More Evidence – of Water on Mars
As some of my valued Dear Readers may have become accustomed, every once in a while I’ll have some (mostly irreverent) posts on that Martian thing. What made me chuckle today was the cartoon of the series on “Speed Bump(s)” by cartoonist Dave Coverly.
Oceans of Water on Mars
As you may recall, finding evidence of water on planet Mars has been a great pursuit of NASA and other agencies for a long time already. And every once-in-a while, new “circumstantial” evidence appears in a scientific journal, newspaper, etc. — all of high repute —no doubt. But positive proof had yet to be achieved!
That’s why this cartoon is so important: It proves it, once and for all and beyond any doubt, really.
Perhaps long ago, there were (please note the emphasis) oceans of water on the surface of that heavenly body but, unfortunately and most certainly, they no longer are.
You’ll likely wonder what I’m referring to, so let me get you up to speed (bump):
The Cartoon
I’ll come right to it – after a short commercial – entirely for your benefit – seriously!
Don’t believe anything, especially from well-meaning folks!
Trust me!
Etc., etc. ….
Now, for the definitive proof of ample water on Mars:
Speed Bump; source: https://www.gocomics.com/speedbump/2021/01/02
To the REAL Message
Dave Coverly’s cartoon is certainly funny (and clear proof of the former “oceans of water on Mars”). Ha, ha!
In my mind though, it also has a deeper message about much of mankind’s propensity to simply discard items “overboard.”
The reported gyre of (primarily plastic) flotsam somewhere in the Pacific, the need for more and more “landfill” sites to dispose of all kinds of refuse by communities far from the seas, represent problems of disposal of items no longer needed. As methods of disposal (that I have observed repeatedly, both on the high seas and lakes and rivers) they are “solutions” that only create, in many aspects, everlasting problems for future generations to deal with.
Similarly, the new “green” ideas to ban plastic bags are nothing but a “not available” = “no need for a disposal” solution. The real problem is not the manufacture or use of such practical items; it’s solely their disposal by inadequate means.
One more example is the material commonly known as “Styrofoam”. It’s widely used as a rigid packaging material for sensitive items and a great insulating material (e.g. for COVID-19 vaccines that require very cold temperatures). After several years of (prescribed) “recycling” of such Styrofoam packaging, the local bylaws changed. The stuff needs now to be put into regular household garbage that, presumably, gets buried somewhere in a landfill site in the area.
The REAL Problem with Garbage
The real problem with garbage is not the production or use of materials – it’s their appropriate disposal.
Not only is the amount and variety of multi-component (garbage) items already significant, it’s rapidly increasing. Very little, if any of such items can be “recycled.” The “green” ideas get stopped out by both economic and technical limitations. For example, many food items are packaged in multi-component plastic/glue/paper materials that are practically inseparable, hence not recyclable. Due to their rigid structure, the disposal in landfill sites takes up a lot of space and can lead to toxic leachates contaminating the water table.
Hence, perhaps it’s time to subscribe to
A new New Year’s Resolution
Contact your local/regional representatives to effectively deal with garbage through incineration – a process that is practiced routinely in many countries.
It’s better to destroy the refuse before it becomes a burden for future generations – whether on Earth or Mars!
Dr. Klaus L.E. Kaiser is author of CONVENIENT MYTHS, the green revolution – perceptions, politics, and facts Convenient Myths
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Jerry Krause
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Hi Klaus,
Let me maybe be the first to commend you on this great and meaningful essay. But after I submit this I know I might find that someone’s comment as crossed the line first.
Have a great day, Jerry
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K Kaiser
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@ Jerry Krause,
Thanks for your kind words,
Cheers,
Klaus
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Jerry Krause
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Hi Klaus,
Water and what we (you and I) know because we are chemists. We know that water is the universal solvent. We know that many elements are found in the water of oceans and seas. But much less in the water of lakes whose water eventually runs into the oceans. Hence, we (everyone) should know that ‘nature’ naturally throws ‘stuff’ away that never goes away (the conservation of matter). Mercury is one of these elements we find dissolved in the water of oceans which we should understand is naturally there and not the result of the activities of humans. We know there is a huge volume of water in the oceans but I do not know if many humans can wrap their minds around this fact.
Have a good day, and thank the Creator God for the stupid alchemists of the past who believed what Aristotle taught, Jerry
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