Category: Geography

  • Exploring the Vibrant Culture and Rich History of Mexico Mexico is a country located in the southern part of North America and is bordered by the United States to the north, Guatemala and Belize to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west

    Based on the PowerPoint slides about Mexico, please write one page about this country! Please use the 
    information in this PowperPoint slides. 
    Please attach Turnitin report along with the essay.

  • “The Dynamic Interplay of Natural Changes and Human Activities in Shaping Climate Change: A Comprehensive Literature Review” Introduction: Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues of our time, with significant impacts on the environment, economy, and human well

    Investigate the Impacts of Natural Changes and Human Activities on Climate Change.
    Conduct a thorough review of climate change literature and document your findings. Justify your perspectives with relevant scientific evidence.

  • “Exploring the Interconnections between Nature and Society: A Critical Analysis of the Anthropocene and Ecological Footprints” “Improving Writing Skills: Identifying and Correcting Common Errors”

    Nature and society are often presented as two separate, distinct entities. However, this week we have focused on understanding the interconnections between the ‘human’ and ‘natural’ world with both shown to have lasting impacts on one another. If there is any hope in changing the direction of the world in terms of climate change, we must have a better understanding of sustainability and be able to identify our own lasting impacts on the world.
    In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the Anthropocene and present your perspective on the baseline debate. This is your chance to convey your own understandings of global change and what role human society ultimately plays. I am asking you to step into the shoes of a human geographer and apply your critical thinking skills to some of these larger-than-life questions. At the end of this assignment, you will calculate your own ecological footprint and reflect on how your lifestyle does or does not contribute to the lasting global impacts from human activities. Are there ways that we can lessen these impacts and create a more hopeful future?

    TASK: Please answer each of the questions below. Support your answers with information provided during lecture, from your readings, and/or additional research. Reflect about what we have discussed and present your own perspective in your responses.

    1) First, weigh in the baseline debate (discussed during lecture). Do you believe we are living within the Anthropocene? Why or why not? If so, make an argument for when it began.

    2) The idea of the Anthropocene raises significant questions for humanity. If human activities are transforming the Earth, then one can argue that our national and individual lifestyles play a role.
    To explore further, go to the Global Footprint Network website: https://data.footprintnetwork.org/(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
    Click on any country and then click on the blue button “Learn More”. On the left-hand side of the screen, select the option “Ecological Footprint (Number of Earths)” and with your mouse, follow the path of the graph – this will tell you how many earths that would needed to sustain the population based on that country’s average ecological footprint for each year. See screenshot below for example.
    Investigate three countries: report the average ecological footprint for each country you have selected in the year 2022 and compare them. Which country had the highest ecological footprint? The lowest? Why do you think that is (i.e. what makes one country’s footprint different from another)?

    3) Lastly, analyze your individual eco-footprint using the footprint calculator on the Global Footprint Network. https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
    Report your ecological footprint. How does your lifestyle compare to the U.S. average (5.03)?
    Were you surprised by your score?
    What actions could be taken to lower your ecological footprint score?

    Note: If you have any questions or having any trouble navigating any of the sites, please email me. I am happy to answer any questions you may have and/or can meet with you via Zoom and show you the activity sites.


    CRITERIA: Grading Rubric for Activity #1
    Completed Assignment
    Please be sure to answer all questions
    Points will be deducted for questions left unaddressed in your response
    Content knowledge/critical thinking
    In your response, you demonstrate an understanding of the baseline debate and make an effort to present your stance in this on-going debate
    Your argument is supported with information from lecture and/or the assigned readings
    For questions 2 and 3, you include some analysis to explain the differences between the ecological footprints
    Organization/clarity
    You form clear responses to the questions asked
    There is a flow or organization to your thoughts presented
    Points will be deducted if responses are so unclear they do not make sense (grammar and spelling mistakes will not result in a loss of points)
    uploaded file for question # 2

  • Title: Connecting Current Events to Class Material: A Case Study of Human-Environment Interactions and Climate Justice Implications

