a 3D model of the area, geography and map skills become real, understandable concepts.

Instructions

1. Select a topographical map that you wish to turn into a 3D model. The more lines on a map, the harder it will be to create. Start simple.

2. Understand what you are looking at: A topographic map shows elevation. Each "circle" (these are never perfect circles - usually very squiggly) indicates how high above sea level the area is. These circles are called contour lines. As contour lines get smaller and closer together, this symbolizes the land getting higher and steeper. The smallest contour line is the highest point on the map.

3. Cut out the biggest circle, or contour line. There will be smaller lines in the middle. Ignore those for now. Trace your cut-out on cardboard and cut the cardboard out. This is the base of your 3D model.

4. Repeat this procedure for the rest of the lines on the topographic map. Cut out each contour line circle, trace onto cardboard, and cut out the cardboard. Your circles should get smaller and smaller. Go ahead and discard your cut-up map pieces once you have the cardboard cut-outs to keep. Be sure to keep the cardboard cutouts stacked up in order, so the biggest piece is on the bottom.

5. Once all your cardboard pieces are cut out, it's time to start the papier-mâché. With the papier-mâché, glue each cardboard piece to one below it. Be sure to keep the cardboard in order. When you are finished, you may papier-mâché strips of newspaper to cover the cardboard pieces. This gives the model a more smooth look.

6. Let the papier-mâché dry and then paint and label your model. Use your model to teach others how topography maps symbolize elevation, but your 3D model actually shows elevation.

Tags: your model, contour line, cardboard cardboard, cardboard pieces, contour lines, into model

Use A Pencil With Floating Magnets

Pencils used for the Floating Magnet Experiment

The Floating Magnet experiment is fun activity to try with any school age child. Tools necessary for this experiment are very simple, and can provide a great deal of entertainment. The Floating Magnet trick uses the basic principal of polar attraction and opposite. Magnets have a field with the strongest magnetic force at its poles, with two poles usually presented in each magnet.

Instructions

Assembly

1. Ring magnet

To discover the different poles on the magnet, hold the pencil upright, place one of the ring magnets onto the pencil. Follow the first magnet with the second one, until the two magnets attract or repel to each other.

2. If the magnet repelled when pushed towards the other magnet, remove fingers and the magnet will float above the bottom one. If the magnet doesn't repel, slide it off the pencil, flip it over and place back onto pencil, sliding it down until the repel force is felt.

3. Holding the pencil steady, and the bottom magnet in place with your finger, remove your hand from the top magnet. The top magnet will "float" above the bottom one.

4. Place more magnets onto the pencil in the same manner, using as many magnets as desired, and all of them will float above the one below it.

Tags: float above, Floating Magnet, onto pencil, will float, will float above, above bottom, bottom magnet

Boulder Utah Hiking Trails

Boulder, Utah's, hiking trails offer some of the most exciting and breathtaking desert wilderness and canyon views in the United States. Hiking trails in the national parks areas are overseen by the United States Bureau of Land Management which has information about all hiking trails. You obtain required permits and maps from the Escalante Interagency Visitor Information Center. The land is rugged and pristine and spring and autumn -- March through May and September through October -- are the best times.

Calf Creek Falls

Calf Creek Falls is in the Calf Creek Recreation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The round trip hike to the falls and back is about 5 1/2 miles. The trail is relatively level and sandy. Some sections of the hiking trail leading to Calf Creek Falls can be a bit strenuous in hot weather. A trip in the spring or autumn is advisable. Upon reaching the falls hikers are greeted by a welcome cool shady area. The cliffs along the trail are streaked with cream-colored to muted red-colored minerals in the Navajo sandstone that forms the canyon walls.

You will notice beaver ponds and pre- historic rock carvings that are a photographer's delight. The stream is unpolluted and flows year round, even during the hottest months of the summer. Utah juniper trees and pinyon pines provide food for wildlife and shade for the hiker. Ancient structures built about 1,000 years ago by Native Americans are visible on the cliffs. A campsite is located at the Calf Creek Recreation Site that provides picnic areas, playground equipment, toilets and camping spaces. The website Utah.com mentions that the camping fee is $5 per night, as of 2010.

Escalante Interagency Visitor Center

755 West Main

Escalante, UT 84726

435-826-5499

nps.gov

Horse Canyon

Horse Canyon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because the Anasazi Indians lived in the area for many thousands of years. Ancient Anasazi art decorates the walls of the canyon and the ruins of their villages tell the story of their lives in the Boulder, Utah, area.

