Ice Age Floods |
This report is divided into thirteen sections. They are:
· IntroductionHow to Read the Study
· Examination of Similar Projects
· Most Effective and Efficient Management Alternative
Ice Ages For at least the last two million years, the earths climate has fluctuated between ice ages. These cycles are largely driven by slight changes in the way the earth orbits around the sunjust small changes in the various wobbles of the earths motion are sufficient to fundamentally shift the earth from an ice-house to a hot-house. |
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The best way to obtain a thorough understanding of the Ice Age Floods Study of Alternatives is to read the report from start to finish. The first three sectionsPurpose and Need and Background and Examination of Similar Projectsprovide the background and context for the Study. The middle four sectionsCriteria for Designation, National Significance, Suitability and Feasibility, and Study Processaddress the standards required for this type of project, how the standards were analyzed, and how the Floods region meets these standards. The final four sectionsInterpretation, Management Considerations, Management Alternatives, Most Effective and Efficient Management Alternativemake recommendations on how to make the Ice Age Floods Geologic region successful.
For those readers who are in a hurry, the Executive Summary condenses the recommendations of this report into six concise pages.
At the beginning of each section is a brief summary that provides an overview of pertinent information and recommendations. When combined these summaries comprise much of the Executive Summary.
Three types of information are provided in the margins of the report:
· Critical Information that has been pulled from the text and is being highlighted to make certain the reader does not miss it.
· Floods Facts that provide interesting pieces of information. For example: Glacial Lake Missoula contained more water than Lake Erie and Lake Ontario combined.
· Quotes from and about individuals involved with understanding the Ice Age Floods story.
When appropriate, graphic images are used to augment the text. These include maps, charts, photographs, and sketches, all of which are visual attempts to make information more accessible.
The Appendix includes supplemental information beneficial for readers seeking a more thorough understanding of the Floods region. This material includes: