unnatural state of being

[AntonioLao]

If electrons are replaced by muons in electricity then this power of charged particle motion would be called muicity. However, muon is approximately 200 times heavier than an electron. Therefore, with the same amount of charged motive force muon motion is much slower than electron motion. The usual drift velocity of electric current is about a third of light speed or about 100 000 kilometers per second of time. For a linear inverse variation, this gives the speed of muon current at about 500 kilometers per second of time. Although this speed is still much faster than sound waves, muon waves could heat up the conductors much faster than the usual electrical resistance. Consequently, the conductors will be destroyed and the muon current will cease. Muicity is a good example of unnatural state of being.

On the other hand, if the electrons in rain clouds are replaced by muons then the clouds become 200 times heavier. Consequently, rain would occur sooner and quicker. Therefore, LASER blooming irradiation of rain clouds with energy equivalent of muon mass would provide a means for artificial rainfalls. The serious question is what can be the effects of muon lightning if an imbalance of muon charged potentials occurs between solid ground and the fluffy nebulous muons laden rain clouds?

[labelwench]

Very little moisture escapes from the planet into space, according to the research, although hydrogen, on it's own, is capable of reaching escape velocity somewhat more easily.

Therefore, one hypothesizes that there is very nearly the same amount of water on the planet as there has ever been, certainly since the relatively recent arrival of our species.

There are, however, considerably more people than at any time prior, and each human body is composed of anywhere between 55-78% water depending on age, size etc., so at the very least, any 'missing' water is walking around upright, and requiring more water to maintain that position.

Human activity is largely responsible for at least some of the redistribution of water, as in agriculture and deforestation, yet I don't think it wise to start mucking about with the next level of connectivity by manipulating rainfall.

A far wiser course, to my way of thinking, would be to manipulate the human activity before further interceding in nature's business.

[AntonioLao]

Thanks for the wise admonition. I seem to remember seeing the movie "Total Recall" starring you know who Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone. The Heroes eventually were able to create a Martian atmosphere. The truth is there is more water on Earth that can create Earthlike atmosphere a thousand times over and the good news is water as vapor is better than water on the ground which prevents the domination of a "Waterworld" due to global warming (another movie starring Kevin Costner) unless of course we are fishes of the seven seas.

[labelwench]

Water as vapor expands to many times the volume of the liquid and is an aid in rapid cooling. In structural firefighting, it is the steam that is primarily responsible for extinguishing the fire. Of course, as the water absorbs the heat and converts into steam, while it is still capable of quelling the heat of fire, it becomes hot enough to scald human lungs and tissue, therefore protective fire-retardant clothing must be worn (very hot, heavy and cumbersome) and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus must be worn when entering any area of suspected fire or smoke, as such constitutes a hazardous environment.

Some burning compounds are so lethal that just a brief exposure (a few breaths) can result in permanent injury or death.

I believe that I have seen both of the movies you mention, a considerable number of years ago. Arnie's a hoot, and Costner is quite an excellent actor, and more diverse, in my opinion.

[AntonioLao]

what's your preventive solution for global warming? Do you have any suggestion as to how we destroy or prevent the onset of a destructive tornado?

[labelwench]

what's your preventive solution for global warming? Do you have any suggestion as to how we destroy or prevent the onset of a destructive tornado?

I do not believe we have that capability, given that the weather systems draw their very energy from the earth by means which we do not yet fully comprehend, else we would be able to make considerably more accurate predictions.

We are capable of learning more about extreme weather, building in areas less prone to such exposure, and improving our construction to withstand same, as possibly in-ground or underground construction. Similar to the bunker concept of the Cold War, only with improved design and technologies for extreme weather concerns.

Building on unstable slopes that are subject to heavy rain and on historical flood plains as we have been is at least part of our weather related problems, as well as sub-standard construction as contractors and financiers endeavor to increase profit margins. Just my opinion....

[AntonioLao]

I hope you don't mean we are accelerating our own demise? What do you think about Paolo Soleri's vision of Arcosanti?

[labelwench]

I hope you don't mean we are accelerating our own demise? What do you think about Paolo Soleri's vision of Arcosanti?

Many of us are not doing ourselves any favors by the choices we make daily, including unhealthy diet, lack of connection to nature and excessive stress, in my opinion. Paolo appears to have some very progressive ideas and the biggest challenge for them is that they are not profitable to industry. The concepts of sustainability, self-sufficiency, being kinder to the earth and retaining crafts and skills is quite feasible alongside energy efficient technology.

We truly do not need much of the chattel we encumber ourselves, as I am learning, as it's storage and maintenance is a continuing drain on energy and resources. A comfortable shelter, good food, some occupation that engages the body and mind and others to share and learn from are of considerably greater value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm-H3...eature=related

[AntonioLao]

Anna, thanks for the videos. My first impression why these futuristic civilizations would not work is because there are no cats or horses. Humans alone cannot fulfill all their aspirations unless they are supported by animals, for labor, for companionship, or for food. As Michio Kaku indicated we are type 0 civilization advancing to a type 1 civiliztion but without cold fusion it is impossible to get there.