Grassland Ecosystems

Here is a good website with loads of info about grasslands.

Effects of Global Warming

Global warming is going to impact the world's population in many different ways. This site has some of the impact, and how they are affecting different parts of the world. National geographic has some info on the greenhouse effect, as well as this interactive map showing imapcts around the world. There will also be impacts in India, with rising sea levels engulfing islands. Impacts will also be seen in the UK.

Water Scarcity in the 21st Century

In 1999, 17 countries were identified as facing 'absolute water scarcity' by 2025- therefore they will not have enough water to maintain levels of food production, industry, household and environmental needs. They were all LEDCs, the Middle East being particularly vulnerable. Here is an excellent article about water scarcity in the 21st Century released for World Water Day. Here is a report on coping with water scarcity. Also try this site about Africa, or for more detailed information, this site. This article from the BBC is also good.

Clouds

For clouds, don't forget to join the Cloud Appreciation Society..........

This site has information on each of the main types of cloud, and wikipedia as always has lots of detailed info, as does msn encarta. The Geography Site is also good.

The Global Circulation Model and the Coriolis Effect

We have recently studied the Global Circulation model in class. Also, the coriolis effect- try these animations- here and here.

African Floods

Many countries across Africa have become severely flooded after suffering from drought. Countries affected include Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo. Estimates suggest that over a million people could be affected across the 17 countries, with many people having been displaced from their homes. Aid agencies are now providing help to those affected. This article talks about how the floos could be linked to 'La Nina' weather in the Pacific.

Hurricane Season

It's hurricane season at the moment in Central and North America, and at the moment, Central America is bracing itself for Hurricane Felix, a category 4 storm. It is expected to pass through Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize. This comes just weeks after Hurricane Dean swept through Mexicon, killing 18. For more info on hurricanes, here is an animated guide. There are also guides for other natural hazards.

South Asia Floods

Southern Asia has been experencing severe flooding, with India, Bangladesh and Nepal all being affected. It is the monsoon season, and several days of heavy rain has caused already full rivers carrying water from the Himalayas to burst their banks. This BBC article has some info on the flooding and the monsoon season. The latest estimates say that the death toll has now reached over 500 people. This article is good for what has happened in each country affected by the disaster. The latest problem is the diseases that are spreading fast in the stagnant water, as well as food shortages.