Hikers must have reservations and a permit to hike in the Horse Canyon area. They can drive up to Salt Creek to the road-end at Peekaboo Camp parking lot. Hikers will be greeted by ancient rock art painted by the Fremont Indians between 1000 A.D. and 1300 A.D. Beneath the Fremont paintings are pictographs painted by the archaic people that date from at least 6000 B.C. to 2000 B.C. There are fantastic arches throughout Horse Canyon and Anasazi ruins.

Escalante Interagency Visitor Center

755 West Main

Escalante, UT 84726

435-826-5499

nps.gov

Devil's Garden

The Devil's Garden is an area with many hiking trails and suited for a more leisurely walking adventure. The area is small compared to other hiking trails in Boulder, Utah, but some of the most astonishing geological formations in Utah are found there. According to the Escalante/Boulder Chamber of Commerce, the most recognizable of the geological formations is the Metate Arch, located just off the Hole-in-the-Rock Road and marked by a road sign.

Hikers can reach the site by driving along a dirt road for about 12 miles off Highway 12 and leaving their vehicle in a parking area. In addition to the Metate Arch, there are many hundreds of pillars of sandstone standing in the garden. The sandstone pillars are the result of millions of years of erosion. The area gets its name from the standing pillars that resemble a garden of standing stones. Some of the pillars are said to resemble gargoyles or gnomes. Other arches in the area include Navajo Arch, Black Arch, Tunnel Arch and Pine Tree Arch. There is no clearly defined hiking trail and visitors generally hike as they please through the picturesque beauty of The Devil's Garden.

Escalante/Boulder Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 175

Escalante, UT 84726

436-826-4810

escalante-cc.com

Tags: Calf Creek, Boulder Utah, hiking trails, Horse Canyon, Calf Creek Falls, Creek Falls

How The Pocono Mountains Were Formed

The Pocono "Mountains" are the southernmost region of the Catskills, a part of the Allegheny Plateau. All of these are part of the Appalachians. The Poconos are the remains of an uplifted sedimentary plain created during nearby mountain building when the Africa and North America plates collided 400 million years ago. The Pocono Escarpment, a sandstone wall, divides the Appalachian Plateau, forming the Pocono Plateau on the northwest, which stands higher than Glaciated Low Plateau.

Taconic Orogeny

The Taconic Orogeny (mountain building) in the Ordovician Age (430 million years ago) was the first of three plate collisions on the east coast of North America. The "core" of North America and Greenland was tilted 90 degrees clockwise of its current alignment and was along the equator when it collided with smaller continental masses called the Taconian Terrane. As that land was accreted (joined) to the continent, the edges were overthrust and folded. During the Silurian Age (400 million years ago) these mountains eroded and their sediments filled a low area called the Appalachian Basin.

Acadian Orogeny

Avalon Terrane volcanic arc formed in Africa on Gondwana, the southern supercontinent. Avalonia rifted away and collided with tropical Laurasia (North America + Europe). The collision tore Avalonia into pieces now located from Newfoundland to Georgia, and in Ireland, England and France. Avalon was history by the end of the Carboniferous Age (300 million years ago). The Catskill and Pocono region were lowlands or shallow seas closest to the Acadian Highlands built by that collision, so they collected deep sediments as those mountains eroded.

Alleghenian Orogeny

At the end of the Paleozoic Age (245 million years ago), Laurentia (North America) was beginning to collide with the African plate on Gondwana to form the Pangaea supercontinent. It had been forming for 80 million years. Crust between the continents was thrust inland and folded upward to form huge mountains. The Appalachian Basin was folded into the Appalachian Range, with its foreland basin uplifted to form the Catskill-Pocono Plateau.

Glaciation

The Pocono Plateau was buried in ice by the Pennsylvanian glaciation during the Carboniferous Age, by the Illinois glaciation during the mid-Pleistocene Age (350,000 to 130,000 years ago), and by the Wisconsin glaciation, which ended only 10,000 years ago. Recent glacial scour over resistant sandstone is responsible for the absence of deep or wide stream valleys, but the landscape includes U-shaped glacier-carved valleys, as well as terminal moraine deposits.

Landforms

The Pocono Escarpment, an eroded east facing wall of the plateau, is the most dramatic topographic feature of the Poconos. The relief in the 1,200 to 2,300 foot altitude uplands is usually less than 200 feet, with some hills standing 600 feet above adjacent terrain. Swamps and peat bogs have developed where glacial scour created local depressions. Streams drain from the interior of the plateau toward the margins. An ancient creek from a post glacial lake drained toward the Delaware River, contributing to erosion of the Delaware Water Gap. Bedrock has low porosity and permeability, but secondary fracturing and faulting has created groundwater reservoirs.

