A delicate balance exists between animals, plants and the habitat for the sustainment and proper functioning of the environment. Of course, the villain in this idyllic scenario is man and his products or creations. For every step forward man has made in fields of science, technology, art and health, to the environment he remains a deadly foe. From destroying the Earth’s forests to claim land to killing animals of all shapes and sizes for food, sport and fur, Man’s impact on the environment is alarmingly large to measure. In this article, learn about plastic pollution and its impact on the ocean with an in-depth look at the effects of plastic on marine life.

Effects of Plastic on Ocean Life

Cheap and quick production, durability and usefulness in a number of applications make plastic a desired material for creating objects. But its very durability is what makes plastic so dangerous to the environment. Wood is bio-degradable, it will ultimately return to the soil. Metals are not completely bio-degradable but they can be melted and then re-molded to form something new.

But the chemical make-up of plastic makes it highly resistant to the degrading forces of nature. A plastic bag can remain for at least 10-15 years or even longer. To add to their harmfulness, they break into smaller and more minute particles. Burning them releases noxious fumes. So when a plastic bottle is dumped into the ocean, it can sink to the bottom and remain on the ocean’s floor for eons all together. That’s just one plastic bottle or a bag, imagine a whole boatload of plastic debris falling to the ocean floor. And plastic products will sink, only if there is some weight or mass to them. Here’s the real problem with plastic products; they float, especially plastic bags.

A plastic bag floating on the surface of the ocean can fool a sea gull or albatross into thinking it’s food. On scooping the bag up, the bird could try to swallow it and end up choking. If it manages to ingest it, the bag will slowly poison the bird from within. What about small pieces of plastic like bottle caps? Small, white pieces of plastic look like fish eggs or small fish. Such debris can be used to build nests and feed chicks. Another deadly plastic product is six-pack can rings. There are horrifying pictures of birds and fish getting entangled in these rings and slowly dying due to an inability to breathe. Such pack rings have sharp edges and can cut or wound an animal grievously. Plastic fishing nets have equally harmful consequences.

The following are some statistics showcasing the different harmful effects of plastic on marine life:

☛ A study conducted by Dutch researchers on marine life in the North Sea reported that the local seagull population has ingested so much plastic, that an average of 30 plastic pieces could be found in one seagull’s stomach.

☛ Albatrosses are other sea birds which are vulnerable to plastic pollution. According to some reports, albatross chicks die from being fed plastic by their parents, who have mistaken it for food.

☛ Plastic has been found in nearly every level of the oceanic food chain. From large predators like sharks and whales to turtles and jellyfish, no animal is safe from accidental ingestion. Even plankton, the tiniest of marine organisms have ingested plastic. In some areas of the ocean, like the Great Pacific garbage patch, plastic mass exceeds the local zoo-plankton population by a factor of 6!

An estimated 1 hundred million metric tons of plastic are present in the Earth’s oceans. If one plastic bag can bring down birds and fish, imagine the consequences of this number. The effects of plastic on marine life are so devastating, soon the planet’s sea animals and birds will end up as nothing but statistics. Species will slowly become endangered and then extinct. Keep our ocean’s clean. Try substituting plastic with paper or recyclable products. Reduce, reuse and recycle before it’s too late for the Earth’s oceans.

In the simplest words possible, photosynthesis is the process by which plants and trees convert their essentials like carbon dioxide, water and sunlight into nutrients for their body and derive energy. Plants do not eat food like humans do, but they also need a source of sustenance and energy for themselves. This is provided to them through the process of photosynthesis, which can be a very simple process or a complex one, depending on the point of view from which you look at it.

To understand the different types of photosynthesis, one needs to understand some of the chemical reactions that govern the process, at a basic level. The fundamental principle of photosynthesis is that plants open and close the stomata (pores) on the leaves, and thus control the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen that passes through them. The carbon dioxide (CO₂) then combines with water (H₂O), and in the presence of sunlight then creates sugar (CH₂O) and releases oxygen (O₂) in the process as well.

