Author West Marrin
Altered Perceptions and other writings on water
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Author West Marrin Altered Perceptions and other writings on water
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 | Water and Nature's Geometry |
| Carbon Sequestration and Global Water |
| Perspectives on Water and Life Force |
| Infrasonic Signals in the Environment |
| Comments on Transboundary Water Issues |
| Perceiving Water: Beyond a Critical Resource |
| Indicators of Sewage in Nearshore Seawater |
| Water and Alternative Energy Sources |
| Cosmic Water |
| Molecular Network Dynamics |
| Sound in Water |
| Water Symbolism |
Water and Alternative Energy
Sources
International
Conference on Water (2008 presentation)
As we embark on a switch from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources, we must keep in mind that the quantity, distribution, and quality of water available to support such a switch may prove to be the limiting factor. Alternative energies like wind, solar, and fuel cells (hydrogen/oxygen) pose the least water demands, whereas nuclear, fossil, and biomass fuels pose the greatest demands. Hydrogen gas is a highly-touted fuel because it is efficient and produces only water vapor when burned. In addition to conventional methods, hydrogen can be produced by green algae and by the combined efforts of two different types of bacteria—serving as a sustainable method of producing a renewable fuel. Another common recommendation includes producing usable freshwater from unusable freshwater (e.g., currently inaccessible or polluted) or from seawater; however, both are very energy intensive. Many of our water crises stem from the collective belief that we can manipulate the planetary water cycle so that it conforms to our desires—particularly as they relate to garnering the energy required to power our postmodern world. Return to Top
Water and Nature's Geometry
Geometry of Nature
Forum
(2008 presentation)
Water’s three-dimensional geometry reflects both a tetrahedron and an icosahedron such that the basic connections among individual molecules are represented by the former and more complex groupings are represented by the latter. The icosahedron is an ancient symbol of water and, in conjunction with the dodecahedron, of the planet's surface patterning. Some theorists believe that the icosahedron connects the various disciplines of mathematics and that the so-called E8 Lie geometry (based on the icosahedron) may be used to represent all of the particles that modern physics uses to explain the matter and forces in our universe. Beyond just theories, both biological and planetary forms reflect the patterns, geometries, and rhythms of water. Many successful designs for treating water, building infrastructure, and formulating medicines are based on the physical and chemical properties of water. Could designs that incorporate water's natural patterns facilitate our living more sustainably? Whatever the answer, geometry serves as a visible and invisible blueprint for the material world. Return to Top
Water's Relationship to Chaos and Order
Magister Botanicus (2007 publication)
"The Waters of Chaos" was published in the August/September 2007 issue of Magister Botanicus. People from many ancient cultures believed that the material world emerged from a primordial state of chaos. Of all the ancient metaphors used to describe this original state of chaos, water appears to have been the most popular. The waters of chaos were believed to possess a storehouse of unmanifested possibilities, such that they could give rise to forms from their very formlessness. Water does mediate a substantial number of worldly events and its molecular-scale networks and planetary-scale flow forms can be described by fractal-like patterns and chaotic behaviors. Complex networks, such as those displayed by water, display so-called cognitive properties (e.g., change, adaptation) that are related to changing interconnections among their elements and to their positioning between order and chaos. Water has been identified throughout human history as playing a pivotal, if not definable, role in creational processes and in symbolizing the primordial chaos. Return to Top
Carbon Sequestration and Global Water
Sustainability Retreat (2007 presentation)
This presentation addresses specific carbon sequestration techniques and suggests that we may want to shift our fundamental or underlying views of water before we begin implementing such techniques. Otherwise, we are likely to perpetuate the current water and environmental crises in a slightly modified form. Perhaps the most popular carbon sequestration technique includes pumping liquid CO2 into the ocean depths, where it will have a devastating effect on local deep sea organisms and will be far from permanently buried. The disposal of carbon dioxide in groundwater aquifers and petroleum reservoirs is more difficult due to physical and chemical characteristics of the media (e.g., sands or rocks) surrounding the pore spaces where CO2 is actually sequestered. Other water-related activities filed under the heading of carbon sequestration/offsets include establishing tree plantations in deforested regions and fertilizing areas of the ocean surface to stimulate phytoplankton growth, both of which are motivated by monetary gains in the controversial carbon credit market. Return to Top
Options for Wastewater
Effluent Disposal
U.S. Geological
Survey Report (2007 publication)
The options available for the disposal of treated wastewater effluent in sensitive aquatic and marine environments depend, in large part, on the selected method of treatment (e.g., primary, secondary, or tertiary). Surface water discharge, groundwater injection, land application, and irrigation/reuse are evaluated in terms of their possible impacts on the environment and their compatibility with the climate, precipitation, and hydrology/hydrochemistry of the Hanalei Bay area. In particular, the probable effects of heavy metals (for secondary-treated wastewater) and disinfecting agents (if used) on terrestrial, freshwater, and marine organisms are reviewed in an effort to match treatment alternatives with the disposal options. Additionally, shifting between more than one option permits greater flexibility in working with the natural rhythms and cycles of critical ecosystems and prevents the "chronic overload" characterized by conventional approaches to effluent disposal (e.g., ocean outfalls).
