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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Conflicting Narratives In Geology: The Current Debate Surrounding The Beginning Of The Anthropocene Epoch, Carter Mitchell Apr 2022

Conflicting Narratives In Geology: The Current Debate Surrounding The Beginning Of The Anthropocene Epoch, Carter Mitchell

Student Writing

Geologists currently debate the addition a new Epoch of geologic time called the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is characterized by changes in the lithosphere resulting directly from human activity. This paper analyses the arguments in favor of and against the Anthropocene as well as the conflicting narratives concerning the beginning and scope of the Anthropocene.


Ethical Consumption, Nicole Shannon Oct 2019

Ethical Consumption, Nicole Shannon

Student Writing

No abstract provided.


Virginia Pipelines: A Global Problem With Local Solutions, Margaret Hubert Apr 2019

Virginia Pipelines: A Global Problem With Local Solutions, Margaret Hubert

Student Writing

This paper will address the negative effect that fracking and natural gas pipelines are causing for the global environment. Growing need for fuel has spiked the demand for natural gas, a nonrenewable resource, which is not sustainable and has harmful effects on the environment. Additionally, this paper will expose the risk associated with two proposed pipelines which are intended to cross through the state of Virginia. If constructed, the pipelines could cause serious damage to Virginia’s delicate ecosystems, endanger native species and interfere with the livelihood of residents. The paper also proposes local solutions to halt construction of the pipelines …


Nitrogen Contamination Of Groundwater In Proximity To A Closed Landfill And Active Agricultural Fields, Brooke Daniel Apr 2018

Nitrogen Contamination Of Groundwater In Proximity To A Closed Landfill And Active Agricultural Fields, Brooke Daniel

Student Writing

Carcinogenic compounds in drinking water are becoming a significant health problem. Increased use of artificial fertilizers, disposal of wastes, and land use are the main factors responsible for increased nitrate levels in groundwater over the last 30 years. This study examined the correlation between nitrate levels and proximity to a closed, inactive garbage dump located in Middlesex, Virginia. This study also examined the correlation between nitrate levels and proximity to agricultural fields. Twenty-five sampling sites were identified on the GIS tax maps of Middlesex County, Virginia. Fifteen sites were identified within a two kilometer radius of the VPPSA landfill, also …


Conflicting Theories: Impact And Volcanism, Dimitrik Johnson Apr 2018

Conflicting Theories: Impact And Volcanism, Dimitrik Johnson

Student Writing

The K-Pg extinction (or K-T extinction), more commonly referred to as the extinction of the dinosaurs, is the most recent mass extinction event in Earth’s history. The causes of the event have been widely debated, with the two main theories being a large asteroid impact or volcanism. While some scientists disagree, the most popular and agreed upon theory is that a large asteroid impacted Earth 65 million years ago, creating a toxic dust cloud that filled the atmosphere, and resulted in the eventual extinction of most of the dinosaurs. This theory was first brought to life by Luis Alvarez, his …


Gravity Then And Now, Paul Ingraham Apr 2018

Gravity Then And Now, Paul Ingraham

Student Writing

This paper discusses the theory of gravity from the time it was discovered by Sir Isaac Newton to present time with the discovery of gravitational waves by Albert Einstein, and the detection of gravitational waves. Stephen Hawking's and Leonard Mlodinow's recent book, The Grand Design, provides support for Edward Witten's M-theory. Gravity was the first of the four fundamental forces to be discovered, and that last to be detected. Einstein proposed that gravity was not only a force, but also could be characterized as a wave on the space-time continuum.


Assessment Of Sea Level Rise In Middlesex County And Its Influence On Future Storm Surges And Waterfront Property, Jason Chen Apr 2017

Assessment Of Sea Level Rise In Middlesex County And Its Influence On Future Storm Surges And Waterfront Property, Jason Chen

Student Writing

There is currently an upward trend of sea level rise in the Chesapeake Bay region and many other areas around the world. Sea level rise in itself is a major impact on the environment and humans, and it has become a factor in the severity of other natural disasters like hurricanes. With increasing sea level rise, storm surges are much higher, and together with wind driven waves will cause more destruction to the coast. The 1933 hurricane was considerably stronger than Hurricane Isabel, creating record high tide level from storm surge, but because of the 42.7 cm increase in average …


A Consideration Of Hydraulic Fracturing In The United States, Sarah Wagner Oct 2016

A Consideration Of Hydraulic Fracturing In The United States, Sarah Wagner

Student Writing

No abstract provided.


The Effect Of Changes In Ph On The Production And Respiration Rates Of Native Tape Grass, Vallisneria Americana, Adam Parker Apr 2015

The Effect Of Changes In Ph On The Production And Respiration Rates Of Native Tape Grass, Vallisneria Americana, Adam Parker

Student Writing

In the past century, the world has seen an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The rise in CO2 can put stress on aquatic ecosystems due to ocean acidification, an overall decrease in the pH of the ocean’s waters. Freshwater ecosystems, already stressed by pollution and recent increases in the number of invasive species are also showing signs of acidification due to the increase in CO2. The effect of the rise in acidity is known to be harmful to calcifying organisms, but the effect on freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is not well studied. The …