Coastal Squeeze Of Salt Marshes Environmental Sciences Essay

Coastal Squeeze Of Salt Marshes Environmental Sciences Essay Coastal squeeze of salt marshes refers to any situation in which the coastal margin, which is the area buffering land and sea is squeezed between the fixed boundary of the land, and the rising sea level. Numerous studies regarding rising sea level exist, though there is only a select few that directly address the problem of coastal squeeze on tidal marshes. Past 200 years has seen an accelerated and unprecedented loss of natural wetlands due to direct and indirect human activity. A reported 50% or salt marshes are lost or degraded worldwide (MEA 2005, UNEP 2006). Despite ongoing restoration efforts around the world, the overall demands for more housing and associated development activities will lead to more loss of active wetlands. An increasing population, coupled with agricultural development and advances in technology have an ever greater impact on wetlands. Humans have been utilizing wetlands and their resources since the onset of organized civilization. Documented use of salt marshes for ecosystem services date back to the Neolithic in some areas (Knotterus 2005), and the origin of civilization is said to be the Mesopotamian tidal marshes, or the Fertile Crescent. (Sanlaville 2002) Nevertheless, wetlands have been undergoing mass degradation worldwide, with losses in the United States beginning with the arrival of early settlers in the late 16th century. Studies show that the United States has lost 54% of its original 87 million hectares of wetland, and that number is continually dwindling. (Tiner 1984) This loss of wetlands can only be expected to get worse with rising sea level which will drown and squeeze out many coastal marshes. Current predictions expect sea level to rise by 40cm by 2080, producing massive impacts on coastal wetland. Human Use The enclosure of coastal land, namely salt marshes, has been a way of artificially creating productive land for many centuries. Beginning with the colonization of the United States by Dutch and English settlers in the late 17th century, salt marshes were used by humans for a variety of uses, their primary use being grazing of livestock, and harvesting of salt hay to be used as livestock feed and fodder. Salt marshes during this period of time were often artificially diked, filled, planted and tilled to create an alterable and ideal landscape for agricultural use. This widespread drainage was most prevalent in the southern colonies of the United States. As the industrial revolution began in the 19th century, agriculture began to move across the US via Westward Expansion, and an increasing immigrant population and the need for urban expansion yielded a new population which had little connection to the land. In this time period, salt marshes were increasingly converted to usable space, such as housing and industrial factories. (Bromberg- Gedan Sillman 2009) The public perception of salt marshes shifted from that of a fertile agricultural land, to a menace to health and life, a trackless wasteland that must be converted to a usable landscape. In this time period, a large portion of the United States salt marshes were converted into other types of environments, often urbanized. It was not until the late 1960s that the value of salt marshes was recognized again by the United States public and governmental population, and these concerns have deepend over time as repeated environmental and economic disasters validate the predictions of the 60s and 70s. Scientific perspectives towards wetland science are shifting to contain: a wider recognition of the consequences of wetland degradation, opportunities for wetlands to deliver improvements through integrated development, a focus through the conservation movement, and more recognition of ecosystem services within policy frameworks. (Maltby, 2009) The concept of wise use of wetlands, enacted through the Ramsar Convention of 1970, was a major leap forward in the preservation of coastal wetlands, with its regulations and goals still being used in coastal policy today. (Maltby 2009) Though human society has made leaps and bounds in the preservation of salt marshes, the current rate of loss is estimated at 1-2% per year worldwide. (Butler, 2010) The diked coastal floodplain of the US is about 50,000 km in size, much of which would have been coastal wetlands, and while restoration efforts are in place, it is not enough to counteract the loss worldwide. Models suggest that future coastal wetland loss through sea level rise will reach 5-20% of current wetlands by 2080, while urban development will continue to pressure wetlands. The global biodiversity outlook suggests that this coastal squeeze may cause coastal wetland systems to be reduced to narrow fringes by 2100, or lost entirely. (Figure 1) http://www.beachapedia.org/images/d/db/Global_warming_graphic3.gif Figure 1: Anticipated future changes to salt marshes as sea level rises. (Titus 1991) The Importance of salt marshes To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds that have swept up and down the surf lines of the continents for untold thousands of years, to see the running of the old eels and the young shad to sea, is to have the knowledge of things that are nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.- Rachel Carson, Under the Sea Wind, 1941 National academy of Sciences defines wetlands as: ecosystems that depend on constant or recurrent, shallow inundation or saturation at or near the surface of the substrate. The minimum essential characteristics of a wetland are recurrent, sustained inundation or saturated at or near the surface and the presence of physical, chemical, and biological features reflective of recurrent, sustained inundation or saturation. Common diagnostic features of wetlands are hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation. These features will not be present where specific physio-chemical, biotic, or anthropogenic factors have removed them or prevented their development. (Natural Resource Council, 1995) Technically, wetlands can occur in any area in which precipitation is larger than losses from evaporation and drainage, but are dependent on how humans choose to use them. Since the colonization of the United States, wetlands have been steadily decreasing. Wetland occur over a wide range of environments, from the arctic to the tropics, from coastal areas to secluded intercontinental areas. The total wetland area on earth has been estimated to be approximately 6% of its total land surface at a minimum, as many countries do not have comprehensive inventories of identified wetlands. (Mitsch and Gosselink, 2000) In North America, specifically the USA and Canada, there is an estimated 14.2 million hectares of wetlands (Scott and Jones 1995). The wetlands of the United States span the entire east coast, and are also incredibly extensive along the Gulf of Mexico, but less common on the steeper, rockier Pacific coast. This paper will focus on the salt marshes of the Eastern United States, namely New England. Complex interactions take place within these ecosystems, in which the biotic and abiotic world are fully linked. The interactions that take place within these environments provide the basis for the delivery of goods and services from these ecosystems. The provision of these services, however, is reliant on the maintenance and protection of these ecosystems. Benefits from ecological processes that occur in wetlands are not always obvious, and for this reason, they tend to be ignored by humans when decisions are made to alter wetlands. As stated in The Wetlands Handbook, Wetland functions are the result of ecological processes that are necessary for the self-maintenance of the ecosystems, and occur without human intervention. (Maltby 2009) Wetlands protect and maintain water quality by providing a filter for sediments and excess nutrients, essentially purifying water in connected water resources, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, which