This is in stark contrast to the process of respiration that takes place in human beings. We consume oxygen from the atmosphere, which then reacts with the sugar in the body and creates energy by breaking up this sugar, and also release carbon dioxide and water in the process. Hence photosynthesis and respiration lie on complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

Types of Photosynthesis Reactions

Though it seems unlikely at first, there are a few variants of the photosynthesis process as well. These depend on the frequency and the intensity with which the stomata of the plants open and close, the amount of transpiration (evaporation of water from the stomata) that occurs, the amount of sunlight and heat that the plant is subjected to and the ratio of carbon dioxide consumed by the plant to the amount of water lost through transpiration (this figure is known as the Water Use Efficiency ratio). Depending on all these factors, the different kinds of photosynthesis can be classified as follows.

C₃ Photosynthesis
This is the most common form of photosynthesis seen in nature, and most plants regularly undergo this process. Under normal conditions of light, moisture and temperature, this is the type of photosynthesis that is most common and produces energy in the most efficient manner. RUBISCO is the enzyme in plants that is responsible for getting the carbon dioxide out from the atmosphere, and in the case of C₃ photosynthesis, RUBISCO collects the CO₂ during the daytime. Around 75% of the carbon dioxide captured is effectively converted into energy here, and the name is derived from the fact that the carbon dioxide is converted into a 3-carbon compound.

C₄ Photosynthesis
Alternately, in this case the carbon dioxide is converted into a 4-carbon compound, hence the name. Since this photosynthesis occurs in conditions of extreme light and heat, most desert plants and shrubs in hot regions use this method to create energy. Since water is scarce in the desert, the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) ratio is better in such plants. The underlying concept here is that carbon dioxide is collected at a faster rate, so the transpiration levels are also low. This occurs due to the presence of PEP Carboxylase, an enzyme that such plants release for this very purpose itself. The stomata are open during the day in this case as well, and the special enzyme then delivers the CO₂ to the RUBISCO.

CAM Photosynthesis
This is the last type and the process is a very different one in this case. CAM implies Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, and in this process the carbon dioxide is actually stored as an acid before it is used for the process of conversion into energy. In this case, the PEP Carboxylase enzyme collects CO₂ in the night, so that the level of transpiration is as low as possible. The most recognizable plant that uses this type of photosynthesis is the cactus, and the enzymes store the carbon dioxide as an acid during the night to prevent water loss, and then carry out the conversion in the daylight. The control over the stomata is also very precise in this case, so they can keep their pores closed whenever they want.

The WUE ratio is very good for such plants, and they also utilize something known as CAM-idling. In this case, they never open their stomata at any point in time. As a result, they carry out photosynthesis to release oxygen, then absorb the oxygen to carry out respiration and release carbon dioxide, then absorb this carbon dioxide and carry out photosynthesis and so on, in a never ending energy production cycle. Other plants that use this process are agaves and bromeliads.

So these were the 3 different types of photosynthesis reactions that are carried out in nature. Each of them are carried out by plants that have adapted to different weather and temperature conditions around them, and have learned to make the most efficient use of their resources. This is the main reason why plants can survive in any condition and perform photosynthesis to create energy for them to survive.

Sailing stones of Death Valley is a rare and natural phenomenon which has left experts baffled for generations. These stones or rocks slide on their own and leave long tracks along their path of movement. These tracks are found in a number of places all over Racetrack Playa. No one has actually seen the rocks moving because the tracks are made at a very slow pace and take about three to four years to form, while the stones are believed to slide every two to three years. Let us learn some more interesting facts about these gliding stones.

Facts on Moving Rocks in Death Valley

• These stones have a mind of their own and are completely unpredictable. Sometimes two stones may set out together while creating parallel tracks. However at some point you may find the tracks parting ways in opposite directions!
• There have been cases of tracks being found wherein the stone moved forward, made a substantial track and then returned back to its original spot.
• Sometimes the rock may turn over on its own and create a different pattern of tracks! This occurs because the new surface of the rock will create competitively unique tracks of its own than the previous surface. There has yet been no proper scientific explanation for such a phenomenon and is truly shocking to the logical mind.
• These tracks are usually 2.54 cm deep, 3-12 inches wide and hundreds of feet in length. These tracks can be seen stretching across the floor from far away distances.

