The Great Barrier Reef - Worlds Largest Reef System

Australias Great Barrier Reef is considered to be the worlds largest reef system. It is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands and covers an area of 133,000 square miles (344,400 sq km). It is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is the worlds biggest structure made out of living species. The Great Barrier Reef is also unique in that it is the only living organism that can be seen from space. Geography of the Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea. It is off the northeast coast of Australias state of Queensland. The reef itself stretches over 1,600 miles (2,600 km) and most of it is between 9 and 93 miles (15 and 150 km) from shore. In places the reef is up to 40 miles (65 km) wide. The reef also includes Murray Island. Geographically, the Great Barrier Reef stretches from Torres Strait in the north to the area between Lady Elliot and Fraser Islands in the south. Much of the Great Barrier Reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It covers over 1,800 miles (3,000 km) of the reef and runs along Queenslands coast near the town of Bundaberg. Geology of the Great Barrier Reef The geologic formation of the Great Barrier Reef is long and complex. Coral reefs began forming in the region about between 58 and 48 million years ago when the Coral Sea Basin formed. However, once the Australian continent moved to its present location, sea levels began to change and coral reefs started to grow quickly, but changing climate and sea levels after that caused them to grow and decline in cycles. This is because coral reefs need certain sea temperatures and levels of sunlight to grow. Today, scientists believe that complete coral reef structures where todays Great Barrier Reef is were formed 600,000 years ago. This reef died off however due to climate change and changing sea levels. Todays reef began to form about 20,000 years ago when it started growth on the remains of the older reef. This due to the fact that the Last Glacial Maximum ended around this time and during glaciation sea level was much lower than it is today. Following the end of the last glaciation about 20,000 years ago, sea level continued to rise and as it got higher, the coral reefs grew on the hills being flooded on the coastal plain. 13,000 years ago sea level was almost where it is today and the reefs began to grow around off the coast of Australia islands. As these islands became further submerged with rising sea levels, the coral reefs grew over them to form the reef system present today. The current Great Barrier Reef structure is about 6,000 to 8,000 years old. Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef Today the Great Barrier Reef is considered a World Heritage Site due to its unique size, structure and high levels of biodiversity. Many of the species living in the reef are endangered and some are endemic only to that reef system. The Great Barrier Reef has 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. In addition, six species of endangered sea turtles breed in the reef and two green sea turtle species have genetically distinct populations in the north and south of the reef. The turtles are attracted to the area due to the 15 species of sea grass that grow in the reef. Within the Great Barrier Reef itself, there are also a number of microscopic organisms, different mollusks and fish that inhabit spaces inside the coral. 5,000 species of mollusk are on the reef as are nine species of seahorses and 1,500 species of fish, including the clownfish. The reef is composed of 400 species of coral. The areas closer to land and on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef are biodiverse as well. These places are home to 215 bird species (some of which are seabirds and some of which are shorebirds). The islands within the Great Barrier Reef are also home to over 2,000 types of plants. Although the Great Barrier Reef is home to many charismatic species like those previously mentioned, it should also be noted that a variety of very dangerous species inhabit the reef or areas near it as well. For example, saltwater crocodiles live in the mangrove swamps and salt marshes near the reef and a variety of sharks and stingrays live within the reef. In addition, 17 species of sea snake (most of which are venomous) live on the reef and jellyfish, including the deadly box jellyfish, also inhabit nearby waters. Human Uses and Environmental Threats of the Great Barrier Reef Due to its extreme biodiversity, the Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination and around two million people visit it per year. Scuba diving and tours via small boats and aircraft are the most popular activities on the reef. Since it is a fragile habitat, tourism of the Great Barrier Reef is highly managed and sometimes operated as ecotourism. All ships, aircraft and others that want to access the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park need to have a permit. Despite these protective measures, however, the Great Barrier Reefs health is still threatened due to climate change, pollution, fishing, and invasive species. Climate change and rising sea temperatures are considered the greatest threats to the reef because coral is a fragile species that needs water to be about 77ËšF to 84ËšF (25ËšC to 29ËšC) to survive. Recently there have been episodes of coral bleaching due to higher temperatures. To learn more about the Great Barrier Reef, visit National Geographics Great Barrier Reef interactive website and the Australian governments webpage on the Great Barrier Reef.