are used by humans for recreational activities, and drinking water. Nutrients, toxins, and sediments enter the wetland environment via runoff, which in urban areas can contain very high levels of toxic materials which could contaminate the water supply, if not for filtration via marshes and wetlands. Scientists have estimated that wetlands may remove between 70% and 90% of the worlds entering nitrogen (Reilly 1991, Gilliam 1994), in addition to the removal of pathogens, toxic metals such as lead and copper, surface water pollutants, and other nutrients such as phosphorus. Salt marshes alone sequester more carbon in their soils than any other temperate biome partially due to the unique microbes that live in these environments, sequestering roughly 771 Billion tons, the same amount that i s currently in our atmosphere. In addition to this, they contribute 1% or more to the annual global loss of fixed nitrogen via microbially mediated denitrification. (Schuster Watson 2007) The hydrology of a particular wetland environment controls every factor of the ecosystem, including nutrient cycling, biogeochemical processes, species biodiversity, and filtration. (Maltby 2009) Coastal Wetlands are not only an interface between land and sea, but also an interface between groundwater, surface water, and atmospheric moisture. Wetlands process key ecosystem elements such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, and thus are the basis of ecosystem functioning and balance. It is this balance that maintains the supply of wetland products and service that are valuable to humans and other species alike. However, like many environments, this balance is fragile, and the removal or addition of one key element could alter the way the entire ecosystem functions. Salt marshes provide many valuable ecosystem services which must be preserved. (Table 1) Salt marshes act as natural filters that purify water entering the estuary (Mitsch and Gosselink 2008). As water passes through marshes, it slows due to friction of grasses. Suspended sediments are then deposited on the marsh surface, facilitating nutrient uptake, and filtering the water. This filtration is very valuable to human drinking water, as displayed In Louisiana, where treatment of wastewater attained capitalized cost savings of $785 to $15,000/acre compared to municipal treatment. (Breaux 1995) Marshes are an important storm buffer, and provide many resources such as fish, sand, gravel, hay, and shellfish to humans. Table 1 Values of ecosystem services of tidal marshes Ecosystem service Examples of human benefits Average value (Adj. 2007 $a haà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢1 yearà ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢1) Disturbance regulation Storm protection and shoreline protection $2824 Waste treatment Nutrient removal and transformation $9565 Habitat/refugia Fish and shrimp nurseries $280 Food production Fishing, hunting, gathering, aquaculture $421 aw materials Fur trapping $136 Recreation Hunting, fishing, birdwatching $1171 TOTAL $14,397 Table 1: Estimated monetary value of ecosystem services marshes provide on an annual basis (Gedan Bromwell, 2009) Dollar values were adjusted for inflation from original data, presented in 1994 dollars (Costanza et al. 1997). The adjustment was done with the U.S. Department of Labor Inflation Calculator, which uses the Consumer Price Index to correct values through time. Please see Costanza et al. (1997) for valuation methods and note that this valuation method is not universally accepted by economists, see Bockstael et al. (2000) Coastal Squeeze in Marshes Coastal squeeze, as defined by the Environment Agency of England is The reduction of intertidal (mean low water spring tide to mean high water spring tide) habitat as a consequence of sea level rise and the action of flood defenses. If sea levels rise without flood defenses in place, the inter-tidal area is able to gradually move inland over time and there is no net loss of habitat. With defenses or other constraints present, the movement inland of the high water line is impeded, but the low waterline moves shoreward, which leads to a loss of the inter-tidal delta. (Figure 2) (Black and Veatch, 2006) It occurs when landward conversion is not able to take place. Landward conversion takes place when the lower limits of salt marsh habitats are eroded, and the eroded sediments are re-deposited further landwards. This process is often referred to as habitat rollover. http://www.eloisegroup.org/themes/climatechange/images/coastal_squeeze.jpg Figure 2: Illustration of the process of coastal squeeze due to seawalls. (Pontee 2011) Causes of Coastal Squeeze There are many different driving factors of coastal squeeze, including sea level rise, waves, storm activity, sediment supply, and sediment mobility. Coastal erosion is the main factor in coastal squeeze, as it would not be able to occur if it were not for sea level rise and the resulting need for a migration of the salt marsh landscape. Natural causes of coastal squeeze are loss of the total wetland area by coastal erosion and inundation, change in forest or beach structure via natural disasters or erosion, migration rather than overall loss, and the accretion of new beach or land. There are also a number of anthropogenic causes of erosion, which tend to be more localized than natural causes. Oftentimes, the erosion is caused by sand and gravel extraction from beaches, the construction of piers or breakwaters, which interrupt sediment transport, and the construction of floodwalls and ditches, which prevent coastal retreat. (Pontee 2011) . Examples of anthropogenic coastal defenses i nclude seawalls, which are large concrete structures, bulkheads, which are retaining walls made of wood (not only do they block landward migration, but also often release toxins into the water), and revetment, which is a sloping structure of rocks which decreases the shallow water refuge of an intertidal zone. (Butler 2007) While the width of coastal environments varies natural on an annual, or even a month to month basis, the result of anthropogenic coastal squeeze are typically long term, if restoration actions are not taken. Relation to Climate Change Climate change can affect salt marshes in a number of different ways, namely through sea level rise, particularly when sea walls prevent marsh vegetation from moving upward and inland. With predicted rates of sea level rise, coastal accretion may very well fail to keep pace with this accelerated rise if a critical threshold is crossed, and marsh vegetation is drowned. (Kirwan and Guntenspergen 2009) However, sea level rise does not always lead to the loss of marsh areas, because some marshes experience a process called vertical accretion, in which sediments accumulate vertically, helping the marsh to maintain their elevation with the respect to sea-level where the supply of sediment is sufficient. This is only possible, however, in areas in which the sediment is available. In areas where the sediment supply is more limited, marshes are more susceptible to coastal squeeze, which may lead to their eventual drowning. Vertical Accretion is not always good, however, because after a certai n height, marshes will no longer be regularly inundated by the tide, and this accretion will form a natural barrier. (Temmerman et al 2004) Rising levels of Co2 may affect salt marsh plants and limit their response to coastal squeeze, and temperature change could potentially alter the geographical distribution of salt marshes in temperate and arctic latitudes. (Chapman 1977) However, temperature may change too quickly for many marshes to migrate and adjust. Recent evidence suggests that hurricane intensity and frequency is also anticipated to increase with climate change, causing higher rates of erosion in tidal marshes, increasing the rate of coastal squeeze. (IPCC 2007) Case Studies Abbots hall: Abbots hall Farm is located within the Blackwater Estuary of Essex, England. It consists