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Perspectives on the Connection Between
Water and Life Force
Life Force Summit (2006 presentation)
Historically, water has been associated with the life force and the unseen realm, within which it purportedly animates and gives rise to the observable world. This unseen realm is sometimes referred to as etheric, akashic, extra dimensional, or zero-point. Sacred traditions and geometries point to water’s mediating between the seen and unseen worlds and its symbolizing the movement of the life force itself. Water's role as a molecular-scale mediator between different forms of matter and between matter and energy is described by today’s science; however, the inability to define or measure an etheric realm has relegated the connection between water and life force to esoteric theories. The recent discovery of unseen matter and energy in our universe has prompted a revised view of Nature’s hierarchical structures and the role of water within them. Water is sometimes represented as a dynamic matrix, not unlike the complex networks identified by systems theorists as transmitting information and responding to the environment. Could water serve as the observable counterpart of the unobservable life force? Return to Top
Water Encyclopedia (2005 entry)Water is present throughout the cosmos in solid and vapor phases, while its occurrence in the liquid phase appears to be more limited. The origins of water may be traced back to hydrogen atoms that were created following the Big Bang and oxygen atoms that continue to be created in the interior of dying stars. Water resides on everything from interstellar dust and gas clouds to the surface of planets and stars, where it performs myriad roles in creating and sustaining the physical universe. Moreover, cosmic water molecules themselves are continuously created, destroyed, and transported in the vast interstellar realms. Easily recognized by the wavelengths of light that it adsorbs and emits, cosmic water also exists as a flowing icy phase that may have been instrumental in combining the simple organic molecules that are required for biological life. Perhaps even the much sought-after liquid water is more common on planetoids within our galaxy than astronomers originally suspected. Return to Top
Molecular Network Dynamics
Water Encyclopedia
(2005 entry)
Liquid water forms a vast interconnected network that is just beginning to be understood in terms of both its structure and dynamics. The network is composed of individual molecules that chemically bond to two, three, or four of its nearest neighbors in a manner such that the bonds, or links, are switched as rapidly as a trillion times per second. While most of liquid water is currently modeled as a disordered arrangement of molecules (known as bulk water), a fraction of the molecules are grouped together in more ordered arrangements that are known as clusters. Even models that posit a more homogeneous and extended water network predict a highly dynamic system, whereby the many and varied vibrations of chemical bonds are superimposed upon the repositioning and reorientation of water molecules comprising the network. Water’s network dynamics are responsible for many of its anomalous properties, as well as its ability to serve as a facilitator for biological life and a key participant in the chemistry of the universe. Return to Top
Sound in Water
Water Encyclopedia
(2005 entry)
As an elastic medium, water transmits sound as longitudinal waves that propagate along a path defined by the compression and subsequent relaxation of adjacent water molecules. Because water is a denser medium than air, the former transmits sound waves faster and more efficiently than does the latter. Underwater environments (e.g., oceans, lakes) are characterized by a spectrum of sound frequencies and intensities produced by geological, meteorological, biological, and anthropogenic sources. Naturally produced sounds vary in frequency from the high-pitched clicks and whistles of dolphins to the very low-pitched (often inaudible) rumblings of earthquakes and hurricanes. Man-made underwater sounds include everything from communication signals and ship propellers to the high-intensity audible tones produced by active sonar and acoustic thermography technologies. The behavior of oceanic sound is quite complex as a result of its reflection, absorption, scattering, and entrainment by surface and bottom features and of its confinement to extensive deep-water layers. Return to Top
Water Symbolism
Water Encyclopedia
(2005 entry)
