Underground Rivers - University of New Mexico

Chapter 10 -- Geophysical, Pnuematic and Electromagnetic Engines
Let us suppose that a hole has been opened in the branch B, a little below lb the level of the
water at ebb; the water will then flow with a velocity that may be represented by l, but at high
tide the water might be supported at the height h, if the opening in the tube did not permit it to
flow out, and it then must flow with the same velocity as if pressed under a column of fluid of
that elevation. The quantity of water so running may be as 3, 4, 5, &c. according to the height
of the tide; and finally, it must continually and exactly follow its oscillations.
To these considerations several might be added, for example: Knowing the proportional
densities of the fresh water and the sea water, and the difference of the two levels, to
determine at what depth the subterranean stream empties itself in the ocean. If we calculate
the particular case here given, we shall find, the density of fresh water being represented by
1000, that of sea water by 1029 (Dr. Murray,) the difference of the levels being fifteen feet, we
shall find, I say that the depth at which they join under ground must be five hundred feet.
Thence it follows, that if the junction of the two different kinds of water should take place at five
thousand feet, or one mile, below the surface, the fresh water should rise at one hundred and
fifty feet; if at fifty thousand feet, or ten miles, as one thousand five hundred feet, &c. This l
think may account for the springs on high ground, and even at the top of insulated mountains.
Though diagram is hydrostatically correct; its hydrodynamics are not. Once the U-tube
equilibrates, fresh (i.e., less dense) water ceases to enter.
Were the ocean the cause of springflow, it stands to reason that tidal effects would be noted.
From "Wonderful Underground Streams," Salt Lake Herald, August 22, 1897,
A remarkable new theory concerning the nature of parts of the earth's interior has just been
promulgated by Professor F.H. King agricultural physicist of the University of Wisconsin. It is to
the effect that the subsurface of the human footstool is interpenetrated by water incessantly in
motion that there is a vast network of underground rivers, brooks, streams, pools and rivulets
constantly flowing in various directions, some shallow, some deep, some near the surface
some far below the outer crust, all of them having a definite tidal motion and all subject to lunar
influence.
It is not stated whether there is any intimate
connection between these underground
streams and the great streams and bodies of
water which exist on the surface except that
they are both governed by lunar influence and
that the natural process of percolation may
indirectly connect them with each other... It is
a contention of Professor King that the
underground waters embrace a world wide
zone. They are not, therefore, confined to the
United States alone but undermine the
surfaces of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia
as well. Professor King is working to perfect a
map of the underground streams of the world
and as soon as he has finished we shall
doubtless know more of what the interior of
the earth is like.
To the right, "Recording Oscillations of
Underground Streams with a Chronograph."
The promised map and chronographic measurements are yet to be published.
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