    GEOG103 Final Project
    You will write a 7-10 page (double spaced, 11 or 12 pt. font, one-inch margins, not including reference page) that connect a current event to class material. Your current event must be based on a news article published in 2023 or 2024. You can use the library database (https://guides.lib.udel.edu/newspapers/current) to find articles or search directly on news websites including:
    New York Times
    Wall Street Journal
    Washington Post
    NPR: National Public Radio
    PBS News Hour
    BBC
    Philadelphia Inquirer
    Wilmington DE News Journal
    Your paper should include the following:
    A summary of the event or issue highlighting the human-environment interactions.
    A description of climate or environmental justice implications of the event.
    A discussion of the similarities and/or differences between the event and class material
    focused on the following questions:
    In what ways do you see the class topics reflected in this event?
    In what ways does this event contradict topics discussed in class?
    A discussion of possible solutions to a problem posed in the news event (including technology, policy, or infrastructure-based solutions). If a solution has been presented in the news story, you can critique that solution.
    You should include a minimum of 5 separate references from class (each chapter from the book is counted as a separate reference). References should be cited using APA formatting.
    You will be graded individually according to the following rubric:
    Criteria
    Points possible
    Clear summary of the event/issue highlighting human-environment interactions.
    10
    Description of climate or environmental justice implications
    10
    Discussion of similarities and/or differences between the event/issue and class material using a minimum of 5 references
    15
    Discussion of possible solutions to a problem posed in the news event/issue
    10
    Correct use of grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistent citation method
    5
    the book is Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction, Second Edition. Paul Robbins, John Hintz, and Sarah A. Moore.

  • Title: The Power of Persuasion: Crafting an Effective Argument

    .Introduction:Attention Grabber,Background,information,statement
    .Body:Body paragraphs(each paragraph should present a major argument that you want to convey to the reader).Use diagrammatic representation if necessary
    .Counterargument:An argument to refute ealier arguments and give weight to the actual position
    .Conclusion:Rephrasing the statement,,major points,call to attention,or concluding remarks

  • “Exploring California’s Wilderness: A Field Research Project” Exploring the Natural Environment of Crystal Cove State Park Introduction: Crystal Cove State Park, located in Orange County, California, is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. As part of my virtual field work, I chose to explore a specific Field Research in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Exploring the Impact of Human Activity on the Natural Ecology of a Southern California Site: A Case Study of [Location Name] over the Past 100 Years

