Control of Nature Paper Assignment #4: Los Angeles Against the Mountains

Due March 30

Write a ~3 page paper on one of the following questions:

1) Do you think the efforts and expense involved in controlling the debris flows in the mountains north of Los Angeles are worthwhile? Why or why not?

2) Compare and contrast the efforts to control the debris flows in Los Angeles with the efforts to control the flow of the Mississippi River and the attempt to stop the Iceland lava flows. Discuss the geology, the engineering, and the attitudes of the people involved.

In either case, make sure you defend all your arguments, and cite appropriate references (including the textbook and The Control of Nature) when you use information from sources other than your own mind.

The grading criteria for the paper is included in the course syllabus.