The Sailing Stone Theories

• One of the theories put forth by experts is that the stones need wind in order to be pushed forward. However some of the stones are as heavy as humans and cannot be merely moved by strong winds.
• While the second theory states that ice sheets may be responsible for making the stone catch the wind and propel itself forward in floes.
• There is a lake in the playa of the Death Valley which during winters contains some bit of ice. The water moves forward along with the ice crystals. It could be possible that it is the water moving forward which is pushing the stones along with it. As for the heavier stones, they may move very gradually as and when the clay soil becomes slippery enough for the stone to slide along with the water. It may be this movement which causes the tracks to appear on the soil.
• While some experts believe that the stones may be moving because of moving ice sheets, which slide forward due to heavy winds as well as gradual melting.
• There have been many studies conducted on these stones, one extending for seven years. This research was conducted by Bob Sharp and Dwight Carey who monitored the movement of the stones by corralling the stones, naming them and then fixing rebar segments to them. However, no answers were found.
• There are many who truly believe that these stones have magical and spiritual properties. The ancient Native Americans were the first settlers of this land. They named it the tumpisa which literally meant rock paint. These people worshiped this land as sacred grounds and believed that the sliding stones were the work of god. They are proof that man cannot explain everything and that supernatural forces do play a role in the events of this world.
• There are also some theories which eventually end up with possible alien connection. That aliens may have landed on the sailing stone playa area and caused the stones to slide. Or that the stones are not from earth and have been deposited here by aliens, to prove their presence.

There seems to be no plausible explanation for this strange occurrence and no amount of advancement in science and technology has been able to give actual answers. Whatever may be the reason, the fact remains that this inexplicable phenomenon has captured the imagination of many, all over the world. While more and more theories will be created as to reason its occurrence, we will just have to wait for this mystery to unravel itself. For the present, the sailing stones of death valley have become a sacred ground for both the scientist and believers alike.

Dialaphone’s New Feature Allows Users To Compare Mobile Phone Handsets

(PRWEB) August 25, 2006

The Dialaphone website has a great new addition to please the online mobile phone shopper. Any customer browsing to find the best mobile phone for them will find this online tool a great resource to compare mobile phones. The compare phones page allows the site users to put three mobile phones of their choice side by side in a table to compare the attributes and advantages of each handset. The table allows the user to compare dimensions and weight, as well as whether the phone has important features such as a camera or MP3 player. The table also allows the user to compare how good the camera on the phone is if it has one, and whether or not the phone has Bluetooth or infrared, for transferring the photos they have taken. The table gives many more attributes that the user will want to know about the phone.

This tool allows the potential mobile phone customer to compare the mobile phone handsets that Dialaphone supply with other brands of phone, or even different makes of phone from the same brand. This is great for users who don’t know anything about new phones on the market, and aren’t sure which phone they should choose with their plan. A new mobile phone customer can even compare their new phone with their friend’s new phone to see which handset is better.

Dialaphone is a great website for mobile phones. It gives you a wide selection of mobile phones with a range of networks, and many different great plans. Dialaphone also give deals with free IPods and a free XBOX 360, and other great deals depending on the chosen plan. Dialaphone has hundreds of different plans with different free gifts and offers. It’s advisable to visit the Dialaphone site just to see the scale of the offers available. As well as free gifts and package offers Dialaphone also has a mobile phone sale page that is constantly updated with phones and plans at sale prices. These offers can get you great deals at even further discounted prices.

Dialaphone offers are available now on the website: it’s just a matter of going to the website, choosing the best deal and filling in a couple of online forms and the phone will be sent out; and Dialaphone always gives free delivery on all of their products.

Any press enquiries please contact the author (details below).

Any Dialaphone enquiries please call 0800 0928 244 free of charge

Author:

Michael Hanna

About Michael

Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:

Contact details:

Phone: 0131 561 2251

Michael’s Website: Belfast Taxi

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Until a couple of years ago using mobile phones was the privilege of the rich, something that you could only afford if you had the money needed to go along with it. Today of course, the scenario is much more different. Not only are mobile phones affordable but the growth of this communication device has increased by leaps and bounds, thanks to the fact that the initial costs that were incurred by the use of mobile phones have fallen dramatically now because of new technologies.

There are many different kinds of technologies used by mobile service providers which include CDMA technology and GSM technology. When we talk about SIM free mobile phones or unlocked cell phones, then we are referring to those phones that are compatible with what is known as the GSM technology. These phones are sold to users without a connection or a contract which allows the user the freedom to decide on the network that he or she wants to use. This is one of the biggest advantages of SIM free mobile phones. We tell you about some more benefits in this article.