    This is your semester project and will be a significant portion of your grade. You are to visit* a wilderness area and report back to me on specific topics I outline in the assignment. Don’t wing it and do follow the instructions. You must cite your sources within the document.
    This module is in 4 parts:
    This landing page
    The longer description of the assignment.
    List of approved locations
    The page where you submit the assignment.
    There will be a discussion board mid-semester asking you about the project and what location you have selected. So do choose a location early and start looking into if there are resources available online for it before then. You must include a bibliography and in-text citations of your sources. I will not read or score assignments without that information.
    * There is a virtual option to the “visit”.
    Field Research Full Description Physical Geography Field Research Project
    You must go to one of the wilderness or nature areas in California for field research (in person or virtually). Attached is a brief list of field observations sites. You should select one of these for your study site. I will be happy to consider any other site that you might propose, but obtain my approval prior to choosing that site. If you do the field research with other students just let me know in the paper so that I won’t think that you simply plagiarized each other. But even though you go to the same site, your papers must be your own work. If you are doing field work virtually than you must work on that alone.
    The objectives of this assignment are to:
    introduce you to field study and field observation techniques
    acquaint you with a natural environment of California
    show you firsthand how the interactions of natural processes produce different natural landscapes
    help you appreciate how human activity has modified, endangered, and now preserves these natural environments.
    What do you need to do? Observe the distinct natural characteristics of the site. Note its topography and geology, its weather and its biogeography. How do these features relate to what we have discussed in class and in the text? When observing features of the local landscape, distinguish between what is artificial and what is natural, between what is exotic and what is indigenous. You may need to make more than one visit. Take note of your personal impressions of this environment. Look for information about the local history. There is virtually no place left in southern California that does not bear the mark of some human interaction. What did Native Americans and early pioneers see? Even legends and myths tied to a specific place can tell you much about the special qualities of a place that the earliest observers perceived. Specific topics to cover are listed below.
    Field Trip Report Guidelines
    Your task is to prepare a geographic report of your study area. This report will be different from other papers you may have done. The focus of your paper is not a person, an event, or an issue. The principle character is a place. You are telling the story of a particular place emphasizing its natural features. This paper should be drawn from your observations and informed by appropriate references. Use photos to demonstrate the topics you are discussing.
    This project is due on May 12th. You must include a bibliography and in-text citations of your sources. I will not read or score assignments without that information.
    Here are some recommendations on how you might proceed. Do not simply depend on your recollections. Be sure to bring along a camera and notebook in which to record your observations while in the field. Your field notes should include detailed observations of the site, as well as your reactions to it. These notes will help you write your paper. Taking pictures of the site is a useful way to remember what you experienced. At most sites, there will be abundant information as well as knowledgeable experts to answer your questions. Given the current pandemic issues many locations have closed visitor centers and limit interactions with rangers and docents. Online information on the sites will become very important to completing this assignment.
    If you are doing virtual field work please pick a specific site. Don’t choose “Crystal Cove State Park” as it ranges from tide pools and coastal features to coastal sage scrub to chaparral. Pick a specific site within a larger park (Pelican Point picnic area for example). Since you will be downloading photos of the area, make sure to document the source for each photo.
    These are the specific topics that you want to include in your paper (including approximate length in paragraphs (¶) each topic should be:
    Introduction: What is the name of the site and where is it located? What dates did you do your field research? 1¶
    Setting: Before entering the area, take a look around. Describe the landscape in which this site is situated. 1 ¶
    Weather: Describe the weather on the day of your visit. Then consult a weather website such as www.wunderground.com to place this weather in the context of the conditions prevailing that day. How does it tie in with the general weather patterns for the region and for the season? 1-2 ¶
    Climate: What is the climate (including its characteristics, not just the name) of the region where the study site is situated? Is there a microclimate at the study site? Are their local conditions that differ from the general characteristics for this climate type? 1-2 ¶
    Plant Communities: Identify the principle plant communities to be found at your site. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of each community and the dominate plant species of each. Do not just list the plants. How do these plants reflect the climate of the region? Are there exotic (non-native) plant species? 2-3 ¶
    Wildlife: What wildlife still resides in your study area? Are there any endangered species present? What has been their impact on the natural ecology of the site? How has this ecosystem changed from what it was 100 years ago? Do not just list the animals. 1 ¶
    Terrain: Describe the specific terrain of your site. What landforms are present? What tectonic and gradational processes appear to be responsible for shaping the landscape? What material evidence can you find for these processes? 1-2¶
    Local History: There is really no natural environment left in southern California that has not been touched somehow by human activity. What significant cultural and/or historic artifacts are present? A brief inquiry into the history of the locality will help you understand how this site came to be as you see it today. Myths and legends attached to a particular place can also reveal what earlier visitors saw in this place and the value the attached to it. 1-2¶
    Grading
    Introduction 2
    Setting 2
    Weather 4
    Climate 6
    Plant Communities 8
    Wildlife 4
    Terrain 6
    Local History 2
    Appropriate use of Photos 2
    Grammar/spelling/writing clarity 2
