...Mekong River's development may flow into conflict By Marwaan Macan-Markar BANGKOK - The six Asian countries that share the waters of the Mekong River risk being swept into a regional conflict if their governments ignore flashpoints that have surfaced and do not coordinate actions that affect the river, experts here say. A potential trigger is the irregular flow of the Mekong's waters, which experts at a discussion marking World Water Day on Friday said was due to both natural factors and man-made development in countries upstream of the river, including dam development by China. "Unless we have a mechanism to regulate water use and support and develop it, we are bound to witness conflicts among countries that share the river," said Joern Kristensen, chief executive officer of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), an inter-governmental body that manages the river's lower basin. The most troubling period for the lower Mekong countries - Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos - is the annual dry season. So changes in river flows during this time hit them the hardest. "In the dry season, if one country upstream takes water for its own purpose, it affects the countries downstream," Kristensen said at a discussion on "Water and Conflict" at the United Nations Conference Center. The MRC's research has shown that during the dry months from around November through May, the 4,400-kilometer-long Mekong - which flows from the Tibetan plateau down to Vietnam and out to the South...
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...of the river. 3. To investigate the impact of humans downstream. methodology On this field trip we went to Wag Water River. We use material such as rulers, stop watch, sketches and description of sites was made; method of observation was used to see how humans use the river for various reasons. Along the river channel group of student did the following at different points; Velocity: we measure the velocity of the river atleast three times to get an accurate measurement, we calculate the average. The velocity of the river was measured with a half filled bottle of water placed in the water at a given distance of 30m for some seconds (velocity=distance/time (seconds).The stream was also measured before and after tributary to show effect of tributaries, and deposit load which affects flow of the river stream and this was calculated by (cross section x velocity), then we compare the stream discharge at different sites and accounted for the differences. After we did that we also measured the depth of the river, we used the meter rule for this measurement, for every meter we measured the depth then we find the average. Rock samples were also taken to classified as: very angular, angular, sub-angular, sub- rounded, rounded and well-rounded and measured with a meter. Hence fort the student identifies bed loading at the three different across the width of the channel (atleast fifteen for each stop). WHEN: November 29, 2012 Where: We went to Golden spring, Toms River and Board...
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...Integrated Commercial Waterfront. Case: Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad. PRELIMINARY REPORT Thesis Guide Ajay Kaushik Submitted by: Shrikant Sharma 0806025 INTRODUCTION A river is a natural watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea, or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water. Small rivers may also be called by several other names, including stream, creek, brook, rivulet, tributary and rill; there is no general rule that defines what can be called a river, although in some countries or communities a stream may be defined by its size. A river is part of the hydrological cycle. Water within a river is generally collected from precipitation through surface runoff, groundwater recharge, springs, and the release of stored water in natural ice and snowpack’s (e.g., from glaciers). Potamology is the scientific study of rivers. The water in a river is usually confined to a channel, made up of a stream bed between banks. In larger rivers there is also a wider floodplain shaped by flood-waters over-topping the channel. Flood plains may be very wide in relation to the size of the river channel. This distinction between river channel and floodplain can be blurred especially in urban areas where the floodplain of a river channel can become greatly developed by housing and industry. WATERFRONT The term “Riverfront” comes under the generic term “Waterfronts”...
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...------------------------------------------------- Freshwater ecosystem From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Freshwater angelfish Freshwater ecosystems are a subset of Earth's aquatic ecosystems. They include lakes and ponds, rivers, streams, springs, and wetlands. They can be contrasted with marine ecosystems, which have a larger salt content. Freshwater habitats can be classified by different factors, including temperature, light penetration, and vegetation. Freshwater ecosystems can be divided into lentic ecosystems (still water) andlotic ecosystems (flowing water). Limnology (and its branch freshwater biology) is a study about freshwater ecosystems. It is a part of hydrobiology. Original efforts to understand and monitor freshwater ecosystems were spurred on by threats to human health (ex. Cholera outbreaks due to sewage contamination). Early monitoring focussed on chemical indicators, then bacteria, and finally algae, fungi and protozoa. A new type of monitoring involves differing groups of organisms (macroinvertebrates, macrophytes and fish) and the stream conditions associated with them. Current biomonitering techniques focus mainly on community structure or biochemical oxygen demand. Responses are measured by behavioural changes, altered rates of growth, reproduction or mortality. Macroinvertebrates are most often used in these models because of well known taxonomy, ease of collection, sensitivity to a range of stressors, and their overall value to the ecosystem...