Benefits of Sim Free Mobile Phones

A SIM free mobile phone offers you a lot of freedom and flexibility and is therefore a perfect option for those people who travel a lot and do not want to deal with using a phone that cannot be used outside of a contract. Given below are some of the main advantages of using a SIM free mobile phone.

• One of the biggest benefits of owning a SIM free mobile phone is that you are in no way bound by a contract and therefore, can choose for yourself a mobile service provider who suits your needs for the moment. There is no lock in period, so if your mobile service is giving you any problem, you are free to shift to another provider.
• With a SIM free mobile phone, you have the advantage of being able to change your handset as and when you want and this could be a blessing for gadget freaks. With contract phones, you get stuck with a specific phone model and this can be avoided completely by opting for a SIM free mobile phone.
• Many people are of the belief that if you buy a phone from the network service provider, then you will end up paying a lot less, then you would do paying for a SIM free mobile. This could not be further from the truth. The only difference lies in the fact that with a SIM free mobile phone you are required to pay for the phone entirely when you buy it, and with a contractual phone, you pay for the same in installments. And in recent times, the cost of SIM free mobile phones have gone down, so you can afford to buy one easily.
• With a contractual phone, regardless of your usage, sometimes you can end up paying a lot more because of the monthly payment plan but with SIM free phones, you can save quite a lot of money because the cost will depend on your network usage. Since you can pay according to your usage, you end up saving quite a lot of money on your phone bill, especially when you are on roaming and have the freedom to pick a mobile service that works out for you.
• With SIM free mobile phones, you can be rest assured that you can download almost any application or update that is compatible with the phone and there is not restriction as customized by the network operator.

These are just some of the main advantages of SIM free mobile phones. Today some of the most high end phones are available in SIM free versions, so you have a wide range of options that you can choose from, whether you are searching for a basic phone or a smart phone. Just pick a phone that matches your geeky gadget needs and you should be ready to go.

To start with the definition of social psychology, it is a branch of psychology, which focuses on the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the mannerism of individuals when they interact with people in society. This branch should not be mistaken with sociology, as sociology studies groups and classes of society, like races and the socioeconomic class. Whereas social psychology concentrates mainly on the individual and how he/she would react and deal with a situation in the society. Through this study, we can analyze a number of social problems that are faced by people on a personal level. There are a few theories that support the subject of social psychology. These are very interesting and can be studied on an independent basis as well. You will come across a list of social psychology theories in the paragraphs mentioned below.

Social Psychology and its Theories

After reading the introduction, it must be clear to you as what is social psychology and its focuses. This study is very important to determine the way a person thinks, behaves or reacts, when he is separated out or included in the crowd. This branch of psychology was introduced in the late 1800s, when psychologists started their research on the effects of the Holocaust on people. This concept gradually gained momentum throughout the 20th century, and psychologists later studied the effects of wars and social rejections on groups of people. Let’s look into the actual theories that emerged out of these investigations.

Attribution Theory
The attribution theory of social psychology deals with the explanation or interpretation of certain events, given by individuals, and how this explanation can be related to their behavior and thinking. The founder of this theory was Heider, 1958 and he derived it by studying the way people analyzed other people’s behavior and tried to draw a conclusion through it, for themselves.

Cognitive Dissonance
Festinger, 1957 founded the theory of cognitive dissonance, which studies the behavior of people when they are caught up between two opposite thoughts in their mind. They usually become uncomfortable and tensed as they can’t make a choice, and hence a change in their behavior is observed.

Drive Theory
According to this theory, all organisms on the earth are born with certain physiological needs which have to be satisfied, after which the organism is relaxed. However, if these needs are not satisfied, there is tension and discomfort in the mental state, which is known as the “drive”. It is because of this drive, that people work towards their goals, thus making this theory a motivational one.

Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)
The ELM was founded in 1980s, by R. E. Petty and J. T. Cacioppo and is known to be a persuasion model. It explained the way in which particular attitudes are formed and changed. There are 2 parts of this model, viz; central route, that deals with logical reasoning and peripheral route, which includes superficial judgments.

Evolutionary Psychology
This among the list of social psychology theories, analyzes physiological traits of an individual like perception, memory, language, etc. These traits have been developed over time and are called adaptations of the individuals from nature, to solve recurrent environmental problems faced by them.

Observational Learning
Every brain has the power to observe, retain and replicate specific behavioral patterns that are executed before it. This theory is called the observational learning where individuals tend to display traits and behavior that’s similar to the others in society.

