Reference no: EM133206420 , Length: Word count: 1000 words

Assignment Task:You will be required to write a 1000-1200 word research paper on any of the topics listed on the syllabus for this course. This is a great opportunity for you to practice researching and writing on a subject within the Earth Sciences, and to develop an understanding that extends beyond the material discussed in the lectures. You may even choose to pick one aspect of these major topics. For example, perhaps you are interested a particular mineral, metal, or other natural resource and you want to research its geology and economics. That is fine, as long as you check with me first. Furthermore, I understand that we are not all geoscientists and I want the relatively relaxed guidelines involved in this paper to allow you to find and research a topic that truly interests you. Finally, I hope you all to have fun with this project. Pick a topic that really catches your eye and learn about it in detail.

My topic is Deserts.

As you research your topic (deserts), I would like you to consider the following questions:

1) What is the history that has led to our current understanding of the topic you are researching?

2) Who are the main players involved in this research? -In other words, who were the scientists involved in the discovery / major advancements in the history and evolution of the subject (if your topic has any)?

3) What are the major processes (physical and / or chemical) involved in your topic?

4) How does your topic affect our world, today? -If you are researching a subject involved with deep time, how does it influence our thinking and understanding of our place on this planet, today? If you choose energy and mineral resources, what are their environmental and economic impacts?