Throughout history, water has been used as a symbol of wisdom, power, grace, music, and the undifferentiated chaos that give rise to the material world. Many ancient cultures believed that everything in existence was birthed from, and ultimately returns to, the metaphoric “waters of chaos” through the substance of water. Whether portrayed as a shape-shifting dragon, an omnipotent god, a three-dimensional geometry, or a subterranean river, water has always been understood to play a fundamental role in the creation and maintenance of the physical world and, in particular, biological life. While the post-Renaissance view of water differed in many respects from ancient views, water and its recognizable flow forms remained symbols of power, beauty, wisdom, and the essence of the natural world. In our postmodern world, water most commonly symbolizes an economic commodity, which is bought, sold, collected, and distributed according to various market forces. This shift in human perception has resulted in many unforeseen effects on the Earth and the biosphere. Return to Top
Infrasonic Signals in the Environment
Australian Acoustics Conference (2004
presentation)
We humans can hear sounds over a frequency range of about 10 octaves, bracketed by a lower limit at about 20 hertz and an upper limit at about 20,000 hertz. Sounds generated at frequencies lower than 20 hertz are known as infrasonic are often felt within our bodies rather than heard with our inner ears. Why might we be interested in this ultra low-frequency infrasound? Answers to this question are many and varied. First, our everyday environment is full of infrasounds that can affect us in a variety of ways—many of which we simply do not recognize. Second, there are a host of animals on the planet that can both hear and communicate in the infrasonic range. Third, a wide range of Earth processes (e.g., geological, meteorological, hydrological) produce infrasounds that signal important events or changes. Infrasounds transmitted through water, air, and rock may link vibrational phenomena in otherwise distinct planetary compartments. Finally, beyond the confines of our planet exists a cacophony of cosmic infrasounds that may inform us about our universe. Return to Top
Comments on Transboundary
Water Issues
Earth's Waters in Crisis Conference (2004 presentation)
A recent EOS Forum article raised a number of interesting points regarding the manner in which global change and related water issues are commonly perceived and addressed. Exactly how much of the global change is attributable to anthropogenic activities, as opposed to natural cycles, we do not know. What we do know is that changes in weather and climate patterns are mediated primarily through water and its myriad roles within the hydrologic cycle. As the only substance that can either enhance or mitigate CO2-induced global warming, water is sometimes referred to as the mediator of rapid climate change. Many of our water-related problems can be traced to managing water in accordance with man-made structures and boundaries rather than with natural watersheds and flow regimes. Besides conducting research and proposing regulations, an important task for Earth scientists is offering nonscientists an expanded perspective on water. The common view of water as just another commodity is one that, in my opinion, complicates any attempt to seriously influence usage patterns. Return to Top
Perceiving Water: Beyond a Critical Resource
Kaua'i Historical Society (2003
presentation)
Some people believe that technology will ultimately provide the solutions we seek to our water problems, while others maintain that we cannot even begin to solve our current water-related challenges from essentially the same perception of water that initially gave rise to those challenges. According to the latter viewpoint, a fundamental shift in our perception of water will likely be required. Our view of water as a human right, a financial commodity, a scientific oddity, and a crucial resource have served us in many ways; however, solving today's crises may require our connecting to water in ways that will supplement our predominantly intellectual perception of it. Clues to a different perception of water may be found in art, music, poetry, our personal experiences/insights, and the rituals and understandings of many ancient and indigenous peoples. We postmodern Westerners recognize that water's nature is more complex than we can possibly interpret from our intellect and senses; however, many of our actions lack the humility inherent in such a recognition. Return to Top
Indicators of Sewage in Nearshore
Seawater
Hanalei Watershed
Hui (2003 presentation)
The most likely routes of introduction of human sewage into Hanalei Bay include [1] direct discharge via designed outfalls (treated sewage), [2] release from holding tanks aboard boats (untreated sewage), [3] indirect surface discharge from sewage entering rivers or streams that empty into the Bay, and [4] indirect subsurface discharge from sewage entering groundwater that discharges into the Bay. Ongoing studies designed to monitor bacterial levels in Hanalei Bay suggest that the latter route could be the most significant. A number of anthropogenic substances may be used as indicators of sewage introduction to seawater, including fecal sterols (e.g., coprostanol), synthetic estrogens as components of prescription drugs, surfactants (e.g., linear alkylbenzenes) as components of laundry detergents, chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) as a component of cleaning products, and caffeine. Depending on the route of sewage transport to the Bay, the various compounds will be more or less useful as indicators. Return to Top