    Bibliography/Sources* 2
    Total 40
    Acceptable Locations & Websites updated March 2024
    Please use more than one website for your research. Remember, you are not doing the entire park/wilderness area, just a single location within it. These are listed only as starting points. If you wish to use a location not on this list, I must approve it first.
    No tide pools allowed.
    Some locations charge for parking.
    Orange County (none of the locations in Orange County are anything other than Csa or Csb)
    Crystal Cove State Park (Parking is $15. Do not do the tidepools.) crystalcovestatepark.org
    Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Nix Nature Center
    https://lagunacanyon.org/stories/explore-the-parks-nix-nature-center/
    Starr Ranch Sanctuary (this one has limited access)
    www.starrranch.org
    Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park (near the interpretive center)
    ocparks.com/riley
    Santiago Oaks Regional Park (anywhere near the nature center)
    ocparks.com/parks/santiago
    Caspers Wilderness Park
    https://ocparks.com/caspers (this one has limited online information, I recommend going in person and to the nature center there only)
    Outside of OC
    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (near the visitor center)
    www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638
    www.desertusa.com/anza_borrego/du-abpmain.html
    Chino Hills State Park
    www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=648
    Carrizo Plain National Monument
    www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/carrizo-plain-national-monument
    (be sure to check out Wallace Creek)
    Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
    www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5129900
    (this could be a tough one but fascinating)
    Gaviota State Park
    www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=606
    (HUGE variety of terrains/microclimates here, proceed with caution)
    The following were recommended by a colleague. I cannot provide any personal insight or validation of them. I suggest them only if they are nearby and familiar to you.
    Eaton Canyon Nature Center – 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena
    George F. Canyon Nature Center – 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates
    Madrona Marsh Preserve – 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance
    Monrovia Canyon Park – 1200 N. Canyon Blvd, Monrovia
    Placerita Canyon Nature Center – 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall
    San Dimas Canyon Nature Center – 1628 N. Sycamore Canyon Road, San Dimas
    Whittier Narrows Nature Center – 1000N. Durfee Ave. South El Monte
    Semester Project – Field Research (due May 12)
    The physical geography processes discussed in class and in your text can be observed in our own immediate environment. Being able to recognize the topics discussed in class in the landscape is an important goal in this course. The purpose of this assignment is for you to practice your skills of geographic observation in the field (either virtually or online) in a wilderness area.
    Directions
    Based on your observations (in person or online) and research about a location, in this case a specific location within a wildernesses park, you are to write on the topics listed below. Some are easy and straightforward (e.g., Introduction, Setting), others require more thought and research (e.g., Climate, Plant communities). Any location not listed as an acceptable location must be pre-approved by me or face a 50% reduction in score.
    Pick a single location within the wilderness area, not the entire park.
    Cite all of your sources within the document and have a bibliography. Your paper will receive a 0 score without these two things.
    Do not plagiarize (including paraphrasing) Write on the following topics:
    Topics:
    Introduction: What is the name of the site and where is it located? What dates did you do your field research? 1 ¶
    Setting: Before entering the area, take a look around. Describe the landscape in which this site is situated. 1 ¶
    Weather: Describe the weather on the day of your visit. Then consult a weather website such as www.wunderground.com to place this weather in the context of the conditions prevailing that day. How does it tie in with the general weather patterns for the region and for the season? 1-2 Climate: What is the climate (including its characteristics, not just the name) of the region where the study site is situated? Is there a microclimate at the study site? Are their local conditions that differ from the general characteristics for this climate type? Please note that some online sources have incorrect climate data. For example Laguna Beach is not Csa, it is Csb, Bolsa Chica is not a desert, etc. 1-2 ¶
    Plant Communities: Identify the principle plant communities to be found at your site. A plant community is a group of plants in a location – they are adapted to that locations temperatures and rainfall (hmmm, sounds like climate influences plants…). Describe the distinguishing characteristics of each community and the dominate plant species of each. How do these plants reflect the climate of the region? Are there exotic (non-native) plant species? Do not just list the plants in an area. 2-3 ¶
    Wildlife: What wildlife still resides in your study area? Are there any endangered species present? What has been their impact on the natural ecology of the site? How has this ecosystem changed from what it was 100 years ago? 1 ¶
    Terrain/Geomorphology: Describe the specific terrain of your site. What landforms are present? What tectonic and gradational processes appear to be responsible for shaping the landscape? What material evidence can you find for these processes? 1-2¶
    Local History: There is really no natural environment left in southern California that has not been touched somehow by human activity. What significant cultural and/or historic artifacts are present? A brief inquiry into the history of the locality will help you understand how this site came to be as you see it today. Myths and legends attached to a particular place can also reveal what earlier visitors saw in this place and the value the attached to it. 1-2¶
    Submission
    Click on the red “submit assignment” button at the top of the screen. Grading
    Papers will be graded on how thoroughly the required topics are covered. Emphasis will be placed on topics covered in class such as climate, plants and how they are affected by climate, and terrain/geomorphology. I also recognize that each location will be different and will take that into account when grading. However, if you pick a location that has very limited online information and no visitor center, I suggest you choose another location. You must include a bibliography and in-text citations of your sources. I will not read or score assignments without that information..
    The following content is