of farmland, dry grassland, salt tolerant grassland, and existing marsh areas. The main factor in the increasing problem of coastal squeeze in this area was the 3.8km of sea wall along the north bank of the Salcott Channel, a main marsh creek. The saltmarsh was on the seaward side of this wall, thus subjecting it to coastal squeeze by limiting it migration landwards. However, the Coastal Realignment project breached the wall in many areas, so as to provide area for new saltmarsh to form inland. While wall still remains at the ends of the farm as property markers, the resulting intermittent, unrestricted areas of marsh now have the potential to remain healthy and viable in the future. While this is an improvement, the Essex coastline still contains over 400 miles of sea wall, built to enclose saltings to improve grazing. Though these are not expected to be taken down in the near futur e, the loss of wetlands may prompt a dire need to do just so. (Figure 3) Figure 3: Rising seas causing a narrowing shoreline on the Blackwater Estuary, Essex (Doody, 2004) The Gulf coast Region of the United States, which includes vast marshes such as the Florida Everglades, is experiencing some of the highest wetland loss rates in the United States, largely because of human interference. The Everglades region of Florida contains a wide array of wetland environments, including sawgrass prairies, salt marshes, tree islands, and mangrove forests. The Southern Florida Project for Flood Control and Other Purposes of 1948 created many canals, floodgates, and levees to reduce flood risks to agriculture, transportation, and urban development. However, they interfered with natural hydrological processes in the area, and in return, actually reduced their natural capacity to mitigate flooding. (Robert Twilley 2007) Future Expectations and Conclusions Global climate change is expected to affect can and atmospheric circulation, sea level rise, the intensity of hurricanes, the magnitude of precipitation, and sea surface and air temperatures. (IPCC 2007) Under normal conditions, salt marshes adjust to these conditions, but under the increased pressures of population rise and urbanization, combined with the ever quickening rate of climate change, salt marshes may not be able to adapt fast enough to the changes occurring around them. The future hydrology of salt marshes will all depend on these factors. In the case of a widespread depletion of salt marshes, we can anticipate the effects to worsen globally.

The Importance of External Factors in Influencing the Conducting

The Importance of External Factors In Influencing The Conducting Of US Foreign Policy To answer the essay question, external factors are indeed important in influencing the conducting of American foreign policy, as they are for all countries. They are important because they determine the direction American foreign policy takes, and with it, can drastically alter the futures of entire countries (Iraq & Afghanistan post 9/11).This essay will devote itself to exploring and explaining how each external factor is important and influential, and proceed to back it up by providing historic and modern examples detailing its effect on US foreign policy, and the end results. These external factors that will be explored are (sequentially) strategic interests of other nations, geographically-based vulnerabilities of the USA in relation to economic and military interests and finally the successes of grass roots revolution in the Arab Spring in upending both long-standing allies and enemies, and it s effect on traditional US foreign policy stances.The first external factor is the strategic interests of both allies and enemies across the world. Due to the USA’s current position as a hyper-power with a global presence, its influence and interests often collide with those interests or spheres of influence of other nations, ranging from allies such as the United Kingdom, Israel and Poland, to long-time rivals such as the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China or find itself involved in a conflict between two different nations (such as the Falklands issue or the current Israel-Iran crisis).In such situations where the USA must interact with other involved nation-states, the USA has either attempted to compromise with the other parties involved in an attempt to reach an amicable solution or fully backed a local ally/pursued its own objectives to the detriment of local nation-states.One of the more notable examples of the first is in the long-running nego tiations with North Korea, where six-country negotiations (featuring Russia, America, China, Japan and both Koreas) have been ongoing since 2003, primarily concerning North Korea’s nuclear program but also the normalization of trade, demilitarization and normalization of diplomatic relations.In no less than six different rounds of negotiations (with a seventh one starting in 2012), the United States has sat down for talks with the isolationist North Koreans, attempting to reach an agreement to the satisfaction of all the regional powers involved, an agreement that would see international concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program addressed, as well as pave a way towards future reunification.While talks have continually broken down or bore little fruit, this is more so due to unrealistic North Korean demands and various violations than the USA negotiating under false pretenses or seeking personal advancement. The North Korean talks in particular stand as a specific cas e where the USA has and continues to work alongside regional powers for the benefit of all involved. The second approach taken by the USA is that of fully favoring one side or party in a conflict or situation (usually a long-term ally or one of more relevance) over the other side, sometimes to its own eventual detriment.A prime example of this would be the Israel-Palestine situation in the Middle East today. While the United States has several allies among the Arab nations (Jordan, the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, formerly Egypt†¦), it has always prioritized Israel as its main ally in the region, providing it with billions of dollars yearly in grants, equipping it with some of the most advanced military technology in the world and sharing intelligence since the 1950s.As a result of these incredibly close ties to the Jewish state, the United States is often viewed as responsible or linked to Israel’s actions, while at the same benefiting from its use as a local proxy . So mutually linked however are the two nation-states, that it has directly anchored the USA into the morass of the Israeli-Palestine situation, an action that has often invited Arab rage against the Americans, most infamously concerning Al Qaeda and the 9/11 attack.While pure political/strategic matters are a critical and pervasive external factor in US foreign policy, there is also a backdrop of geography-based concerns that are particularly dangerous to the US’s foreign policy aims. The first element of geographic factor is an economic concern relating the international shipping lanes such as those of the Persian Gulf, while the second element is a military one, involving the supplying of NATO military forces in the land-locked status of Afghanistan.The first element is the more globally threatening one, as shipping lanes such as those of the Panama Canal (Central America), the Horn of Africa (East Africa) and the Hormuz Straits (Persian Gulf) are economic chokepoints, im portant to not only a hyper-power as the USA but the entire world economy. They are important because they are integral waterways in the world economy, shipping massive amounts of Persian Gulf oil daily across the world to countries such as India, China and the USA (nearly 46% of the world’s seaborne petroleum is shipped through both areas together).For the US specifically however, the Persian Gulf is a life-line that cannot be severed, even for a brief period. In 2006 for example, U. S. gross oil imports from the Persian Gulf were 2. 