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...or too many drinks the care was not in his control having to get his car fixed unfortunately. Some of the words Herman Maclean had written that intrigued me was “No fish could live out there where the river exploded into colors and curves that would attract photographers. The fish were in that slow backwash, right in the dirty foam, with the dirt being one of the chief attractions. Part of the speckles would be pollen from pine trees, but most of the dirt was was edible insect life that had not survived the waterfall.” This quote is a great description of what Herman had seen and how he analyzed his surroundings when fishing. In his writings he even adds in quotes that he said or the people he was with and what he was saying in his mind to...
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...I concur with Bill McEwen’s article “ River Plan Too Fishy for my Taste Buds” on the San Joaquin River Restoration Program. The San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP) planned on restoring the water flow to San Joaquin River from Friant Dam and its convergence with the Merced River, and revitalize the Chinook Salmon. McEwen has a much more superior expertise due to his 35 year career at Fresno Bee. He has become one of the papers biggest illustrious personalities as a sports and news columnist and opinion page editor.With an extremely further experience in the journaling world, it has won him an award-winning in reporting and he has a deep understanding of Fresno politics. His article was published in the Fresno Bee, located in Fresno,...
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...The river that the mills used for power was the Merrimac River. There were water blocks to control the water flow; too hard or too slow would affect the speed of the wheels and therefore the accuracy of the looms. This was better known as the gate house. The river would also be strained once a week or so when the mills were not is use, in an attempt to clean some of the sewage out. People dumped most of their trash and pollution in the river, making it black and smell bad. In fact, most of the city was quite messy. The flowers and nice brick walkways that are along the river in Lowell now are recent additions, and none of that sort of thing was to be seen in the Lowell before. Most of the buildings are made of brick or wood. The tall and large...
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...Kissimmee River in Florida and the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers in Louisiana. I will evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of each of these public works projects and analyze what these projects can tell us about the Army Corps of Engineers as an entity. I will determine whether the actions of the Army Corps of Engineers’ were detrimental, justifiable, or somewhere in between. Finally, I will make specific recommendations that would improve the Corps ability to work on river projects such as these. The Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency under the Department of Defense. It was founded in 1802 to execute large-scale public works projects. Since the...
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...(Intro) Hook Have you ever been in a plane crash? I hope not but brian from hatchet Author Gary Paulsen has been! (Intro) Introduce Topic: A boy named brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the pilot suddenly stops breathing Brian did not know how to fly a plane what would he do, the plane going down in a crash brian breathing heavily will he make it how will he survive what will he eat?? I guess you have to read the book to find out!! (Intro) Thesis: Based on what I have read in the book and my personality I think I would not survive. Body paragraph 1: The first reason I would not survive is because brian ate RAW eggs TURTLE eggs RAW I don't think I could survive eating raw eggs because 1 I dislike eggs in the first place...
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...water to many acres of agricultural land. It is a place where thousands of people call home and generates numerous amounts of jobs and money to the state of California. It is home to more than 750 species of plants and wildlife and over 55 species of fish . Many of the Delta’s native fish populations have been declining for several years which have sparked controversy between policymakers and the management of the Delta. One native fish in particular focus is the delta smelt. The delta smelt, a small iridescent fish is endemic to the upper part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The smelt faces many threats such as getting sucked up into big pumps that divert water or threats like getting trapped by predators when the pumps disrupt the river flow. California’s droughts also make freshwater rare and water diversion causing the delta smelts environment to be too salty. The delta smelt was considered an endangered species by the Department of Fish and Game in December 1993 and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in March of 1993 . The delta smelt has been in decline, by...
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...Noah Crawford 2/17/11 Pr. 3 Africa Essay There are many great rivers in the world, but one out-shines them all. That river is the Nile River. It is the longest river in the entire world, stretching from the very top of Egypt, all the way to the bottom of Uganda where it drains into Lake Victoria. The Nile River greatly affects the people who live along it. The land all along the Nile is very fertile and good for growing crops. Every year, the Nile overflows and sends minerals called silt onto the land. The silt makes the land more fertile for people to grow crops to eat and sell. The Nile also helps with transportation. Since it’s a river, people can from place to place by boat. The Nile, additionally, can be used for drinking water or for irrigating. Africa must be careful to keep its economy well-balanced. If there is not diversity in what in being manufactured, other parts in the economy will fall apart. For example, if Africa spent most of its time towards the mineral industry and were mostly just mining for precious minerals, all of the farmers who grow and sell cash crops will not be able to sell them. Then, they will lose income, not have a job, and not be able to support their family. Also, if Africa spent most of its time to the farming industry, the same thing will happen to miners. On top of all of that, if Africa spent its time too much on either industry, other counties that want to import certain goods from Africa might not be able to because of the...
