I find myself staring out the window for long stretches of time each day. It is sensational how we don't know what to expect from our environment, the surprises emphasize that earth is not what we knew.
Once again, though, we worship her, as if begging to be excused for the stupidity of our species. We seriously understand the miracle of such a planet that is indeed a paradise. The united efforts of The People's Assembly give us hope. We feel secure because there is intelligent leadership. All actions are thoughtful during this period that many call "The Long Pause." Much of the populace is reminiscing about our days here, resulting in a firestorm of historic literature and a resurrection of contemplation and discussion. The walls at our local meeting hall are covered with quotes from books. We can go and visit for hours with others, as the earth churns outside.
It is very hard to imagine that a lake can flip; a body of water forced to fold in upon itself and whole communities wiped out in one instant. I didn’t know about the Lake Nyos disaster of 1986 until people started referring to it. Known locations, where methane is escaping after millions of years of being tightly stored beneath the earth’s crust, are increasing. Nyos was considered a freak event back then, but now we have learned that there are several incidences around the globe.
Bodies of water are effected when the warming of the surface changes the water pressure and weakens the icy sediment below. This enables the centuries old gas to leak out. In most cases, the methane releases in millions of tiny bubbles that create a powerful fizz or a giant, dangerous burst. Scientists have made maps of the most effected areas and those that are at high risk for an explosion. I have seen photos of the unique donut shaped ocean rocks that were formed while acting as vents for powerful methane streams.
I have also seen photos of methane bubbles that were once trapped in the frozen lakes of the northern hemisphere. Nature has its beauty in all of this, and, it is remarkable how the planet is responding like a breathing organism. Many of us are calm, having surrendered our fear and accepted our unpredictable days. We are grateful that we haven't experienced some of the worst disasters. Each hour is a treasure and we are more aware of what happiness is.
A very small portion of the living seems to continue on, if awkwardly. We have active methane release areas in both the east and west coast waters of America that have become a bit of a tourist attraction. Expensive packages include boat accommodations and helicopter rides "for a bird’s eye view."
Increased fighting over the collection of gases for commercial energy is predicted. There are a few, they are referred to as "leftovers," that are moving quickly and carelessly with their imagined plans to capture the potential profit. They have no regard for what the people wish or even for common sense laws.
A new phenomenon that was never expected is episodes of radiant heat coming from the earth. Though uncomfortable, people survive and the damage is manageable. Some people treat them like a sauna, thinking they give a full body cleansing. Scientists know where they will surface, so it is part of the weather forecast; we now get above and below "weather" reports.
The written passage is an account taken from damaged journals and sketchbooks that were "found."
FOUND is an art installation that depicts a time in our future and a changing world.
View an early 21st century painting series "The year the permafrost softened"
View an early 21st century painting series "The year the permafrost softened"
Methane photos by Ned Rozell, Tom Levitt, and Rick Bowner