2 million barrels per day, accounting for 17 percent of the US total net oil imports. As such, oil-client states such as India, China, America, and Britain among others have warships detailed to the regions to protect and ensure safe shipping, as well as dealing with piracy.The USA specifically maintains its 5th Fleet in the area, being responsible for the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea and the Gulfs of Aden & Oman. The second elemen t, the military one is far more US-centric, however. Ever since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, NATO forces in the country have been reliant on supply routes going through Pakistan in order to continue operating. As reported by CJ Radin, the supply route starts at the Pakistani port of Karachi, where ships dock and offload their supplies onto trucks.The trucks then drive through Pakistan and enter Afghanistan through either the Khyber Pass near Peshawar or through the Chaman crossing near Quetta. However, due to multiple incidents (the OBL Abbottabad raid, drone airstrikes killing Pakistani citizens, various cross-border raids, Pakistani covert support to Taliban cells, Taliban ambushes of supply convoys from the Pakistani border, etc†¦), the relationship between Pakistan and the USA has grown strained, first limiting and then stopping the supplies landing from Karachi.As a whole, the Pakistani route was quite crucial to the NATO military effort, being the closest and most developed friendly port/road network into Afghanistan. Without supplies, NAO faced a struggle to continue their operations against resilient Taliban cells, a struggle that was slowly relieved by the slow build up of a northern network over the course of the last four years through Russia, Turkey and various Baltic, Caucasian & Central Asian states.This network has two different routes, one starting at a Baltic port, then by rail through Russia, Kazakhstan, and then to Uzbekistan before reaching NATO, while the other brings supplies by ship or rail to a Georgian port on the Black Sea, then by rail through Georgia and Azerbaijan, by ferry across the Caspian Sea, and by rail again through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, though it is reportedly by far the most limited.Overall, nearly 35% of US supplies in April 2010, 50% in April 2011, and 55%-65% in July-Sept 2011 came from the new northern network, while other NATO forces received roughly 40% the northern network. These instances both ind icate the striking lengths that the USA is affected by such vulnerabilities, as well as how strongly they are tied to American economic and military instances. In discussing American interests in regions such as Central Asia and the Middle East, one cannot ignore the effects of the Arab Spring.While much ink has devoted to this subject since 2011, here in this essay I will only focus on its affect on traditional US foreign policy stances. To put it simply, since the Cold War, the United States has gained a habit of often backing authoritarian or despotic regimes, monarchies such as Saudi Arabia and Iran (prior to the Islamic Revolution) or strongman republics such as Yemen and Pakistan.These countries repressed their citizenry, yet as long as they were American allies, they were celebrated, or even praised as loyal and as champions of stability and good, while other authoritarian regimes received lambasting and sanctions and other punishments. While Iraq received democracy and liber ation from Saddam, while Condoleezza Rice spoke of the violence wrecked upon Hamas-ruled Gaza and Hezballoh-influenced Lebanon as the â€Å"birth pangs of a new Middle East†, it was the Arab Spring that brought forth a new Middle East.Over a dozen homegrown instances of civil resistance, of rebellion, of revolution, successful or otherwise, all attempted and/or achieved without US prompting. In Libya, in Egypt, in Tunisia, Yemen, long-standing regimes have fallen. Authentic democracies are starting to develop, democracies with no inherent ties or links to the United States, with no reason to reach out to them directly. If I can quote Noam Chomsky on one thing, it’s that the USA cannot count on these new governments to be as friendly or welcoming as their predecessors.It can’t treat these new governments as their predecessors, it can’t control their opinions on Israel or Iran, it can’t easily buy their loyalties, not as things are still unfolding. I n effect, the United States now has to come up with new policies, new strategies to deal with these countries, to decide on continuing pre-existing deals or renegotiate new ones. In conclusion, there are several very important external factors that influence how American foreign policy is conducted, and they are truly important.Learning to how to recognize and compromise in order to accept the strategic interests of other nations, how to handle the geographic limitations and vulnerabilities that often define or control the options available in a situation, and how to adapt to dealing with lesser, developing nations that while democratic are not favorable to you or your interests. Bibliography CJ Radin, 2011, Focus ‘Analysis: The US-Pakistan relationship and the critical factor of supply’ [online] 4 December. Available: Daily Mail Reporter, 2011, Focus: ‘Pakistan gives US two week ultimatum’ [online] 8 November. Available: http://www. dailymail. co. uk/news /article-2066488/Pakistan-gives-US-2-week-ultimatum-abandon-secret-airbase-closes-border. html Cox, M. and Stoke, D. , 2008, US Foreign Policy, Oxford: Oxford University Press Lansford, T. , 2003, A Bitter Harvest: US Foreign Policy & Afghanistan, Ashgate Holsti, O. , 2006, Making American Foreign Policy, Routledge DeAlkatine, N. , 2012, American Diplomacy: Interpreting the Arab Spring, Journal, Range 1996, Available from UWE Library

Dams and Reservoirs

A dam is any barrier that holds back water; dams are primarily used to save, manage, and/or prevent the flow of excess water into specific regions. In addition, some dams are used to generate hydropower. This article examines man-made dams but dams can also be created by natural causes like mass wasting events or even animals like the beaver. Another term often used when discussing dams is reservoir. A reservoir is a man-made lake that is primarily used for storing water. They can also be defined as the specific bodies of water formed by the construction of a dam. For example, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in California’s Yosemite National Park is the body of water created and held back by the O’Shaughnessy Dam. Types of Dams One of the most common types of major dams is the arch dam. These masonry or concrete dams are ideal for narrow and/or rocky locations because their curved shape easily holds back water via gravity without the need for a lot of construction materials. Arch dams can have one large single arch or they can have multiple small arches separated by concrete buttresses. The Hoover Dam which is on the border of the U.S. states of Arizona and Nevada is an arch dam. Another type of dam is the buttress dam. These can have multiple arches, but unlike a traditional arch dam, they can be flat as well. Normally buttress dams are made of concrete and feature a series braces called buttresses along the downstream side of the dam to prevent the natural flow of water. The Daniel-Johnson Dam in Quebec, Canada is a multiple arch buttress dam. In the U.S., the most common type of dam is the embankment dam. These are large dams made out of soil and rock which use their weight to hold back water. To prevent water from moving through them, embankment dams also have a thick waterproof core. The Tarbela Dam in Pakistan is the world’s largest embankment dam. Finally, gravity dams are huge dams that are constructed to hold back water using only their own weight. To do this, they are constructed using extensive amounts of concrete, making them difficult and expensive to build. The Grand Coulee Dam in the U.S. state of Washington is