Week #3 ~ Exploitation & Conservation of Baja's Earth (Geo) Resources

The focus of this week's blog is Baja's "Earth" or "Geo" resources.  Some of these resources are mined on the peninsula itself, and some are or might be mined from the sea floor.  Earth or geologic resources includes a wealth of minerals, metals, soils, and petroleum products such as oil, and natural gas.

The exploitation and the conservation of "Earth" resources is critical to Baja and often is controversial.
I want you to read at least two websites and present information about the resource: its abundance, exploitation, conservation/management or controversy.  If someone else has started a discussion about this resource, add to the comments/discussion with additional information rather than just repeating what has been presented.  If the resource's exploitation and management is controversial, what are the arguments of both sides?  Explain the controversy and the evidence to support one side's position.

PART A: (5 points)  by 11 PM, Friday, June 24  ~ Post your initial comment.
PART B: (5 points)  by 11 PM, Sunday, June 26 ~ Read other students' comments and post a 2nd comment with additional information.

I have provided you with a folder of resources, but you can venture further and locate other resources as well.  Cite your sources and provide the title and URL of the website(s) that you use.
You must use and cite at least one website.  The URL starts with ...  http
A posting must be a minimum of 250 words.  Research, read, think and write in your own words.

Vaquita Porpoise

One of the current environmental or ecological crises facing Baja's northern Gulf of California involves the vaquita porpoise.  Vaquita: Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise

The vaquita faces the real possibility of going extinct in the next several decades.  This documentary discusses the reasons that this species is endangered, what can be done to save it, and the various ramifications of saving it.

Week #1 Baja Question

As a way of introducing yourself to the class, what one question about Baja California (or its adjacent waters) would you wish us to hopefully answer in this class? 

Note:  your question should be in the realm of the class’ scope: the biology, oceanography, marine biology, environment, ecology, natural history, geology, geography of Baja.

Directions for this week’s blog:

Part 1 (5 points) (complete early in the week):  

·      Post your question using a complete sentence. (5 points) 

·      Be certain to use your full name so I can give your credit for the assignment.

Part 2 (5 points) (complete by Sunday):

·      Check the blog several times before Friday and begin your research so you can reply to a minimum of one of your classmates (“bloggers”) by Sunday.   

·      Go online, use a search engine such as Google and try to answer your classmate’s question. 
 

For further details, check out the assignment’s directions in the class’ website “Getting Started” assignment.

When you are ready to post your comments (reply to another student) click on "Comments" (below).
 

Be sure to identify yourself, in your comments and replies, by using your full name...this will allow me to award you your points!!