Greenhouse Gases Contributed by Contaminated Groundwater EOS (2000 publication)
"Potential Atmospheric Contribution of Methane from Fractured Bedrock Aquifers" was published in the Transactions of the American Geophysical Union 81(26). This paper addresses the relationship between the widespread contamination of groundwater aquifers by petroleum hydrocarbons (e.g., fuels, oils, solvents) and the release of methane, which is a common greenhouse gas produced as a biodegradation product of these contaminants under the anaerobic conditions that exist in most groundwater aquifers. The biogenic gases (both methane and carbon dioxide) diffuse upward from the contaminated portion of the aquifer, through the overlying soils, and eventually are released to the atmosphere at the ground surface. Return to Top
Perspectives on In-Situ Water Remediation Technologies Physical and Thermal Technologies (2000 publication)
"Hydration Structures and Dynamics: An Alternative Perspective on Remediation Processes" was published in Physical and Thermal Technologies: Remediation of Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds C2(5). This paper explores the manner in which commonly-employed remediation technologies are likely to affect the complex molecular structure of water. Many of these technologies alter water's molecular structure so that its ability to solvate the pollutants is compromised, resulting in their aqueous destruction or their partitioning into the air or soils. The topics of optimal tracer selection, microbial enzyme hydration, and electromagnetic radiation application are discussed in terms of the interaction between water's structure and dissolved contaminants. Return to Top
Changes in Water Chemistry Associated with Fuel Spills Biogeochemistry (1999 publication)
"C2 and C3 Hydrocarbon Gases Associated with Highly Reducing Conditions in Groundwater" was published in Biogeochemistry 47(1). The analyses of hydrocarbon and biogenic (greenhouse) gases in groundwater and soils are commonly being used as an indicator of redox conditions and fuel spills. Biogenic gases (including low molecular weight hydrocarbons) are those produced during biological processes such as respiration and photosynthesis. The objective of this paper was to report the presence of C2 and C3 hydrocarbon gases overlying petroleum-contaminated groundwater at a limited number of sites. Adding these compounds to the usual suite of water or vapor analytes may be useful for interpreting field data related to the biodegradation or migration of fuel spills. Return to Top
Remotely Detecting the Biodegradation of Water Contaminants Remediation (1993 publication)
"Techniques for Rapidly Evaluating the Progress of In-situ Remediation" was published in Remediation 3(1). This paper explains how analyzing several common gases (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane) and their relative abundance in water, soils, and sediments may be used to assess the means (or pathways) by which common water contaminants are undergoing biodegradation via naturally-occurring microorganisms. This relatively rapid assessment technique may be used to decide whether human remediation efforts are actually serving to enhance the natural processes and whether such efforts should be redesigned or abandoned. The technique may also be used to locate regions within a contaminated site that are not undergoing biodegradation.
Return to TopEcological and Limnological Factors Affecting Fisheries Environmental Biology of Fishes (1983 publication)
"Ontogenetic Changes and Intraspecific Resource Partitioning in C. tahoensis" was published in Environmental Biology of Fishes 8(1). This paper documents the changes in food and habitat partitioning of a native freshwater fish during its various life stages. This partitioning appears to avert direct niche overlap with introduced trout in reservoirs and natural lakes. As a fisheries management practice, the efficacy of periodically poisoning subalpine lakes and reservoirs to eradicate native "nongame" fishes and, supposedly, improve the angling success for trout is dubious. Not only is this practice expensive, polluting, and lethal to other aquatic organisms, it may not address the relevant issues with introduced fishes, which include suboptimal water conditions (e.g., dissolved oxygen, temperature) and habitat, as well as predation by very large trout.
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