a gravity dam. Types of Reservoirs and Construction The first and usually largest type of reservoir is called a valley dammed reservoir. These are reservoirs that are located in narrow valley areas where tremendous amounts of water can be held in by the valley’s sides and a dam. The best location for a dam in these types of reservoirs is where it can be built into the valley wall most effectively to form a water tight seal. To construct a valley dammed reservoir, the river must be diverted, usually through a tunnel, at the start of work. The first step in creating this type of reservoir is the pouring of a strong foundation for the dam, after which construction on the dam itself can begin. These steps can take months to years to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Once finished, the diversion is removed and the river is able to flow freely toward the dam until it gradually fills the reservoir. Dam Controversy In addition, the creation of a reservoir requires the flooding of large areas of land, at the expense of the natural environment and sometimes villages, towns and small cities. The construction of China’s Three Gorges Dam, for example, required the relocation of over one million people and flooded many different archaeological and cultural sites. Main Uses of Dams and Reservoirs Another major use of dams is power generation as hydroelectric power is one of the world’s major sources of electricity. Hydropower is generated when the potential energy of the water on the dam drives a water turbine which in then turns a generator and creates electricity. To best make use of the water’s power, a common type of hydroelectric dam uses reservoirs with different levels to adjust the amount of energy generated as it is needed. When demand is low for instance, water is held in an upper reservoir and as demand increases, the water is released into a lower reservoir where it spins a turbine. Some other important uses of dams and reservoirs include a stabilization of water flow and irrigation, flood prevention, water diversion and recreation. To learn more about dams and reservoirs visit PBSs Dams Site. Rogun - 1,099 feet (335 m) in TajikistanNurek - 984 feet (300 m) in TajikistanGrande Dixence - 932 feet (284 m) in SwitzerlandInguri - 892 feet (272 m) in GeorgiaBoruca - 876 feet (267 m) in Costa RicaVaiont - 860 feet (262 m) in ItalyChicoasà ©n - 856 feet (261 m) in MexicoTehri - 855 feet (260 m) in Indiaà lvaro Abregà ³n - 853 feet (260 m) in MexicoMauvoisin - 820 feet (250 m) in SwitzerlandLake Kariba - 43 cubic miles (180 km ³) in Zambia and ZimbabweKuybyshev Reservoir - 14 cubic miles (58 km ³) in Russia

DRNC Scenario Free Essay Example, 1000 words

It should be noted that U. S. law enforcement agencies have always experienced a struggle in terms of challenges experienced when policing mass demonstrations as well as when crowd control is required. As the PARC (2014) portal portrays, failures in overall incorporation of best practices as well as model policies in terms of preparation for, and subsequent responses to mass demonstrations are responsible for eventual injuries and deaths witnessed. Such injuries or deaths are experienced on both sides where protestors and police officers being prone in addition to non-participatory party entities caught in such situations (PARC, 2014). Apart from physical and psychological negative effects, such contexts often result in a variety of civil legal challenges that may eventually cost the policing agencies huge amounts of money. As Reynardus (2004) alludes, this may be because of civil settlements and awards paid out to plaintiffs, who successfully present alleged utility of policing tactics and policies that are unconstitutional in a given court of law. Thus, in the prior planning of anticipated mass demonstrations by city officials and police leaders amongst other critical stakeholders, there are basic issues to consider. We will write a custom essay sample on DRNC Scenario or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now These pertain to aspects regarding intelligence, training, strategic planning, inter-agency coordination, supervision, appropriate tactics, communication strategies, dispersal announcement procedures, appropriate uses-of-force guidance plans, proper officer identification, mass arrests planning, and the adequate preparation of humane and sufficient detention sites (Reynardus, 2004). DRNC special event in Miami-Dade: Strategies, Preparation and Policy Measures Due to the various issues that are expected to arise because of such situational contexts, the U. S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) provides strategic policy input, provisions and pertinent standard measures. As directed by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2004), submission of ‘best practices’ is thus a critical part of policy procedure. Accordingly, this pertains to action plans aimed at enhancing overall security, peace and order during special events of local, national and/ or regional importance. Thus, various state entities in the U. S. do draw from amalgamation of all provided ‘best practices’ as encapsulated within the Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement National Report, as their baseline of operational procedures (U. S. DRNC Scenario Free Essay Example, 1000 words As Reynardus (2004) alludes, this may be because of civil settlements and awards paid out to plaintiffs, who successfully present alleged utility of policing tactics and policies that are unconstitutional in a given court of law. Thus, in the prior planning of anticipated mass demonstrations by city officials and police leaders amongst other critical stakeholders, there are basic issues to consider. These pertain to aspects regarding intelligence, training, strategic planning, inter-agency coordination, supervision, appropriate tactics, communication strategies, dispersal announcement procedures, appropriate uses-of-force guidance plans, proper officer identification, mass arrests planning, and the adequate preparation of humane and sufficient detention sites (Reynardus, 2004). DRNC special event in Miami-Dade: Strategies, Preparation and Policy Measures Due to the various issues that are expected to arise because of such situational contexts, the U. S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) provides strategic policy input, provisions and pertinent standard measures. As directed by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2004), submission of ‘best practices’ is thus a critical part of policy procedure. Accordingly, this pertains to action plans aimed at enhancing overall security, peace and order during special events of local, national and/ or regional importance. We will write a custom essay sample on DRNC Scenario or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Thus, various state entities in the U. S. do draw from amalgamation of all provided ‘best practices’ as encapsulated within the Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement National Report, as their baseline of operational procedures (U. S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (U. S. DJCRS), 2000). As Captain Barry Jackson, co-chair of the Mass Arrest/ Casualty Subcommittee (Miami-Dade Police Department), I would tactfully implement the provisions availed in the aforementioned National Report. This would be through adaptation of such ‘best practices’, to the prevailing and potential contexts within our region of jurisdiction. In these regard, the consideration and subsequent identification of key issues associated with possible mass arrests and/ or casualties during the DRNC special event can be adequately derived from the FTAA Miami IRP Report. The Independent Review Panel, an external apparatus for fact-finding and subsequent dispute resolution found a variety of issues that affected the overall effectiveness and efficiency with which the MDPD was able to cater for the security needs of society during the FTAA Miami 2003 conference (Reynardus, 2004).

