15.06.2013 Views

Underground Rivers - University of New Mexico

Underground Rivers - University of New Mexico

Underground Rivers - University of New Mexico

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Chapter 10 -- Geophysical, Pnuematic and Electromagnetic Engines<br />

Again we have a subterranean machine defying principles <strong>of</strong><br />

elementary physics -- whatever pressure might squeeze a sponge<br />

would keep it squeezed -- a fact recognized by Georg Henning<br />

Behrens in The Natural History <strong>of</strong> Hartz Forest, being a Succinct<br />

Account <strong>of</strong> the Caverns, Lakes, Springs, <strong>Rivers</strong>, ... in the Said<br />

Forest (1703).<br />

[Some say] that the Earth sucks up the Water like a Sponge:<br />

but if that were true it should also swell like a Sponge; which is<br />

against Experience...<br />

For a Sponge affords no moisture till 'tis squeez'd.<br />

Capillary Action<br />

Springs<br />

Ocean<br />

Water's attraction to earth is known by all who garden. Perhaps rivers flow underground because<br />

the earth sucks it onward.<br />

William Derham's (1657-1735) Physico-Theology (1713) declared that water rises from the level<br />

<strong>of</strong> the sea to the tops <strong>of</strong> mountains by capillary action. We'll see more <strong>of</strong> Derham in Chapter 13,<br />

Hydrotheology/Theohydrology, a chapter inspired by his work's title.<br />

DRAFT 1122//66//22001122<br />

Uppddaatteess aatt hhttttpp::////www. .uunnm. .eedduu//~rrhheeggggeenn//UnnddeerrggrroouunnddRi ivveerrss. .hhttml l<br />

99

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!