Predicting Seismic Activity with Lunar Cycles Research Paper

Predicting Seismic Activity with Lunar Cycles - Research Paper Example The observations that go against the claim will also be analyzed. Observations or logics by critics against these claims will be taken into account and these will be judged and arguments made as to the strength of these claims. In the end the credibility of the predictions will be based on the evidence collected by forces pointing in favor or against this claim. The paper will be considering the lunar cycles linked with seismic activity. Minor factors used by Jim Berkland will be mentioned but the main focus will be relationship between lunar cycles and seismic activity. Predicting Seismic Activity with Lunar Cycles Introduction The earthquakes have devastating potential. The process is researched upon in detail and various theories and factors are presented over the years. The most accepted model for earthquakes is the theory of plate tectonics. The model, however, needs to be updated and many other factors contributing to earthquake that has been observed over the years needs to be incorporated. Investigations for involvement of new forces possible in earthquake predictions are under process. Some of the new indicators include the changes in ionosphere, radon emissions (radioactive element Rn 86), Earth’s magnetic field displacement and even animal behavior. These are just few indicators. Research over the years has and numbers of facts indicate the involvement of sun and moon in triggering earthquakes. As by (Pasichnyk, 2002) â€Å"In Tome Three, plate tectonics, more commonly known as continental drift, was discussed that brought forth the understanding that electrostatic forces are at work in producing tectonic plates’ dynamics. This understanding correlates solar activity and lunar phases and cycles with the triggering of earthquakes†. The subject of earthquake prediction, however, has been a matter of intense debate. There does not seem to be a general consensus. Different papers by Wyss (1997), Geller (1997), Scholz (1997) demonstra te diversity of the subject. Various seismologists base their predictions on different factors and observations. These predictions as per (Allen, 1976) must â€Å"Specify time window, space window, magnitude window, some indication of author’s confidence in reliability of prediction, indication of chances of earthquake occurring anyway as a random event and must be written and presented in accessible form so that data on failures are as easily obtained as data on success†. Bases of Predictions by Jim Berkland Jim Berkland bases his earthquake predictions mainly on the effects of gravitational tugs of the moon, sun and other planets. He also takes into account animal behavior as an indicator for an upcoming earthquake. Berkland has accurately predicted tremors based on these factors. His logics for the effects of lunar cycles on Earth’s seismic activity are discussed as under and each factor is analyzed in detail. Tides The gravitational pull of the moon is respo nsible for the ocean tides. This pull also acts on the crust; however, the effect is not enough. Recent studies have shown correlation between tides and earthquakes. Study by (Cochran, 2004) describes this relation â€Å"Study using global data hinted at an earthquake-tide correlation, suggesting that reverse and normal earthquakes correlate either with shear stress or the trace of the stress†. This correlation as per studies and observations

Karl Marx Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Karl Marx - Essay Example Though earlier works created by Marx seem to be advocating the scientific and technological development by taking it to be beneficial for the growth of human societies through his political ideology (156-7); nevertheless, his later works looks opposing the same partly because of the increase in exploitation of proletariat by bourgeoisie in the wake of industrial developments taking place in society (324). Somehow, instead of censuring the development, Marx aims to defy the evils the development had brought along with it. Since the political, social, economic, cultural and religious environment under which man is brought up and experiences the socialization process leaves an indelible imprints on his ideological thoughtfulness, the initial era cognitive development and thoughts keep on influencing his outlook and opinion on the one side, and regulating his actions and behavior on the other; the same is equally applied to the set of political and socioeconomic beliefs maintained by thi s distinguished philosopher and Father of Socialism i.e. Karl Marx (1817-1883). Born in the culturally divided Prussian state of Europe, Marx personally noticed the existence of the state of conflict between the social classes, which helped the young philosopher to examine the prevailing circumstances within the historical background of human societies. Instead of adopting the notion that the development of human societies was an outcome of the growth of the rule of law or man’s cognitive development, Marx declares it actually the result of material conditions of life (3). The improvement of material conditions of life, according to Marx, simply refers to the development of means of production actually, which play decisive role in enhancing the political and economic conditions as well as intellectual growth of the individuals and societies, which he has also described in his letter to Kreuznach (12). In addition to this, the latest modes of productions, Marx elucidates, not only increase the productivity to an imperative extent, but also pave the way towards the exploration of further avenues of productivity in the wake of the advent of technological advancements (153). Consequently, Marx’s initial years political ideology appears to be providing an unconditional support to the advent of industrial growth taking place within his social surroundings. Somehow, this great German thinker has aptly viewed the rapid flow of industrialization to be detrimental for the peace and stability of society in his later work(s). The claim was actually the outcome of the disadvantages the industrialization had introduced in society by allowing the domination of the investors as the owner of all production units in the Marx’s contemporary European societies. Since the proletariat used to work from dawn to dusk in the production activities of the industrial units, and hence maintained major share in income and profit generation, they certainly deserved the same proportion of share in profit volume (341). However, the lion’s share went to the producer/owner of the industry, according to Marx, without offering any benefits necessary for improving the condition of the workers altogether (376). Such a perturbed state of affairs not only invites disappointment of the workers, but also sense of alienation started haunting the minds of the workers,