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1.Numbering of paragraphs for ease of reference

2.Color coded text for ease of identification

3.Color coded marginal annotation to demonstrate accuracy of knowledge

4.Annotated planning map

‘Volcanoes: Their Life Cycle, Some Impacts of a Volcanic Eruption, and Some Precautionary Methods’ 1. It was about 2 o’clock in the morning and most of the town was asleep when all hell broke loose. The rumbling and vibrations were small at first but they steadily became stronger. Most people thought it was an earthquake and they waited for the rumblings to stop; their wish was not granted. Clouds of black thick gases crept through the openings of windows and doors. Most of the town was now awake as the fumes became unbearable. Everyone saw it at once: the famous tourist attraction of Mt. Peleé was on the verge of erupting…One of the most fascinating yet devastating natural disasters are killer volcanos. According to Vohn Rahil I the book New Caribbean Geography with Map Readings and CXC Questions, a volcano may be defined as, ‘a natural vent of fissure linking the earth’s interior to the surface through which an assortment of hot molten, liquid, solid and gaseous materials are ejected’ (23). Volcanoes have a life cycle, and can have a negative impact on people and the environment once erupted, but there are several precautionary methods that may minimize the effects of an eruption.

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2. Volcanoes have a life cycle and may be classified as being active or dormant or extinct. ‘A volcano is considered active when eruptions are still in process’ (Rahil 31). Active volcanoes are the deadliest volcanoes. According to an online article entitled “Active, Dormant, and Extinct Volcanoes’, ‘a dormant volcano or sleeping volcano is a volcano that has been quiet for a long time, but still has signs it may erupt again’ (www.members.aol.com). A dormant volcano is also dangerous as eruptions may occur. There are several dormant volcanoes in the Caribbean. O’Sullivan-Sirjue and George in their book Introducing Geography: a Caribbean Focus, state that, ‘other volcanoes like Soufriere Hills in Montserrat and Mt. Misery in St. Kitts are dormant. They have not erupted’ (31). According to London and Senior authors of the book Principles of Geography for CXC, ‘extinct volcanoes are dead volcanoes which have erupted in the past, but which are thought unlikely to erupt again’ (21). Extinct volcanoes do not pose a serious threat as they may never erupt. Armstrong and Hunkins in the book World Geography: People and Places, note that, ‘the landscape of Puerto Rico includes a successive chain of inactive volcanic mountains running from east to west through the island’ (277). Therefore, volcano’s life cycle can be classified as being active, dormant, or extinct.

3. So far we have looked at the lifecycle of a volcano; we will now look at two impacts of a volcanic eruption. Firstly, volcanic eruptions have the ability to negatively affect people. An eruption can result in the loss of many lives. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, ‘the second worst volcanic disaster of the 20th century occurred on November 13, 1985 in Columbia and killed 25,000 people’ (521). Additionally, David Waugh, author of the book the New Wider World, notes that, ‘most deaths are caused by the release of poisonous gases’. Volcanic eruptions may also result in the displacement of populations’ (Rahil 32) as many houses are destroyed and people are forced to relocate. Secondly, a volcanic eruption may also drastically affect the environment. An online publication entitled “Effects of Volcanic Activity” notes that, ‘explosive eruptions drastically alter land and water…tiny liquid droplets of sulfuric acid erupted into the stratosphere can change our planet’s climate temporarily’ (www.volcanoes.usgs.gov). A town may experience a slight increase in temperature if it has experienced a volcanic eruption. Another internet article ‘Effects of Volcanic Eruptions’ state that, ‘if the ash and mud from a volcanic eruption mix as with rain water,…fast moving mudflows are created…(these mudflows) clear areas of woodland or agriculture’ (www.bbc.co.uk/schools ). Douglas Dixon, author of the book Natural Disasters: The Earth, Its Wonders, Its Secrets, states that, ‘magma pours down the slope, inundating and incinerating anything in its path’ (23). Magma flows can travel great distances as long as the River Nile. There is no chance of survival for plants or animals that are caught in the path of the magma flow. Clearly, a volcanic eruption has a profound effect on man and the environment.

4. Previously, we looked at the lifecycle of a volcano, and the impacts of a volcanic eruption on man and the environment. Despite these impacts, there are several precautionary methods that can minimize the impacts of a volcanic eruption. First of all, ‘scientists should warn the public of impending disasters and steps should be taken for necessary evacuation’ (Rahil 33). This is possible due to advances in seismic research. Secondly, ‘scientists can construct volcanic hazard maps that delineate the zones of greatest risk around the volcano’ (Rahil 33). People will be cautioned of building their homes or living beside these areas of greatest risk. Thirdly, ‘there should be proper assessment of safe land use planning which should be strictly adhered to’ (Rahil 33). Following these precautionary methods can reduce the impact of a volcanic eruption.

5. Volcanoes are catastrophic when they erupt. Therefore, we must assess and monitor the volcanoes present in our region and follow the necessary precautions. Indeed, volcanoes undergo a life cycle, and an eruption can destroy human life and the environment; however, there are several precautionary methods that can reduce such effects. Such effects were even seen when Mt. Peleé erupted. Suddenly it happened! A loud deafening vibration echoed through the town. People watched in horror as hot, steaming lava crept down the slope. Everyone began to move. Fortunately, an evacuation routine was successfully carried out several months before and everyone was able to scramble to safety.

Prisoner Behind Bars

Larry knew he was in a difficult situation. However, his experience told him he could escape. The lock that held him was hard to break, but he sensed he could do it. He thought about it, closed his eyes, breathed deeply and soon he figured out how he could escape.

A Wrestler in a tight spot

Larry knew he was in a difficult situation. However, his experience told him he could escape. The lock that held him was hard to break, but he sensed he could do it. He thought about it, closed his eyes, breathed deeply and soon he figured out how he could escape.

• She became the first black woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992.

• Jemison loved science growing up but she also loved the arts. Jemison began dancing at the age of nine. "I love dancing! I took all kinds of dance — African dancing, ballet, jazz, modern — even Japanese dancing. I wanted to become a professional dancer," said Jemison

• Later during her senior year in college, she was trying to decide whether to go to New York to medical school or become a professional dancer. Her mother told her, "You can always dance if you're a doctor, but you can't doctor if you're a dancer.

• Jemison graduated from Stanford in 1977, receiving a B.S. in chemical engineering

• Fulfilled the requirements for a B.A. in African and Afro-American Studies.

• Dr. Mae Jemison speaks fluent Russian, Japanese, and Swahili, as well as English.

• She obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1981 from Cornell Medical College (now Weill Medical College of Cornell University)

• During medical school Jemison traveled to Cuba, Kenya and Thailand, to provide primary medical care to people living there.

• During her years at Cornell Medical College, Jemison took lessons in modern dance at the Alvin Ailey school. Jemison later built a dance studio in her home and has choreographed and produced several shows of modern jazz and African dance