  • Title: “The Climate Crisis: Doomsday Warning or Source of Hope?”

    Is climate change a doomsday warning? Is it possible to
    have any hope? Why? What evidence is there for hope or what evidence is
    there that there is no hope?
    https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climate-smart-agriculture

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/15/rebecca-solnit-climate-change-wealth-abundance/

  • “The Devastating Effects of Drought on South Africa’s Economy and People”

    Physical  condition of drought 
    Human activities 
    Negative impact of droughts
    Economy of south Africa 
    Farmers of south Africa 
    Climate change and drought 

  • “HydroPolitics in Jordan: A Critical Analysis of Water Management and Conflict Resolution Strategies”

    This extra credit assignment requires the student to select one topic relating to this course. The topic can
    be broad, such as swidden agriculture, or more specific, such as the rift valley formation in Iceland. Upon
    deciding on a topic, the student must find an article relating to this topic and write a 1-page summary of
    the article, relating it to the information contained within the textbook. Please include what you found
    interesting about this topic.
    General Essay Guidelines:
    Each essay must the title of the essay, your name, date, and class information. The body of the text is
    limited to 1 single page. A proportionately spaced font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica
    must be used (no Courier) and the font must be either a 10 or 12 point in size. (Larger font sizes will
    result in a reduced grade). Margins should not exceed 1 inch on all sides.
    The body of text must be followed by the full reference of the source article used. The article can be from
    a newspaper, a magazine, a journal article, a book or the internet. All internet sources must be from
    legitimate publishers (educational institutes, libraries, government agencies etc.) Online encyclopedias
    are not a valid source for any essay. Do not use Encarta, Wikipedia or other digital encyclopedias. A
    relevant map/graph relating to your article must be included. This map does not count toward the
    page total, and you need to write about the map in your essay. Failure to mention the map will result in
    point deductions.
    A proper citation must be included using either the APA, MLA, Taurabian or other other citation format.
    Other citation formats must include the relevant information (author, title, publisher, year, pages,
    volume, etc.) These formats are widely available on the internet or in the SUNY library.
    While the content of your written text is most important, spelling mistakes, other errors in usage, and
    failure to follow the specified guidelines will cause your grade to be lowered.
    Do not plagiarize! You will be punished appropriately. Refer to the syllabus or the student handbook
    regarding academic dishonesty.
    Submission:
    • 1 page summary of article.
    • Relevant map, table or chart. Be sure to address in the summary.
    • Either a link to the article or attach a digital copy of the article.
    Do Not Plagiarise!    i want the topic to be on HydroPolitics in jordan.

  • Title: The Geography of Clothing Production: A Global Perspective

    1. What does the data tell you about the geography of clothing production?
    2. Why are some countries more frequently represented in your data than others? In other words, why
    do clothing manufacturers operate in certain countries but not others?
    3. Be sure to reference countries from your data set in your discussion of the economic geography of
    clothing production.
    4. Also be sure to address large areas devoid of clothing production in your presentation. Below are the attachments from my presentation and the countries listed are from my data set.