Tags: million years, North America, Appalachian Basin, collided with, glacial scour

Kinds Of Mechanical Weathering

Pressure release, a mechanical weathering process, creates domed formations.

Mechanical weathering occurs when atmospheric or geological forces break rocks into small pieces that remain essentially unchanged and largely unmoved from the starting location. It is distinguished from erosion, which abrades mechanically but also transports material at the same time (through wind or water action). These processes include frost wedging, salt crystal growth, thermal action, hydraulic pressure and pressure release.

Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Frost Wedging

In areas where the temperature often fluctuates between freezing and thawing, the water trapped within rock pores or between small fractures expands 9 percent when ice crystals are formed. Over time that expansion breaks off small fragments from the surface of rocks. Larger formations can be broken into blocks along existing fracture lines. Water seeps into the cracks, freezes and expands, pushing the rocks apart a bit further. This allows in more water, which pushes even further in a repeated cycle.

Salt Crystals and Evaporation

In a process similar to ice crystals, salt dissolved in water is carried into crevices in rocks generally along sea costs or deserts. Given enough heat, the water evaporates and salt crystals grow, which can then exert force against the walls of the crevice, eventually cracking off pieces or splitting entire formations. This is most active in hot desert regions where the evaporation can take place quickly.

Thermal Weathering

Thermal stress again most often occurs in desert environments where there is a large difference between day and night temperatures. Repeated heating and cooling expands and contracts the different minerals within a rock at different rates and fracturing occurs.

Pressure Release or Exfoliation

Igneous rocks like granites and basalts are often pushed close to the surface in large magma chambers which then cool and form very hard rock. Pressure is maintained on the formation by the overlying material that may be other rock formations or gravels, clays or soils. When erosion or plate tectonic shifting removes enough of the overburden, most often by glacial action and then the melting of the glacier itself, the pressure is released. The formation expands and fractures parallel to the outer surface and large sheets of rock can fall away. This is what causes some large round boulders and also dome mountains.

Hydraulic Pressure

Though not as noticeable because there is so much erosion also taking place, hydraulic pressure plays a role in the breakdown of coastal rocks. When a high speed wave comes ashore and pushes into crevices, it pushes the air in front of it, compressing it to very high pressures. When the wave retreats suddenly the pressure is released, almost like an explosion, which can shatter surface rock and widen cracks. The key to all of these types of weathering is that a mechanical force is applied rather than abrasive action so common in water or wind erosion.

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Junior Colleges Near Savannah Georgia

Savannah offers students a few choices when it comes to junior colleges.

Savannah is a well-known city on Georgia's eastern edge. The city's rich history and southern charm make it a popular tourist destination. The area, though, is not the small burg that some imagine. Instead, it's a major center of business and culture. With a population of more than 130,000, Savannah's residents put education high on their list of priorities. The city features a well-established technical college, and other junior colleges are approximately 50 to 90 miles away.

Savannah Technical College

This two-year college with five Georgia campuses offers associate's degrees in 18 fields, including accounting, automotive technology, business administration, criminal justice, computer networking, the culinary arts and paramedic technology. Savannah Technical also offers a number of diploma and certificate programs designed to speed the transformation of students into their new career fields. The school has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students, who are spread evenly across the school's campuses. Savannah Technical College was founded in 1973.

Savannah Technical College

5717 White Bluff Road

Savannah, GA 31405

(912) 443-5700

savannahtech.edu

Southeastern Technical College

This two-year college is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. The school has campuses in three cities--Vidalia, Swainsboro and Glennville, Georgia. The Vidalia campus is nearest to Savannah, approximately 90 miles to the west. Commuters can reach the school by traveling west from Savannah on Interstate 16. The college opened in 1990. The Vidalia campus was created in 1998. The college offers programs in business technologies, health sciences, industrial technologies, human services and adult education.

Southeastern Technical College

3001 E. First St.

Vidalia, GA 30474

(912) 538-3100

southeasterntech.edu

East Georgia College-Statesboro Campus

This two-year University System of Georgia college operates its main campus 90 miles northwest of Savannah in Swainsboro, Georgia. The school, though, also has a satellite campus in Statesboro, Georgia, which is located 55 miles northwest of Savannah off Interstate 16. East Georgia College offers a number of two-year degrees in fields such as criminal justice, foreign language, geology, computer science, agriculture, business administration and political science.

East Georgia College

Statesboro Campus

1525-A Fair Road

Statesboro, GA 30460

(478) 289-2159

ega.edu

Tags: Savannah Technical, East Georgia, Savannah Technical College, Technical College, Technical College, This two-year

Online Graduate Degrees In Louisiana

The internet has made distance education possible for many students.