Influences of the Romantic Period - 1575 Words

Influences on the Romantic Period Romanticism spawned in the late 18th century and flourished in the early and mid-19th century. Romanticism emphasized the irrational, the imaginative, the personal, the spontaneous, the emotional, the visionary, the transcendental, and the individual. Romanticism is often viewed as a rejection of the ideologies of Classicism and Neoclassicisms, namely calm, order, harmony, idealization, rationality and balance. Some characteristics of Romanticism include: emotion over reason, senses over intellect, love for nature, use of the hero and the exceptional figure in general, emphasis of imagination being the gateway to spiritual truth, and an interest in folk culture. Romanticism was preceded by related†¦show more content†¦Percy Shelley’s â€Å"The Necessity of Atheism† was heavily influenced by Shelley’s religious belief, atheism. In Necessity of Atheism Shelley argues that there is no evidence for a God based on observation or experience. This line of argument indicates the major influence of the Enlightenment philosophers on his perspective, but religion is still the main influence because his religious belief is the foundation of the writing. Religious influence on Romantic authors is further shown by Wordsworth’s Ode: Intimations of Immortality. â€Å"Ode: Intimations of Immortality† is influenced by Wordsworth’s belief in Pantheism and is demonstrated by his use of nature throughout. Pantheism is also shown when Wordsworth states that children are more pure and closer to nature than adults, but that as adults, recollection of youth can give one a closer philosophical relationship with nature. Though Shelley and Wordsworth pursued two completely different paths with their texts they both arrived at the same point, having deep personal religious beliefs that very strongly influenced their writing (James Cooper). Religion was prominent during the Romantic Era in the same way that classical mythology was important in previous era’s; Romantic authors used religious imagery in the same way that they would use other ancient traditions that they no longer believed in. Faust by Goethe for example, has many ChristianShow MoreRelatedJane Austens Influence in the Romantic Period958 Words   |  4 Pageseighteen and early nineteen century, England was going through major changes: politically, social, and economically. These major changes molded the Romantic Period [1800-1850]. Another factor that affected this Romantic Period was the end of the French Revolution [1815]. While the war was happening in France, many of the Philosopher, Jean-Jacques, influences began to reach England. â€Å"Jean Jacques suggested that humans in the state of nature are neither good nor evil and that it is society that corruptsRead MoreRomantic Period of Literature in America Essay949 Words   |  4 Pagesshift in writing now known as the romantic period. This movement in litera ture has many influences, themes, and writing styles that can be highlighted with important works and authors. A promising frontier, new cultures brought by immigration, and a search for spiritual answers were all key influences in bringing about the romantic movement. Themes of the romantic period include nature as a refuge, high imagination, and emotional intensity. All of these influences and themes culminate in many differentRead MoreTo What Extent Can quot;waverleyquot; Be Called an Anti-romantic Novel?1295 Words   |  6 PagesWhen asked whether Waverley is an anti-Romantic novel, one must first fully understand the term Romantic and then discuss whether the characteristics of this expression are at all reflected within Waverley. One must take into consideration the historical and political conditions within society at the time and their influence on this great writer and his works. The Romantic period occurred some time from 1789 to 1832. It was a dramatic turning point in literary history as it was consideredRead MoreBeethovens Sixth Symphony1173 Words   |  5 Pagesfrom 18th century musical classicism to 19th century romanticism, and his influence on subsequent generations of composers was profound† Kerman and Tyson. Beethoven’s sixth symphony (also known as the pastoral symphony) has qualities of both the classical and romantic periods and illustrates Beethoven’s revolutionary ideas as well as highlights his classical influences. The programmatic nature of the piece is the dominant romantic feature although the use of brass and percussion as well as the dramaticRead MoreThe Renaissance And Romanticism During The 19th Century1245 Words   |  5 Pageswere periods of history in which literature changed the mindset of the people. The Renaissance occurred in Britain during the late fifteenth century to the early seventeenth century, and wa s a response to the Medieval Age. There was a spike in learning during the Renaissance, because of the invention of the printing press and the return of classical Greek and Roman literature. The Romantic period occurred during the late eighteenth century, as a response to the Enlightenment. The Romantics believedRead MoreThe And The French Revolution1419 Words   |  6 PagesCasper David Friedrich was a German Romantic artist in the nineteenth century that is most known for his landscape paintings that display the romantic ideals of individualism, nature, physical and emotional passion and an interest in the mysteries of the world. Where did these ideals of Romanticism begin? Taking a look back into the 17th century, there was another intellectual movement that changed society, culture and politics. The Enlightenment was a time period lasting throughout the 18th centuryRead MoreThe Romantic Period Of The Victorian Era1715 Words   |  7 PagesThroughout history, many time perio ds have been similar and different from each other. People from each time period decide what they want to continue incorporating and what they would like to disregard. The Victorian Era was brought about upon to show rebellion from the Romantic period. The Victorian Era is a reaction against the Romantic Period due to differences in terms of historical influences, effects of science, crises of faith, and women’s desire for change. The Romantic Period’s history startedRead MoreSimilarities and Differences Between the Romantic Age and the Victorian Period.1210 Words   |  5 PagesSimilarities and differences between the Romantic Age and the Victorian Period. Similarities and Differences between the Romantic Age and the Victorian Period What were the similarities and differences between the Romantic Age and the Victorian Period? The Romantic Age and Victorian Period had many similarities, but they had far more differences. They first differed in rule: the Romantic Age didn’t have a king or queen, but the Victorian Period did. They were similar and different in writing stylesRead MoreRomanticism s Impact On America Essay1374 Words   |  6 PagesRomanticism’s Impact on America The period of Romanticism, occurring between the years 1800 and 1860, left a significant impact on not only the literature of that time, but the literature of today as well. Prior to romantic writings, the world focused on society and logic. Romanticism allowed people to start valuing individualism and to appeal to emotional responses. This new way of thinking brought new literary styles, themes, and genres that were never explored before and are still found todayRead MoreRomanticism s Impact On America Essay1376 Words   |  6 Pages Romanticism’s Impact on America The period of Romanticism, occurring between the years 1800 and 1860, left a significant impact on not only the literature of that time, but the literature of today as well. Prior to romantic writings, the world focused on society and logic. Romanticism allowed people to start valuing individualism and to appeal to emotional responses. This new way of thinking brought new literary styles, themes, and genres that were never explored before and are still found today

Carrefour Free Essays

France’s Carrefour relies on the key strengths of supplier contacts and customer knowledge when developing and implementing marketing strategy. Carrefour has ‚Â ¬108 billion in yearly turnover and operates 1,530 hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount stores and convenience stores in 33 countries. Even though retailing is an intensely competitive industry, Carrefour’s marketers have used these global strengths to great advantage when preparing marketing plans to address various opportunities and threats in Europe, Latin America and Asia. We will write a custom essay sample on Carrefour or any similar topic only for you Order Now For example, a few months after Carrefour moved its global sourcing office to Thailand, executives became aware that local farmers were producing a surplus of fruits such as durian and mangosteens. In the past, these fruits had sold well in the 34 Thai Carrefour stores as well as in the chain’s outlets in Taiwan, China and Indonesia. Identifying this as a marketing opportunity, Carrefour’s marketing director in Thailand arranged to buy hundreds of additional tonnes of local fruits and created a plan to encourage he European stores to stock the fruits as a taste of Thailand at an attractive price. Depending on the country, as much as 90-95 per cent of merchandise stocked in Carrefour stores is purchased from local suppliers. The purpose is to make the most of the opportunity by establishing mutually beneficial connections with local suppliers for the long term. When Carrefour’s marketers analyze the internal environment, they examine the results of previous marketing programmes across the entire chain and in individual stores. They have grouped the customer base of 14 illion households worldwide into 60,000 customer segments for more relevant marketing attention. With deep analysis, they can target more precisely and measure the return on investment for each programme in the marketing plan. Carrefour also acts quickly when analyses point to unusual challenges or opportunities. For example, Just a few months after opening hypermarkets in Moscow and Krasnodar, the retailer decided to stop expansion in Russia and sell the new stores because difficult economic circumstances had reduced short-term growth opportunities. How to cite Carrefour, Papers

Cecil Rhodes “Confession of Faith” free essay sample

â€Å"Confession of Faith† In Confession of Faith, the great imperialist and wealthy diamond mine owner Cecil Rhodes stresses his opinion of Britains right to conquer land in the world, and the importance of involvement by the British citizens. His beliefs were that imperialism is the key to political and economic power and shows how British nationalism led to the expansion of its territories. â€Å" It often strikes a man to inquire what is the chief good in life; to one the thought comes that it is a happy marriage, to another great wealth, and such seizes on his idea for that he more or less works for the rest of his existence. (pg. 243) Cecil Rhodes wanted nothing more than to serve his country. He believes that the Anglo-Saxon race should rule the world. â€Å"I contend that we are the finest race in the world and that the better it is for the human race. We will write a custom essay sample on Cecil Rhodes â€Å"Confession of Faith† or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † (pg. 243) Any other race to him should not exist. Humans being born that are not going to be raised in the Anglo-Saxon race are a waste to him. He wanted to make the British Empire a superpower in which all of the white countries in the empire would be represented in the British Parliament. Why should we not form a secret society with but one object the furtherance of the British Empire and the bringing of the whole uncivilized world under British rule for the recovery of the United States for the making the Anglo-Saxon race but one Empire. † (pg. 243) Rhodes did want to breed an American elite of philosopher-kings who would have the USA rejoin the British Empire. His dream is made clear on how and why he wanted the whole world to be like the Anglo-Saxon race. Rhodes did respect the Germans and the Kaiser, but still thought his race and society was better. Rhodes made his point very clear in this excerpt and goes into detail on what other races do wrong. â€Å"It is our duty to seize every opportunity of acquiring more territory and we should keep this one idea steadily before our eyes that more territory simply means more of the Anglo-Saxon race more of the best the most human, most honourable race the world possesses. † (pg. 243) For his race, he has very high standards on how to spread this belief of his. The more land the race can acquire, the better off the race would be. To Rhodes his idea of the world turning into a one-race world is his dream. By expanding and expressing his ideas and beliefs, it would make the Anglo-Saxon race even more prevailing. â€Å"The Society should always be searching for members who might by their energies or character forward the object but the ballot and test for admittance should be severe)†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (pg. 244) Ceil Rhodes was a very powerful and wealthy man in his time. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world. I think since he had so much wealth it made him come to the conclusion he could control the world and make it a one-race society. I would compare Rhodes to an earlier Adolph Hitler, with trying to succeed a one-race dominance. Rhodes has too much of a racists mind for me. God is the only creator in race, and Rhodes trying to be God is a disgrace to mankind. All races are different in there own way and have the right to live wherever they please.