Self-perception Theory
Developed by Daryl Bem, the self perception theory states that individuals observe their own behavior, analyze it by thinking about what could have caused the behavior and then develop a particular attitude depending on this conclusion.

Self-verification Theory
According to this theory, people have a set of firm beliefs and feelings about their own selves. Thus, they portray themselves before the world, in a way they want to be understood and known, depending on their own judgments.

Social Comparison Theory
As this theory is very self explanatory, it talks about the way people compare themselves to others in the society and evaluate their own desires. This theory was proposed by Leon Festinger in 1954, the founder of the cognitive dissonance theory.

Social Exchange Theory
A theory that holds an example in every relationship, the social exchange theory states all relationships are based on a “cost-benefit analysis”. When individuals socialize in the society, there is exchange of thoughts opinions. A collective analysis of the correlation is done, based on which a decision is made that would be profitable.

Social Identity Theory
The social identity theory explains the intergroup behavioral patterns that are perceived by individuals. It was developed from 1970s to 80s by Henri Tajfel and John C. Turner, to put forward the urge to have a social identity. Individuals feel the need to be accepted in society and therefore need a social identity.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
Laura Carstensen put forward the theory of socio-emotional selectivity. Here, people turn very selective with respect to emotional stability, setting meaningful goals and engaging in activities to calm their minds. This usually happens as they age, and the theory is also considered to be a motivational one.

System Justification Theory
When individuals become defensive about themselves, their groups to protect their status quo, the theory of system justification is fulfilled. They tend to hold favorable attitudes and in turn damage sentiments of people who don’t matter to them.

Triangular Theory of Love
This theory of love was proposed by Robert Sternberg in order to explain interpersonal relationships depending on three components. These are intimacy, defined through feelings such as closeness, bonding and attachment. The next component is passion, which means the emotional and sexual connection between two individuals. The last component is called commitment, that includes the sharing of a lifetime with the concerned individual.

With this elaborate list of social psychology theories, you must have learned many new facts about this fascinating branch of psychology.

In geographical studies, ‘drought’ is defined as a weather phenomenon which is typically characterized by absence of precipitation – and its related effects on the said region, for a prolonged duration of time. The same is not at all a rare phenomenon, with the memories of the ‘Dust Bowl’ – a severe drought which occurred in the United States in 1930s, still haunting the Americans. Similar occurrences have also been recorded from various other parts of the world, with the ongoing drought in Australia – referred to as the ‘Big Dry’, being one of the most recent examples of this phenomenon.

Facts about Drought

Though quite common, drought continues to be one of the least known weather phenomenons for the layman because of the widespread ignorance about some of the most obvious drought facts and information that need to be known. The levels of ignorance are such that most of the people out there don’t know that drought and famine are two different concepts, with the term ‘famine’ referring to severe shortage of food caused as a result of crop failure due to drought. Given below is more information on this weather phenomenon which will help you help you do away with all the myths about it.

What is a Drought?
A drought refers to the extended period wherein a region records severe deficiency in water supply, – with lack of precipitation acting as the most prominent trigger for the same. While this definition does underline the basics of this weather phenomenon, the same can be defined on the basis of meteorological, agricultural and hydrological attributes as well. In meteorology, a drought is a prolonged period with less than average precipitation. In agricultural sense, it is dry spell which affects crop production. And in hydrology, it is fall in water levels of various sources below the statistical average. While a drought can extend for years together, even a short drought can have serious consequences on the region as a whole.

What Causes a Drought?
While lack of precipitation does act as a trigger for drought, one has to take into consideration what causes this shortage of precipitation when discussing the causes of drought. Precipitation happens to be one of the three steps of water cycle, with the other two being evaporation and condensation. If either of these three water cycle attributes are hampered, it tends to affect the other two which are directly dependent on it. Evaporation of water from oceans is half task done, as the water vapor that is formed by this has to be carried over to the land by the wind. If the wind is not strong enough, it won’t be able to carry the moisture required for the formation of clouds to the interior regions.

Similarly, mountains can also act as barriers when it comes to movement of these moisture carrying winds. That explains why the windward side of mountain experiences more rainfall as compared to the leeward side (and why leeward sides are so drought prone and vulnerable to desertification). At the same time, the biggest hindrance to the process of condensation happens to be the prevalence of high pressure system which can be attributed to jet streams in the upper atmosphere and warm and cold water currents in the oceans. A region also becomes vulnerable to drought when extensive agriculture, deforestation, etc. affect the ability of the soil to retain moisture.