Drug Programs Essay - 1258 Words

Drug Programs The United States has one of the biggest drug epidemics on our hands. More than almost any other country. Studies show that over half of all high school seniors will have tried at least one illicit drug before they graduate (Hanson). One problem with this is that growing children are not educated properly about these drugs. And without a proper education on these drugs, they become curious and want to try them. The earlier these children get hooked on drugs, the more likely it will lead to more illegal activity (Head). I think we need an innovation that improves drug awareness in children and teens. The current programs in place don’t focus on the main points of drug prevention. Improved drug education†¦show more content†¦The program provides a zero tolerance approach on drugs and alcohol (Hanson). And provides worksheets and activities on drugs and what they are. From my experience in the D.A.R.E program, my peers all saw this class as a free period where we didn’t have to do anything. The program is taught by local police officials, and they attempt to drill into your head that all drugs and alcohol are bad no matter what the circumstance. And children have, throughout there lives been told that drugs are bad. So the program essentially does nothing but inform children of what the drugs actually look like and what they do to you. A study done by the surgeon general concluded that â€Å"the program was sometimes counterproductive in some populations, with those who graduate from D.A.R.E. later having higher rates of drug use†. This is scary to think of, because if government intervention isn’t working, then what options do we have left? The faults in the D.A.R.E program are keeping it ineffective. This brings up the question, what will work? Well first we must look into what methods of prevention in other stages of drug prevention are working. Drug rehabilitation centers are places that drug abusers go t o help cure the addiction that has taken over there lives. These centers use a variety of different techniques to help with the addicts and there addictions. These vary from what type of drug youShow MoreRelatedA Program For A Drug Rehabilitation Program858 Words   |  4 Pagesthere first has to be an understanding that the person is there at their own free will and are not being made to be a part of that program. Rather than have someone in a program taking up room that does not want to be there when someone who truly needs and wants to be there can be getting the help they need. Therefore, when finding a program for Tony I had to look at a program that would be helpful because of his age and that can help his family. Now we know that rehabilitation is the process that helpsRead MoreTreatment Programs For Drug Treatment Program1302 Words   |  6 PagesTreatment programs are defined exactly as the word states. It is a program designed to provide treatment to a probationer or p arolee who needs it. There are a variety of treatment programs ranging from educational and recreational programs to drug treatment programs. When determining the type of treatment program an individual needs, it is imperative to consider them as a group. The program selected is just as vital as the individual for the reason that having that support and the long-term followRead MoreDrug Testing Program913 Words   |  4 PagesCorporation establish a drug-testing program? Castulon should establish a drug testing program because of the potential benefits that overrides the potential risks associated with such program. The bottom line of the company is profitability and stakeholder’s benefits; however, drugs do not contribute to any of these. The company relies on employee productivity, reduces employee turnover and absenteeism, reduced cases related to workers compensations. The impact of the drug testing program within the companyRead MoreDrug Abuse Resistance Education Program1671 Words   |  7 Pageson drugs was declared in 1971 by President Richard Nixon and since that day over a trillion dollars have been spent on the prohibition of drugs in the United States (Branson, 2012). Yet, despite this excessive spending, the U.S. has the highest rates of illicit drug use in the world (Branson, 2012). Although much of this money has been spent on law enforcement agents and prison systems, some funds have been used to develop drug prevention prog rams. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.ARead MoreDrug Abuse Prevention Programs3138 Words   |  13 PagesRunning head: DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION Drug Abuse Prevention Programs: Effectiveness of DARE and Project ALERT Drug Abuse Prevention Programs: Effectiveness of DARE and Project ALERT Although drug use among secondary school students appears to have leveled off during the late 1990s, US adolescents continue to use alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana at unacceptably high rates. Among eighth graders, 52% have tried alcohol, 41% have tried cigarettes, and 20% have tried marijuana. By 12th grade these ratesRead MoreThe Problem Of Drug Education Program Plan1021 Words   |  5 PagesRationale There are many people who believe that by exposing children to any type of knowledge about drugs it is giving them permission to use them. They do not understand that by exposing the youth to the dangers of drug use it will help in prevent the use of drugs because they know the consequences and side effects. This Drug Education Program Plan will be implemented on middle aged children. During middle school years it can be hard for many kids trying to figure out where they fit in. When facedRead MorePromoting A Drug Awareness Program For Teens1695 Words   |  7 PagesPromoting a Drug Awareness Program for Teens Teen drug use/abuse is common. According to the U. S. Department of Health Human Services, the most common drugs teens use are alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and prescription drugs (2016). Other drugs used are inhalants, over-the-counter medications, and other illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. The use of drugs and alcohol increase the risk of injury or death. According to WebMD, alcohol and drug abuse is a leading causeRead MoreDrug Prevention Programs Essay example1106 Words   |  5 Pagesare many types of drug prevention programs across the United States and many of them focus on school-aged children. The basis of this focus is the belief that this is the portion of society that can be influenced the most in education and prevention of drug use. Many school- aged children view drugs as a big problem in the United States, according to surveys that have been conducted. The majority of parents however are unaware of the current drug trends and many do n ot discuss drugs with their childrenRead MoreDrug Court Acts As An Intervention Program934 Words   |  4 Pagesof these programs is to provide treatment to reduce recidivism of inmates and provide them with treatment that will allow them to rejoin society. For the participants drug court acts as an intervention program. It functions by â€Å"addressing the problems associated with drugs use, learning skills to avoid relapse, increasing family involvement, and promoting accountability for offenders† (Goetz Mitchell, 2006). Most drug courts follow a similar model. The defendants entered in the program can comeRead MoreDrug Paraphernalia And The Commonwealth Challenge Program1066 Words   |  5 PagesJuvenile and Domestic Relations court were possession of drug paraphernalia, amended from possession of a controlled substance and a curfew citation. The charges were taken under advisement for a period of one year, and Darren was allowed to enroll in the Commonwealth Challenge program in Virginia Beach. He was ordered onto probation, at any time he was not in the Commonwealth Challenge program. Program requirements of the Commonwealth Challenge program do not allow individuals to be on probation as a condition

Aquinas vs. Augustine on Their Varying Views of Women Free Essays

