Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Subsiding Cities. The magic of water is that it occurs in the form of Steam, liquid, and solid ice--three intuitively predictable forms. The mindblower is that the solid--ice--is less dense than water and floats! Biologically this is important for the survival of aquatic creatures in winter habitats. Now the world's climate is changing and floating ice is liquifying, Thus slowly creating a new world of drowning, coastal cities. Our beloved Japanese gifted cherries near the Lincoln Memorial Are drowning because of the backed up Tidal Basin of the Potomac River. In South Florida, even on a fair day, Water is backing up and flowing out of the sewer systems. Perhaps more alarming, as I have recently learned, Is that many coastal cities in China are literally sinking. This is, of course, due to the neighboring--and yes--rising sea. But, unlike many other countries, a large number of Chinese cities Are built on softer river deltas, from under which Groundwater has been pumped out in large quantities. Perhaps within a hundred years, a quarter of China's coastal land Will be below sea level, much due to subsidence. This is an international phenomenon and, within our own turf, Our beloved New Orleans, sharing similar geology, Will disappear under the waves. Frank Maurer 27 April 2024 0900 Hours.