What are the Effects of a Drought?
As we mentioned earlier, even a short drought can result in severe consequences on the environment as well as the economy of the region. It is but obvious that water is a basic necessity for the survival of lifeforms, and therefore if the same is not available in the required amount, it is bound to come heavy on the environment. Droughts often result in destruction of food crops, and trigger famine i.e. severe shortage of food. Scarcity of food doesn’t just affect humans, but also affects animals – both domesticated and wild. At the same time, scarcity of food along with mass dying of animals causes conditions which are conducive for the spread of diseases. Some of the most common health issues that are attributed to food scarcity caused as a result of drought happen to be malnutrition and dehydration.

Alongside water shortage, crop failure during a drought is also attributed to the fact that the quality of soil is severely diminished during this period. This soil doesn’t just lack moisture, but also lacks organic matter which makes it fertile. Frequency of dust storms increases due to drought as soil which lacks moisture tends to erode more easily. If the drought continues to exist for a prolonged duration, it can result in desertification of the region. When water sources start depleting, the lifeforms which inhabit these water sources start dying – predominantly due to loss of habitat and increased competition. While the obvious effects of drought are most often seen on the agriculture sector, a drought can also come heavy on industries like the fisheries, power generation, etc.

With that we covered basic facts and information about drought – with reference to its causes and effects on the region. Taking into consideration what happens during a drought, its prevention becomes an utmost necessity, but is it possible to actually prevent a drought. To prevent a drought, it has to be predicted, and predicting a drought is next to impossible as it builds up slowly over the course of time. Steps for prevention of drought mostly revolve around ensuring that we don’t contribute to the underlying causes of the same – knowingly or unknowingly, and that is something which can be done by resorting to simple measures such as using water and other natural resources responsibly, not resorting to foul agricultural practices and deforestation, etc.

In geographical studies, ‘drought’ is defined as a weather phenomenon which is typically characterized by absence of precipitation – and its related effects on the said region, for a prolonged duration of time. The same is not at all a rare phenomenon, with the memories of the ‘Dust Bowl’ – a severe drought which occurred in the United States in 1930s, still haunting the Americans. Similar occurrences have also been recorded from various other parts of the world, with the ongoing drought in Australia – referred to as the ‘Big Dry’, being one of the most recent examples of this phenomenon.

Facts about Drought

Though quite common, drought continues to be one of the least known weather phenomenons for the layman because of the widespread ignorance about some of the most obvious drought facts and information that need to be known. The levels of ignorance are such that most of the people out there don’t know that drought and famine are two different concepts, with the term ‘famine’ referring to severe shortage of food caused as a result of crop failure due to drought. Given below is more information on this weather phenomenon which will help you help you do away with all the myths about it.

What is a Drought?
A drought refers to the extended period wherein a region records severe deficiency in water supply, – with lack of precipitation acting as the most prominent trigger for the same. While this definition does underline the basics of this weather phenomenon, the same can be defined on the basis of meteorological, agricultural and hydrological attributes as well. In meteorology, a drought is a prolonged period with less than average precipitation. In agricultural sense, it is dry spell which affects crop production. And in hydrology, it is fall in water levels of various sources below the statistical average. While a drought can extend for years together, even a short drought can have serious consequences on the region as a whole.

What Causes a Drought?
While lack of precipitation does act as a trigger for drought, one has to take into consideration what causes this shortage of precipitation when discussing the causes of drought. Precipitation happens to be one of the three steps of water cycle, with the other two being evaporation and condensation. If either of these three water cycle attributes are hampered, it tends to affect the other two which are directly dependent on it. Evaporation of water from oceans is half task done, as the water vapor that is formed by this has to be carried over to the land by the wind. If the wind is not strong enough, it won’t be able to carry the moisture required for the formation of clouds to the interior regions.

Similarly, mountains can also act as barriers when it comes to movement of these moisture carrying winds. That explains why the windward side of mountain experiences more rainfall as compared to the leeward side (and why leeward sides are so drought prone and vulnerable to desertification). At the same time, the biggest hindrance to the process of condensation happens to be the prevalence of high pressure system which can be attributed to jet streams in the upper atmosphere and warm and cold water currents in the oceans. A region also becomes vulnerable to drought when extensive agriculture, deforestation, etc. affect the ability of the soil to retain moisture.