St Thomas Aquinas and St Augustine of Hippo are considered to be two of the greatest Christian theologians in the history of Christianity. Both of these men are apart of the same organization, the Church. Just by this fact it would be easy to assume that they agree on all major issues of the day but this is not the case. We will write a custom essay sample on Aquinas vs. Augustine on Their Varying Views of Women or any similar topic only for you Order Now They have completely differing views with respect to women in secular and religious life corresponding with the idea of original sin, human sexuality, and social roles. Even in the modern Catholic Church they are still regarded as two of the most important doctors of the church despite their different teachings on key important aspects of leading a Christian life. This shows the variability within the institution of the Catholic Church and some degrees of disagreement within a major faith organization. St Augustine of Hippo termed the idea of original sin. Nowhere in the history of the church had any such concept been taught. He was a man who lived a life of sin and promiscuity until he had an extreme conversion. After this conversion he needed a way to justify all his bad decisions. He did so by terming original sin as the first sin made by Eve that doomed all of mankind for the rest of days. Augustine blames Eve for all the bad experiences in his life, even for all the bad decisions that he has made. He uses original sin and reveals the idea in such a way that no one has to take responsibility for his or her actions because it is innate in us to be bad. Original sin gives people an ‘easy out’ to excuse all previous bad behavior. Never before had the term ‘original sin’ been placed on the sin’s of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Augustine’s example of an ideal woman, his mother, is even faulted by this original sin caused by Eve. â€Å"†¦the torments which she suffered were proof that she had inherited the legacy of Eve, seeking in sorrow what with sorrow she had brought into the world† (Confessions, 101). It is as if woman cannot help but be lesser than man. Even his mother, who he has a high regard for, is as good as she can be—for a woman, â€Å"It is not of her gifts that I shall speak, but of the gifts you gave to her† (Confessions, 192). Original sin is possessed by all humankind and cannot be avoided, this makes it easy for people to remain blameless for sins they have committed. St Thomas Aquinas did not believe in the idea of original sin. He believed that you make choices in life and that original sin was a way to get out of taking responsibility for all the actions that you make, â€Å"†¦so original sin is not the sin of this person except insofar as this person receives his nature from his first parent† (The Summa, 44). He notices that in Genesis that man and woman are created by God before sin and by this interpretation it would be impossible for original sin to exist if it is inherent in mankind. â€Å"What is natural to man was neither taken away nor added to him by sin† (The Summa, 40). Inadvertently by stating this, he is not blaming women for the fall of man. He didn’t believe that woman should be blamed for every evil thing in the world. In fact, he agues that woman was made to perfect man and that without her he would not be whole and able to procreate. †¦it was necessary for woman to be made as a ‘helpmate’ to man† (The Summa, 37). Woman is not condemned to be below man. Aquinas does not explicitly state this however; he does omit mentioning woman as separate from man in his section of the order among man and other things. He states, â€Å"Those of superior intellect are the natural rulers while those who are less intelligent but have stronger bodies s eem to be made by nature to serve†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (The Summa, 11). He is not gender specific. In fact, one could read into this that most men are to be the servants because they have a stronger physique for working. Aquinas is much more for the idea of actual sin where †¦Ã¢â‚¬ the sin that is the result of [the action of] the soul upon the parts of the body†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (The Summa, 44). This means that each person’s sin is based upon the choices that they make in their life, not from something that is passed down from the original man. In a different aspect, Augustine believes that human sexuality is dirty. His writing is in favor of rejecting his own sexual nature to live a life away from woman altogether. In his writing he always uses negative language to talk about sexuality. He writes about a dream. He sees Continence and she says to him a quote from the Psalms â€Å"Close your ears to the unclean whispers of your body, so that it may be mortified. It tells you of things that delight you, but not such things as the law of the Lord your God has to tell† (Confessions, 176). These sexual temptations are impure, and disordered. He has to turn away from all things sexual. Through all his giving in to temptation in life he pulls a 180-degree turn once he converts and believes that he should never be with another woman again. He runs away from the general population and hides away in a monastery for the rest of his life. He changes from not being able to wait two years for a wife to have sex, to giving up sex forever. He feels like he had been greedy in the first part of his life and that the latter part should be given up to God. â€Å"†¦no bodily pleasure, however great it might be and whatever earthly light might shed luster upon it, was worthy of comparison†¦beside the happiness of the life of the saints† (Confessions, 197). Aquinas believes that human sexuality is innocent. He argues against the popular belief that woman is a ‘ misbegotten man’ by stating that â€Å"†¦woman is not something misbegotten but intended by nature to be directed to the work of procreation† (The Summa, 38). He goes on to say in that paragraph that because God is the creator of all things, and he created male and female, it is obvious that God intended for man and woman to exist with each other equally in nature. Human sexuality is necessary for procreation. Sin does not define whether or not human nature would procreate. â€Å"What is natural to man was neither taken away nor added to him by sin† (The Summa, 40). Sex is not a dirty act, quite the contrary; it is a perfection of God’s creation. â€Å"†¦by nature there is a union of the male and female for the purpose of procreation† (The Summa, 40). If the human race had never sinned and the world was in complete innocence we would still have the need to procreate and sex would be the necessary means to such. â€Å"In the state of innocence, however, reproduction would have taken place without lust† (The Summa, 40). Augustine had ideas for woman’s social roles as well. He had his mother as an example of an ideal woman and described how the ideal woman would be. Woman should behave a certain way. There is no circumstance where a woman would be over a man in any situation. He uses the example of his mother who he praises as possessing â€Å"†¦modesty and temperance†¦obey[ing] her parents†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Confessions, 194) as well as serving her husband as her lord (Confessions, 194). With her husband she â€Å"†¦knew better than to say or do anything to resist him when he was angry (Confessions, 195) and encouraged other women to â€Å"†¦not defy their masters† (Confessions, 195), in speaking about spousal relationships. In other words, woman should know their place and serve their husband without regard for self. He believed that the man was always to be placed first in every situation and that all women should be like his mother. Service should be a woman’s strong suit and it seems that Augustine believed that in this woman would be fulfilled. Aquinas believed that woman had worth and uses reason to prove this. Throughout his writings he uses non-gendered terms to describe most things, which is a sign to the reader that he believes in equality amongst men and women. He does say that woman was not made to be subjective to man in that she is a slave to him. He points out the two different meanings of subjection. The one kind is a product of the result of sin. The other kind is â€Å"†¦that of the household or the citizen in which the superior makes us of his subjects for their benefit or good† (The Summa, 38). He further specifies this to women when he says â€Å"woman is naturally subject to man in this kind of subjection because by nature man possesses more discernment of the reason† (The Summa, 38). In this, he is stating that there is a natural order to things. Not that