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PEACE PARKS AT THE DMZ

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is about 4.8 miles (7.7 Kms) wide with a 3-mile-wide (5 Kms) buffer zone on each side and it roughly straddles the 38th parallel across the Korean peninsula. This area of 1600 square miles (4100 square Kms) has been virtually untouched since the Korean War ended in 1953. The farmland has been populated by native species without interference from people. A 1987 field survey revealed 41 native and 40 rare plant species, 16 native and 8 rare fish species, and other animals previously unknown to inhabit this area. These animals included a relative of the timber wolf and eight species that are threatened or endangered elsewhere including the Manchurian tiger and the Siberian bear. Professor Ke Chung Kim, director of the Center for Biodiversity Research at Pennsylvania State University, has a plan to create a network of wildlife preserves, international parks and managed ecosystems in and around the DMZ. This habitat might be expanded later to include the Taebaek mountains to the east and the forested plains and deltas on the Han-gang and Imjin-gang rivers to the west.
Drohan, J., `Sustainably Developing the DMZ', TechnologyReview, August/September 1996.

AIR DE PARIS

According to a recent study, the air pollution in Paris and Lyon, France is so bad that it kills several hundred people a year. This report was part of an European-wide survey. European countries are questioning what the acceptable levels or air pollution should be. Measured levels in these cities are well below the current international standards. "Our study thus adds to doubts about exposure limits", said Philippe Quenel, one of the authors of the report. Suspected contaminants are sulphur dioxide and microscopic particles such as those produced by diesel engines. Some of the scientists said that the adverse health effects from air pollution were quite low compared to effects such as cigarette smoking. Paris is among the 10 most polluted European cities but lags well behind Athens and Milan in air toxicity. Jean Tiberi, Paris city mayor, has already proposed two major bicycle routes that will cross the city to discourage motorized travel within the city. Tiberi did not favor restricting private auto use.
`Report says air pollution kills hundreds in Paris, Lyon', Nando.net and Reuter Information Service, February 6, 1996.

ROCKETS ON WHEELS

By the time you read this article, an attempt may have been made to break the land speed record. The top contenders at this time are London's Richard Noble and California's Craig Breedlove. Noble, 50, is the current record holder at 633 mph (1018 kph) set in 1983. Both of these men are trying to break the speed of sound, Mach 1, i.e., faster than 760 mph (1200 kph) in a car. Of course, this creates many unique design conditions, such as how the vehicle will respond to supersonic shock waves passing under the car. Design approaches are are diametrically opposed. Noble's Thrust SSC (Supersonic Car) make use of very sophisticated technology such as supercomputers and facilities for testing military rockets to model the different designs. Breedlove, 58, is basically a mechanic and was first to break the 400, 500, and 600-mph records. His approach is trial-and-error guided by a lot of practical experience. For more details see the references below and follow the internet links.
Fischetti, M., `Breaking the Sound Barrier... in a Car', TechnologyReview, August/September 1996.

Sketch of Noble's Thrust Supersonic Car
Sketch of Noble's Thrust Supersonic Car

INTERNET Pointers

My latest favorite search engine (i.e., Internet index) is Excite. In addition to be able to search web sites, one can also look for people or businesses. Of particular interest is the map associated with each of the addresses found in the USA.


Compiled by:
Ernesto Baca, P.E.
Environmental Consultant

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