What are the Effects of a Drought?
As we mentioned earlier, even a short drought can result in severe consequences on the environment as well as the economy of the region. It is but obvious that water is a basic necessity for the survival of lifeforms, and therefore if the same is not available in the required amount, it is bound to come heavy on the environment. Droughts often result in destruction of food crops, and trigger famine i.e. severe shortage of food. Scarcity of food doesn’t just affect humans, but also affects animals – both domesticated and wild. At the same time, scarcity of food along with mass dying of animals causes conditions which are conducive for the spread of diseases. Some of the most common health issues that are attributed to food scarcity caused as a result of drought happen to be malnutrition and dehydration.

Alongside water shortage, crop failure during a drought is also attributed to the fact that the quality of soil is severely diminished during this period. This soil doesn’t just lack moisture, but also lacks organic matter which makes it fertile. Frequency of dust storms increases due to drought as soil which lacks moisture tends to erode more easily. If the drought continues to exist for a prolonged duration, it can result in desertification of the region. When water sources start depleting, the lifeforms which inhabit these water sources start dying – predominantly due to loss of habitat and increased competition. While the obvious effects of drought are most often seen on the agriculture sector, a drought can also come heavy on industries like the fisheries, power generation, etc.

With that we covered basic facts and information about drought – with reference to its causes and effects on the region. Taking into consideration what happens during a drought, its prevention becomes an utmost necessity, but is it possible to actually prevent a drought. To prevent a drought, it has to be predicted, and predicting a drought is next to impossible as it builds up slowly over the course of time. Steps for prevention of drought mostly revolve around ensuring that we don’t contribute to the underlying causes of the same – knowingly or unknowingly, and that is something which can be done by resorting to simple measures such as using water and other natural resources responsibly, not resorting to foul agricultural practices and deforestation, etc.

RIZR Z8 Motorola Cell Phone Slider On Sale at MobilePhones24.co.uk in Mid-April

London, UK (PRWEB) April 11, 2007

Mobile Phones 24 has confirmed that the RIZR Z8 Motorola cell phone, the slider phone from Motorola, will be on sale through its Web site in the United Kingdom in mid-April 2007.

The Motorola RIZR Z8 mobile phone reinvents the popular slider phone, bringing consumers a new and unique KiKR-slide ergonomic design that opens and curves to the shape of the face. The MOTORIZR Z8 brings multimedia and mobile broadband to the user’s fingertips. Providing the ultimate in entertainment, the MOTORIZR Z8 allows users to watch crystal clear High-Definition mobile video at 30 frames per second through a large 2.2-inch QVGA 16m TFT colour display. The Motorola Z8 supports optional expandable memory up to 4GB using microSD, so users can fill up their phones with lots of videos and hours of music. Downloading music, video files, games or even accessing the Internet has never been easier on a mobile with HSDPA mobile broadband.

With all these great features, Motorola has still found room for a quality 2-megapixel camera with an auto-flash for one-click photo and video capture and a VGA camera for 3G video calling. If that wasn’t enough, the phone supports playback of High-Definition video. Picture the ultra-high quality, pin-sharp viewing that is better than a standard TV at home. Whether you are fashion conscious or a gadget guru, the Z8 Motorola cell phone offers something for everyone. The MOTORIZR Z8 is more than just a typical slider phone, it’s a feature-rich mobile machine. Customers can view the full features and specifications of Motorola RIZR Z8 in the mobile phones ‘Coming Soon’ section of the online mobile shop of MobilePhones24.co.uk.

About MobilePhones24.co.uk:

Phones 24 (http://www.mobilephones24.co.uk) regularly checks the prices of competitors for all six major networks in the UK to ensure they continue to bring the cheapest mobile phone deals on Orange mobile phones, 3 mobile phones, O2 mobile phones, Vodafone mobile phones, T-Mobile phones and Virgin mobiles. We also provide the latest brands such as Blackberry, LG phones, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Samsung, Sharp, Siemens and Sony Ericsson.