woman is below the man in equality, but that there is simply a difference. This introduces the idea, separate but equal in a way. Man and woman are different, but also man and man are different. There are many cases in existence where a leader is needed to take charge. This is not because the one man is highly superior to all other men or that all other men should be slaves to the one, but that someone is needed to be a leader; â€Å"†¦someone can have dominion over another person as a free man, when he directs him to his own good or to the good of the community† (The Summa, 39). He also introduces an idea that if a woman is raped, she has committed no sin. Previously, when a woman was raped she was unworthy of marriage and was termed ‘dirty’. Aquinas finds worth in woman, and introduces the voice of reason in non-gendered terms in order to have his philosophies available to both man and woman. In their writings, St. Thomas Aquinas and St Augustine of Hippo have presented significantly differing views on women and the roles that they should have in the world. These three areas are some of the most important aspects of leading a good Christian life. Even today, these two men are regarded as doctors of the church and their ideals and philosophies are taught, with little regard for the fact that some of the things they teach are completely opposite of each other. Through these varying ideas about original sin, human sexuality, and social roles of man and woman they have set the stage for diversity within the Catholic Church. How to cite Aquinas vs. Augustine on Their Varying Views of Women, Papers

A Worn Path Theme Essay Example For Students

A Worn Path Theme Essay AnnonymousThe search for justice causes one to act blindly through anger, rather than through reason. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, young Fortinbras, Laertes, and Hamlet were all looking to avenge the deaths of their fathers. They all acted on emotion, and this led to the downfall of two, and the rise to power of one. Since the Heads of the three major families were each murdered, the eldest sons of these families swore vengeance, and two of the three sons died while exacting their acts of vengeance. The central plot of Hamlet concerns a search for justice. There were three major families in the Tragedy of Hamlet. These were the family of King Fortinbras, the family of Polonius, and the family of King Hamlet. The heads of each of these families are all murdered within the play. Fortinbras, King of Norway, was killed by King Hamlet; slain by sword during a man to man battle. †¦our valiant Hamlet-for so this side of our known world esteemd him-did slay this Fortinbras. This entitled King Hamlet to the land that was possessed by Fortinbras. Polonius was the advisor to the King, and father to Laertes and Ophelia. He was nosy and arrogant, and he did not trust his children. Young Hamlet killed him while he was eves dropping on a conversation between Hamlet and his mother. How now! A rat? Dead, for a ducat, dead! King Hamlet was the King of Denmark, and Hamlets father. He had killed King Fortinbras, only to be killed by his brother, Claudius. †¦My offense is rank, it smells to heaven; A brothers murder†¦ Each of these events ef fected the sons of the deceased in the same way, it enraged them. Every one of the three eldest sons had one thing in common, they all wanted justice for a slaughtered father. In the time in which this play is set, avenging the murder of a father was part of ones honor, and had to be done. All of the three sons swore vengeance, and then acted towards getting justice for the deaths of their fathers. Young Fortinbras was deeply enraged by the death of his father, and he wanted justice against Denmark because of this occurrence. Fortinbras wanted to regain the lands that had been lost by his father to Denmark. †¦Now sir, young Fortinbras†¦as it doth well appear unto our state-but to recover of us, by strong hand and terms compulsive, those lands so by his father lost†¦ Claudius sends messengers to talk to Fortinbras uncle, the new King of Norway. He forbid Fortinbras to attack Denmark, and instead convinced him to attack the Poles to vent his anger. †¦His nephews levies, which to him appeard to be a preparation gainst the Polack; But better look’d into, he truly found it was against your highness†¦On Fortinbras; which he, in brief, obeys, receives rebuke from Norway, and, in fine, makes vow before his uncle never more to give the assay of arms against your majesty.Immediately after learning about his fathers death, Laertes returns home. He blames Cl audius for the murder of his father. Laertes learns that Hamlet was responsible for his fathers death. He then decides to kill Hamlet to avenge the death of his father. He and Claudius concoct a plot to kill Hamlet. By a poisoned tipped sword, Hamlet. †¦Hamlet, thou art slain†¦The treacherous instrument is in thee, unbated and envenomd†¦ Hamlet was deeply sorrowed by his fathers death. He spoke to a ghost, and this ghost stated that his fathers death was a murder, by the hand of his uncle, Claudius. The serpent that did sting thy fathers life now wears his crown. Hamlet was astonished, and swore vengeance for his fathers death. He then proceeded to prove his uncles guilt, and then finally kills him while he himself is dying of poisoned wounds inflicted by Laertes during their duel. The point envenomed too! Then venom, to thy work†¦Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane, drink off this potion, -is thy union here? Follow my mother. This left the King dead, a nd his fathers death avenged. .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c , .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .postImageUrl , .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c , .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:hover , .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:visited , .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:active { border:0!important; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:active , .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc5d3cf171cf84554edd780d7ebdc852c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Romeo And Juliet Star Crossed Lovers EssayThe lack of thought used in exacting the justice led to the deaths of both Laertes and Hamlet. Laertes planned with Claudius to kill Hamlet with the poisoned tipped sword, but they had not thought that the sword might be used against them. With Laertes believing the Kings accusations that Hamlet had murdered his father, he was in a blind rage, and would not listen to Hamlets explanation and apology. I am satisfied in nature†¦to my justice†¦I stand aloof†¦and will no reconcilement†¦But till that time, I do receive your offerd love like love, and will not wrong it.† He fights Hamlet, and wounds him once with the poisoned tipped sword; but unfortunately, their swords are switched, and Hamlet wounds Laertes with the sword. That is the wound by which Laertes dies. Hamlet had many chances to kill his uncle, but his rage outweighed his intelligence; and he chooses to wait and catch Claudius in an act of evil, and then strike him down into a world of eternal damnation. Now might I do it pat, now he is praying†¦A villain kills my father; and for that, I, his sole son, do this same villain send to heaven. Hamlet waits until he can kill his uncle while he is performing a sin, unfortunately for Hamlet, the sin is the poisoning of his own son in law. Hamlet dies of his poisoned wound. Young Fortinbras regains his father’s land, without use of violence, or death to himself. Hamlet names him new ruler of Denmark before he dies, and Fortinbras regains all of his fathers lost land, and becomes King of Denmark. Since the Heads of the three major families were each murdered, the eldest sons of these families swore vengeance, and two of the three sons died while exacting their acts of vengeance, justice is a major theme in the Tragedy of Hamlet. As a theme, justice was present in all parts of the play. It seems ironic that Claudius, Laertes, and Hamlet all died of the same sword. It is also ironic that the first the seek justice against Claudius, Fortinbras, becomes King of Denmark. The search for justice was the driving force behind three of the main characters of the play, for two it led to downfall, and for the other it led to greatness.