Ocean Environmental Issues Discussion Assignment

Oceanography 101: Survey of Oceanography

Gwyneth Jones - gwjones@bellevuecollege.edu

• Select one oceanography-related environmental issue to research and discuss in class on the designated day.
• Use the list below to select your topic.
• If there's another topic you'd prefer, discuss it with me well in advance (at least 2 days).
• You will discuss your findings in small groups, so come prepared!

• Fully research your topic.
• Type a summary: One to two full pages of text -- single-spaced -- plus (not including) your figures and references.
• Include some images to show your classmates (highly recommended).
• Page formatting: Small (half-inch) margins. Single-spaced text. One-line header(s), with only your name, the topic, the date, and the page number. Staple multiple pages together.
• Make sure that your work meets the Universal Intellectual Standards described at: http://www.criticalthinking.org/resources/articles/universal-intellectual-standards.shtml
• Print your summary and bring it to class on the designated day.

TOPIC OPTIONS:

• Issues #1 - #8 are from Environmental Issues in Oceanography (2nd edition), by Abel & McConnell:

Issue #1 - Coastal Population Growth: A Global Ecosystem at Risk
Issue #2 - SONAR and Whales
Issue #3 - Methane Hydrates: Energy Boom or Climate Bust
Issue #4 - Toxic Chemicals in Seawater
Issue #5 - The Lasting Influences of Hurricanes
Issue #6 - Beaches or Bedrooms? The Dynamic Coastal Environment
Issue #7 - Illegal Immigration: Ballast Water and Exotic Species
Issue #8 - Lifestyles of the Large and Blubbery: How to Grow a Blue Whale

Go to http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_abel_issuesocean_2 and read the introductory information there about the modules. Then:

1. Scroll down and click on the link to take you to your Issue number.
2. Notice that there is background information in the main "frame" of the Issue page. Read it first (it is the Issue Discussion).
3. At the left are the modules pertaining to your Issue. Click on each one to take you to the respective module. Read all of the information related to your Issue! If a webpage has been moved by the site host, you need to search to find it. If it is not findable, you must find a suitable replacement!
   • Example: For Issue 6, the modules are: Issue Discussion, Analysis 1, Analysis 2, Media Analysis 1, Media Analysis 2, Destinations, Winning Strategies
4. Answer all of the analysis options! Note that analysis options that have only a couple of questions associated with them tend to be essay questions.
   • Example: For Issue 6, the analysis options are: Analysis 1, Analysis 2, Media Analysis 1, Media Analysis 2.
5. You are of course encouraged to do further research (web, books, etc); be sure to cite your sources.

• Issues #9 - #12 are from The Earth Around Us, by Schneiderman:

Issue #9 - Coasts: Cape Hatteras & Lotus Bay (Ch.15+16+17 Schneiderman)
Issue #10 - New York Harbor and Water (Ch. 18+14 of Schneiderman)
Issue #11 - Climate and Climate Change (Ch. 24+26+27 of Schneiderman)
Issue #12 - Philosophy of Environmentalism (Ch. 30+31+9 of Schneiderman)

The Earth Around Us is a fascinating book (series of essays). It is on reserve at the BCC Library. It may also be available at bookstores. Do feel free to do your own research, too.

• Issue #13 is tsunamis:

Issue #13 - Tsunamis

You may wish to start with the links on my Tsunami Resources webpage:

http://www.scidiv.bcc.ctc.edu/gj/TsunamiResources.html

The first 3 links are of universal importance and interest. Additional links are categorized below them. Do feel free to do your own research, too. If a webpage has been moved by the site host, you need to search to find it. If it is not findable, you must find a suitable replacement!

• Issue #14 is hurricanes:

Issue #14 - Hurricanes

You may wish to start with the links on my Hurricane Katrina & Rita webpage:

http://www.scidiv.bcc.ctc.edu/gj/HurricaneKatrina.html

The items in bold red italics were published BEFORE Hurricanes Katrina & Rita -- and thus provide a "Yes, we should have known better" perspective. Additional links are categorized by source. Do feel free to do your own research, too. If a webpage has been moved by the site host, you need to search to find it. If it is not findable, you must find a suitable replacement!