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..................1 Aswan High Dam…………………………………………..2 Bangladesh…………………………………………………..3 Colorado River Basin…………………………………….4 James Bay, Canada….......................................5 Ogallala Aquifer……………………………………………6 Three Gorges Dam………………………………………..7 Florida Everglades…………………………………………8 Florida Everglades The Florida Everglades is one of the three largest national parks in the US. It also contains an ecosystem not found anywhere else in the world. A huge reservoir called the Floridan Aquifer lies around 1000 ft. below. 8 The Florida Everglades is one of the three largest national parks in the US. It also contains an ecosystem not found anywhere else in the world. A huge reservoir called the Floridan Aquifer lies around 1000 ft. below. 8 Three Gorges Dam The Three Gorges Dam increased the quantity reservoirs hydroelectric stations, abundantly. It also cause 1.2 million people to relocate. 7 The Three Gorges Dam increased the quantity reservoirs hydroelectric stations, abundantly. It also cause 1.2 million people to relocate. 7 Ogallala Aquifer It is used to hold more freshwater than all freshwater lakes, streams and rivers on earth. Due to pumping of this groundwater, many locations are experiencing water shortages. 6 It is used to hold more freshwater than all freshwater lakes, streams and rivers on earth. Due to pumping of this groundwater, many locations are...
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...Comparison of establishment of Cottonwood and Saltcedar Cottonwood (Populus spp.) is native to several temperate and boreal regions of North America where decrease in floodwaters exposes minerals in the soil surfaces. Cottonwoods are ecologically important to arid regions of western and southwestern North America because of the absence of other native tree species as their replacements (Rood and Mahoney, 1990; Cooper et al. 1999). Cottonwoods are prone to high invasion in riparian ecosystems as a result of large amount of hydrological disturbance in such areas (Tabacchi 1995). Cottonwood trees can be either male or female both of which contain flowers clustered in catkins (Braatne et al. 1996). Seeds produced by both flowers are reported to be greater than twenty five millions per tree annually (Schreiner 1974). Since the seed viability is very less lasting for 1-2 weeks under natural conditions and 2-3 days under wet conditions germination of seeds must occur in short period of time. Cottonwoods can also reproduce asexually through crown breakage and tree fall during wind storms and flooding events. The broken branches after being buried in sediment sprout and develop strong shoots. Species, climatic condition and drainage basin of the area determines whether the seedlings are established more from sexual reproduction or asexual propagules may outdo seedlings in growth and competition (Braatne et al. 1996). Cottonwood seedlings are poor competitors and their establishment...
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...rock structure of the Himalayas comprising shale and siltstone is extremely pliable and construction of structures close to the rivers is a precursor for disaster Several Himalayan geologists have repeatedly expressed apprehension against the massive road and dam-building construction activity taking place in Uttarakhand which had resulted in the hillsides “crumbling. States oppose Model Flood Bill Even as floods play havoc in Uttarakhand, several states have opposed the provisions of a 38-year-old Model Flood Bill aimed at minimising losses to life and property in the natural calamity. The CWC had circulated the model bill to all the states to help the state governments enact the legislation. Except for Manipur and Rajasthan, no state legislature has enacted the 'Model Bill on Flood Plain Zoning'. Human hand behind flood disaster Ecologists point out that the huge expansion of hydro-power projects and construction of roads to cope with the lakhs of tourists in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh has compounded the scale of the disaster. There are of course links between climate change and extreme weather events as has happened with the torrential rain in Uttarakhand. But this has been exacerbated by the reckless construction of buildings, dams and roads in a fragile environment. Many of the settlements have been built right next to the rivers in blatant violation of environmental laws. The expansion of roads has proved a major destabilising factor combined as it is with...
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...cooling. For many decades we have come to the conclusion of the more pollution, the more the world’s temperature increases but this is all about to change. Global cooling is caused by Global Warming heating up the world and melting the ice caps. The ice caps then release fresh water, which now dilutes into the Arctic waters making it less salty. This means the Gulf Stream will no longer sink to the ocean floor and will not make its return journey to the Gulf of Mexico. As soon as the Gulf Stream switches off there is no warm air reaching the Artic. In result the temperature drops so that ice ends up covering large parts of Europe and North America. Global cooling also increases the rainfall in places like Russia. In Russia the three great rivers now empty huge amounts of freshwater into the ocean due to the unexpected heavier rainfall. Global cooling will have an immense effect on living and non-living organisms all because of the pollution exposed into the earth’s atmosphere. Yet, many people argue that global warming and global cooling is a natural issue that has nothing to do with human activity despite all of the scientific evidence to prove so. Other people believe global cooling is happening and at a very fast rate and humans are going to have to adapt to these Artic like conditions. It is very likely global cooling will take action is the world doesn’t change its ways and fast. There are lots of ways in which you alone can change the fate of the earth, such as turning...
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