Online graduate degrees have increased in popularity. Universities in the state of Louisiana offer multiple online graduate degrees in a variety of different fields. These degrees vary by the offering institution and the research strengths of its faculty members. Many schools tailor their online graduate degree programs to meet the needs of students, who are often working professionals with a bachelor's degree seeking to enhance their resume with higher education.

University of Louisiana - Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is one university offering a full array of online graduate degree courses. It serves the education needs of approximately 8,300 students each year, and it has approximately 800 graduate students. These graduate students can pursue various online graduate degree programs. The university offers graduate programs in criminal justice, business administration and teaching, among others.

University of Louisiana, Monroe

700 University Avenue

Monroe, LA 71209

318-342-1000

ulm.edu

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University offers various online graduate degrees through its "global campus." As one of the larger universities in the state, Louisiana Tech enrolls over 11,000 students each year. Graduate degrees are offered online in a few different fields of study, including English, history, science and nutrition. In addition to these graduate degrees, Louisiana Tech also offers graduate certificates in information assurance, the dynamics of domestic and family violence, and technical writing and communications.

Louisiana Tech University

Global_Campus

PO Box 3182

Wyly Tower, Suite 1203

Ruston, LA 71272

318-257-4049

latech.edu

Northwestern State University

Located in Natchitoches, Lousiana, Northwestern State University also offers students a variety of graduate degree options. Students have the opportunity to pursue online degrees through the university's e-campus. Graduate study programs include adult education, art, English and teaching. Concentrations offered within the teaching degree program include early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education and special education. Other science and educational graduate programs are offered as well.

Northwestern State University

150 Dodd Hall

Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, LA 71497

318-357-6355

ensu.nsula.edu

Tags: Louisiana Tech, graduate degree, graduate degrees, Northwestern State, Northwestern State University

Signs About Volcanoes Erupting

The pressure inside a volcano still cannot be measured

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have developed an early warning system for volcano eruption called the USGC Volcano Hazard Program. This program operates in conjunction with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as with the private sector, in the operation of five volcano observatories. These stations are located in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, California and Washington. Although there are potential signs of pending volcanic activity, these activities can occur weeks, month or even years before an eruption. In fact, these signs can be "false positives," meaning that the eruption may not happen at all.

Seismic Activity

Although seismic activity is a sign of potential volcanic activity, it is not a definitive sign.

Increasing seismic activity is probably the most common warning sign that a volcano is likely to erupt. One seismometer can pick up movement under a usually quiet volcano, but three or more seismometers, strategically placed, can triangulate so as to pick up magma movement, an Oregon State University report explains.

Release of Gasses

Escaping gasses and changes in ponds and plant life are potential signs of a volcanic eruption.

Most active volcanoes have fumaroles (holes in the ground near a volcano) from which gasses within the ground escape. Elevated temperatures of these gases or an increased amount of gas escaping could be signs that hot magma is migrating toward the surface. The composition of the gasses can also be analyzed with correlation spectrometers (COSPECS), but this kind of data is more difficult to interpret. Some visual indicators are nearby plants dying suddenly and changes in the color of nearby ponds or lakes.

Ground Deformation

Changes in the surface of a volcano can indicate an upcoming eruption.

As magma migrates to the surface, it pushes the surrounding rock outward, causing the surface of the volcano to deform. Tiltmeters and geodimeters can measure even subtle changes in rock formations, according to Annenberg Learner. The amount of deformation can be measured using leveling and distance-measuring techniques. These measurements can be a matter of millimeters over a distance of several hundred meters, but they can also be drastic and happen very quickly. For instance, the dome of Mt. St. Helens expanded from 16 feet high and 82 feet in diameter to 164 feet high and 606 feet in diameter in just 24 hours prior to its eruption, NASA says.

Thermal Mapping

Hot magma near the surface can indicate an eminent eruption, or it can cool beneath the surface.

Satellites can provide thermal images of areas around volcanoes. By comparing these images on a monthly or bi-weekly basis, changes in temperature can be monitored. Increases in temperature can indicate magma rising to the surface.

Emerging Technologies

Volcanologists believe that satellite technology will increase their ability to predict volcanic eruptions.

NASA has developed the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) that was launched aboard the Terra satellite in December 1999. It can provide 3D digital elevation models of volcanoes and detect hot spots, pyroclastic flows and debris flows from a volcanic dome including the temperature, texture and chemistry of the dome surface. Volcanologist Michael Ramsey, the Assistant Professor of Geology and Director of the Image Visualization and Infrared Spectroscopy Laboratory, believes that ASTER's power of observation will enable him to even examine bubbles in the lava that indicate the potential explosivity of a pending eruption and mitigate volcanic hazards.

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