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With the environmental balance tipping the wrong way in the present times, humanity is trapped between the cosmic version of Hobson’s choice – make amends for the ravages it has inflicted upon Nature while there’s still time or continue with its selfish, exploitative ways and make way for yet another period of mass extinction similar to, or perhaps larger than, the one that took place in the Permian-Triassic period. While we have greedily taken from Nature to further the progress of technology and civilization, the thought of giving something back or, at least, restoring some part of what we’ve plundered has never occurred to us, till recently when we find ourselves so close to an impending natural disaster.

The result of all that air pollution brought on from burning millions of tons of biological and fossil fuel since centuries is now painfully obvious in the form of radical shifts in seasons and the increased frequency of natural calamities such as tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes. Looking down at extinction and destruction of the planet in the eye seems to have knocked some sense into mankind and this is evidenced by the fact that we are actively looking towards alternative sources of energy that are natural and pose minimal threat to the already deteriorating environmental conditions. Come, let’s take a brief tour of the different types of natural energy sources available to us that are renewable and can be optimally utilized without tipping the environmental balance further.

What are the Different Types of Natural Energy?

Surprising as it may seem, but almost all of us have read about the utility potential of at least two out of the four primary natural energy types. What? You mean to say they never taught you those chapters on solar power or windmills in elementary school? Anyways, coming back to the subject of our discussion, there are four chief sources of natural energy that can be harnessed to extract all the energy we need to keep this hi-tech world of ours running smoothly! These are solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and water/tidal energy. Let’s take a brief look at each of these.

Solar Power
The sun is perhaps the most powerful and abundant source of energy that our planet has. The best part is, the heat and energy is available to us just like that! We need not drill or dig for it, nor do we have to process it to make it usable. All that we need to do is develop instruments and mechanical paraphernalia in order to harness it’s potential. Solar energy has been in use since quite some time in industrial as well as domestic areas. Solar power has been effectively harnessed by humanity to generate electricity, power vehicles, charge batteries and generators, cook food, heat water and run HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. Nowadays, you can see huge solar power plants generating millions of units of electricity for domestic as well as industrial purposes. The best part about it is, you can generate and use solar energy without risking air, water or land pollution!

Wind Power
Be it for generating electricity for domestic and industrial use or for powering commercial aquatic vessels, wind energy is here to stay! A lot of wind farms, both on shore and off shore, are run in many different parts of the world for the purpose of generating electricity and many more proposed wind farms are on their way towards establishment. Wind farms are set up at such locations where wind speed and thrust are strong and the surrounding areas have little or no man made constructions. Off shore wind farms, therefore, are preferred above on shore ones as the former get access to strong sea breeze at all times and the turbines located so far away from civilization and wilderness neither pose a threat to any life form nor do they mar the scenic beauty of a landscape. Wind generators are emerging as a preferred power provider among commercial shipping and fishing vessels that often need to stay out in the sea for days on an end and need a continuous energy source for powering on-board appliances and applications.

Hydro Power
Similar to wind power, a lot of countries all over the world that have inland water sources or have easy access to coastal waters make extensive use of tidal energy to generate electricity. Such power generated from water is often used to run entire towns and cities! Almost all dams that are built all over the world have an adjoining power station that generates electricity by manipulating the water in the dam reservoir using turbines and propellers. Hydroelectric power is the chief, most powerful and often the sole power alternative for places that are situated in mountainous terrains having fast falling and free flowing rivers and streams along the ranges, as the downward flow of these rivers and streams pack great momentum that’s ideal for power generation.

Geothermal Power
Discovery and manipulation of geothermal energy to produce fuel and power is a relatively recent phenomenon and is still in its developmental stage. Geothermal energy is nothing but heat and radioactive energy that’s locked within the earth’s crust as a result of underground volcanic activities that break down minerals such that they produce radiation and heat. Also, solar heat absorbed by the surface of the Earth also gets locked in the crust in the form of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy from hot springs had, previously, been used in ancient times for heating space and water for bathing and therapy since the times of the ancient Roman civilization. Generation of electricity from geothermal energy, however, is a recent development.

Another emerging natural and renewable energy source is biomass energy. This form of energy is derived from remains of living matter that ceased to live not too long ago (unlike fossil fuels that come from the fossils of creatures and plants that lived millions of years ago). The by products produced during the process of decay or incineration (especially wood and plant matter) or recently dead organisms such as gases (such as those that are produced in landfills as a result of bacterial action on organic tissues), alcohol and other chemicals can be used to power automobiles, produce fuel for cooking and heating (biogas, for instance), etc.