Vol. 6, No. 3, April 1968 - "Junior Geographer"
THE SEMANG: AN ECOLOGY OF A PRIMITIVE TRIBE
(pp. 2 - 5)
David Rudd
Meadville Senior High School
Abstract
The Malay Peninsula of Southeast Asia could be classified as being one vast tropical rain forest with the exception of the mountain ranges which form the backbone of this long slender strip of land. The climate in the rain forest is hot and humid throughout the year. Winter temperatures maintain a comfortable average of 68° while summer temperatures average to be 95°. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the lowlands of Malaya. Monsoonal winds blow from the southwest in the summer and from the northeast in the winter which bring heavy equatorial rainfall. Yearly rainfall varies from 100 to 150 inches throughout the peninsula. The rain forest has a thick canopy of vegetation which even blocks out sunlight. These canopies are over one hundred feet high in some locations and create a twilight appearance at high noon.
TWO ASIATIC RIVERS: A GEOGRAPHICAL COMPARISON
(pp. 6 - 8)
Robert Butler, Stanley Plummer, Karen Spontak,and Darlene Wise
Richland Junior High School
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare the Tigris-Euphrates and the Indus River systems showing the likenesses and differences. Both physical and cultural aspects of the river systems were considered.
S.O.S.: CIVILIZATION IN DISTRESS
(pp. 8 - 9)
Lynn Arpe
Stetson Junior High School
Abstract
Could our civilization possibly be suffering a decline economically and culturally? Too many people this idea may seem far-fetched, but it still could be happening now or will happen in the future. Many people think that inventions such as the automobile and electricity show signs of progress that man has made. In reality, however, it shows how dependent man really is upon his own inventions and resources.
(pp. 10 - 12)
Downe Hamilton
Stetson Junior High School
Abstract
A canal is an artificial waterway constructed for purposes of irrigation, navigation, drainage, or as a source of hydroelectric power. Unlike railways or roads, canals cannot be made to conform to the irregular terrain so they must have one or more level stretches or reaches. When different levels meet, ships are transferred from one reach to another by means of locks, lifts, aqueducts, or inclines. There are more than 26,000 miles of canals in the world. One half of this is found in European canals most of which were built after 1481 when the lock was invented.
AN EVALUATION OF CONTINENTAL DRIFT
(pp. 12 - 16)
Bill Rogers
Meadville Senior High School
Abstract
Structure and behavior of the earth's surface has presented a problem to natural scientists for many years, but the only theory that is supported by substantial facts is that of Continental Drift. The theory states that the continents were at one time combined into a large land mass called Gondwanaland. This mass broke up under stresses by convectional currents flowing beneath the earth's crust. It is generally accepted that the continents have drifted apart, but the theory covers many aspects and is full of many pitfalls.
(pp. 16 - 17)
Michel Gresko
Richland Township Junior High School
Abstract
Even before the first white settlers arrived, the Indians had set the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania aside as a reserve, a communal hunting ground where no tribe was to establish a permanent camp. The Laurel Highlands was once America's western frontier. The lakes and streams we fish, the forest we hunt and the site where we camp were all part of the sprawling battlefield where the eighteenth century French and English fought for possession. Relics of that war and of the Delaware and Iroquois Indian who once roamed our hills are on display in museums throughout the Highlands. Some of the modern highways follow the Indian trails.
(pp. 17 - 18)
Gaye Johnson
Stetson Junior High School
Abstract
Rumor has it that Death Valley and Mount Whitney have been close to each other for the past several million years. As your leading physical geography columnist, I predict a March wedding. The odds are in their favor. Both have uncertain family histories however. Due to the inescapable ravages of Egor Erosion, Miss Valley knows little of her parentage. A letter from an elderly friend (in the person of Father Time) mentions her Grandfather Diastrophism. Upon questioning Grandmother Diastrophism, she is positive that Father Time meant Grandmother Vulcanism. Considerable research proved this questionable.
THE RICH REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
(pp. 18 - 21)
Anthony Mangine & Dean Wilson
Beaty Junior High School
Abstract
The Republic of South Africa is an independent country, the most important industrial nation in Africa. It is one of the greatest gold and diamond producers in the world, indeed a country of considerable wealth and promise.