Critical Review of an Environmental Hazard Term Paper

Critical Review of an Environmental Hazard - Term Paper Example The earth crust mainly consists of two layers; the lithosphere and the asthenosphere. These are two distinct layers in density and composition and cause instability beneath the earth surface. The earth crust comprises of various igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks forming tectonic plates. (Cain 2009) The plates found on top of the mantle which is the second layer of the earth, and it is believed that convection of rocks at this region causes sliding of plates. Under the oceans, we have the oceanic crust, a sheet different from the continental crust which is thinner unlike the continental one. Tsunami is a Japanese word meaning â€Å"harbor wave’ and is the vertical displacement of oceanic water triggered by other environmental hazards like earthquakes. (Cocke. et al 2007) Water gushes from the oceans at high velocity extending towards the continental crust and causes havoc. This paper aims at illustrating the environmental hazard tsunami, its consequences and how the w orld has reacted towards the management of its effects. The natural hazard tsunami will be expounded geologically, and its trigger action discussed at length. Also, case studies on the tsunami will be identified and analyzed for probable information that help in enlightening individuals on various measures to solve the menace brought about by this immense natural catastrophe. Tsunami is triggered by earthquakes that cause uplift r subsidence of the ocean floor, underwater landslides, volcano flank collapse or explosions of under water machines like submarines. DISCUSSION Case studies On critical analysis of the case study by Shi & Smith on the topic: "Coastal Tsunami Geo-Morphological Impacts and Sedimentation Process: Case Studies of Modern Prehistoric Events.† Coastal flooding risk study interests the engineers, planners and politicians alike. Tsunami categorically represents a radical, serious form of coastal flooding risk. Asian countries like Japan and China are strongly associated with this phenomenon. This has been on gradual increase among the researchers describing a sequence of waves that pass through the ocean with outstandingly extended wavelengths. This occurs along a series of thousand of miles along the ocean and on approaching the coastline, the speed of the wave’s decreases due to deformation by shallower water depths. As the process of deformation occurs, the waves increase in height significantly and on reaching the coastline causes massive flooding in the low lying coastal area. This leads to destruction of property and natural phenomenon. Tsunamis are not tidal waves and are not related to changes in weather but rather the instability in the earth’s crust. (Shi & Smith 2003) This case study illustrates various occurrences of tsunamis like the Flores tsunami which was generated by 1992 Indonesian earthquake, the 1998 Papa new Guinea tsunami and the Holocene Stroregga Tsunami caused by a catastrophic sub-marine landslide of Storegga, Norway at circa. The occurrence of Tsunamis is associated with catastrophic flooding leading to widespread destruction of property, infrastructure and industrial installations and loss of life. It is not widely understood of the occurrence of these catastrophic happenings; these case studies only illustrate the extent of flooding, and the geo-morphological impact variance along the coastal line. It is imperative that estimating the impact

Is gender equality achievable in a Muslim society Research Paper

Is gender equality achievable in a Muslim society - Research Paper Example Since the pre-modern era, Muslim society has maintained a strong stand regarding gender-based issues that seemed to bring confusion in the community (Razack 23). This entailed specifying clearly diverse rights encompassing both genders coupled with certain areas and rituals where they best applied. Islam mainly draws its guidance from Qur’an whose teachings normally regard men and women as equal before God and no one is a derivative of the other (Keshavjee 113). However, during prayers, the worship doctrines disregard the service of a woman being an Imam. For the past 150 years, Muslim society has undergone tremendous changes fueled by the emergence of modernity in their states. Moreover, the western culture, like other global communities, has influenced Muslim society towards esteeming of women to the extent of allowing them into the political arena (Fadel). For instance, within the 150-year span, Muslim women have shown excellence in politics and other varied areas like educ ation where some of them are prominent scholars. This is evident in states like Pakistan where Benazir Bhutto held a post of prime minister. These manifestations backed by some religion liberties foresee the achievable gender equality in Muslim society. Islam is particularly amusing in the context how it defines gender equality. For instance, contrary to other societies, at certain incidences women have the privilege of inheritance when even the most influential people do not encompass any mandate to question (Abdullah). This is evident in the case of the husband’s demise or when the father willingly offers to give inheritance. Muslim society defines gender equality in diverse contexts that encompass ritual, family and public. In the family with the man being the head, a woman is liable for the family’s upbringing in the absence of the husband when she becomes the one in charge (Keshavjee 109). Other contexts, except religious services, do not hold strict guidelines wh ich pave more way for women to exercise diverse privileges that will uplift equality. Globally, women activists, especially the political figures, continue to exact pressure regarding Muslim female gender recognition (Abdullah). This aspect acts a motivation to the upcoming female generation who will be vibrant in ensuring that their presence and dignity receive necessary esteem. Hence, they contribute to gender equality even in the most cultured states that currently fail to accept feminine political leadership. Contrary to the pre-modern theologians, who advocated against women holding certain posts in the society, the current situation has changed (Keshavjee 112). Numerous states have permitted women to venture in the political arena where, according to their excellence, they can assume varied posts at which their competence can allow them serve best. This is evident in states like Pakistan, Turkey and Bangladesh (Feryal). Modern religion theologians are not anti-female concernin g their serving in elevated posts so long they observe norms of modesty. Education has also contributed immensely to the emancipation of females from the strict cultures of various states, especially those that entail extremism and enhancement of gender equality (Abdullah). This has offered a woman an upper hand and revolutionized her against certain weird practices, for instance, public canning of women lawbreakers. The action emanates from modern theology that offers room to women since some are becoming independent due to education status, thus, some becoming scholars (Keshavjee 110). This renders them being cosmopolitans and encountering west modernity that continues revolutionizing women further (Feryal). For illustration, an English-speaking Muslim does not apply family law that the Middle East states advocate and emphasize. This depicts a revolutionized society that has disregarded some practices that degrade women and adopt those which will try to enhance equality due to ove rwhelming family