w10

The U.S Attorney for the Western District of Sentencing will take Washington - an aggressive prosecutor when it place early next January.

relates to marine pollution - has struck again! This The maximum possible

time, he has received a guilty plea from a ship's penalty is a fine of $250,000 and/or a prison term of engineer charged with the felony of obstructing a 20 years!

federal investigation into intentional dumping of The lesson here is that while deliberate dumping of waste oil from the vessel into the sea. The oil is bad and will expose the offender to prosecution prosecutor indicated that he believes such marine and significant fines, obstructing

pollution practices are "pervasive". and will likely result in even As has been true in other marine pollution more stringent penalties. In particular, making false

prosecutions, the violations here involved a bypass entries into the oil record book is, in effect,

of the oil-water separator, false entries into the oil submitting a fraudulent document (lying) to federal record book, and actions designed to thwart authorities. This gives prosecutors jurisdiction over

discovery of the bypass by Coast Guard inspectors. the vessel and crew, even if the alleged pollution The discovery of the bypass scheme was made on took place far away from American waters.September 11, 2003, in Vancouver, Washington. Only two weeks elapsed between the inspection and the guilty plea! Contributed by Anthony Lambros (Q&S)

federal

investigators is worse

average one ship a week, often in Scientists have understood ocean

mysterious circumstances. With waves for centuries. They are simply

little evidence to go on, investiga- made by the wind. The stronger the

tors usually point at human error or wind and the longer it blows the

poor maintenance but an alarming bigger the waves.

series of disappearances and near-

sinking, including world-class

vessels with un-blemishing track

records, has prompted the search

for a more sinister cause and

renewed belief in a maritime myth;

the wall of water. Waves the height

of an office block. Waves twice as

large as any that ships are

designed to ride over.

ince 1990, 20 vessels have

been struck by waves off the

South African coast. In March 2001

and a few days apart, in South

e come back to this Atlantic (Antarctica) the reputable

important subject which cruise liners “BREMEN” and “CA-

has been dealt with twice in the LEDONIAN” were hit by two near

past ; issues 3 and 7. disastrous waves and were crippled,

The world's oceans claim on almost, to the point of sinking.

In our 'internet' society there is a new tendency. It is the lifestyle of long working hours and fast food. É call it “The computer bug”. It is a 'hard' virus much affecting the computer operator but not the 'soft'ware. Now, certain people seem to spent more time in the office or even at home, till late at night, behind a computer. They consume lots of coffee and pizzas whilst leading a high-pressure urban working schedule. They actually dedicate more time on their lap-

top than taking care of their family. But remember: The spouse cannot

be replaced by a mouse. Those that you want in your life never take them for granted.

MOUSE SPOUSEversus

TO THE MASTER: Please circulate this Bulletin to the CREW.

WavelengthC

Volume 1, Issue 10, January 2004 To reah our

cSeafarers

o reaour

ch efarers

[email protected]

In this issuepg2

...continued to pg 2

(ROGUE) FREAK WAVES

Washington Prosecutor Bags Another Vessel Engineer Using WORK

EQUIPMENT Safely

Reducing port state control detentions

The origin and life of theearth (Gaea)

Greek (Hellenic)mythology

Shipboard Security

Check manufacturers' Training may be needed for existing instructions about maintenance staff as well as inexperienced staff or Routine daily and weekly checks new starters. The greater the danger may be necessary the better the training needs to be. We Check about preventive all started as beginners. Be patient.maintenanceLifts, cranes pressure systems, What should operators do?power presses etc should be They should check that:examined by competent persons, They know how to use the at intervals specified by law machine

They know how to stop the machine before they start itAll guards are in position; all protective devices are workingThe area around the machine is clean, tidy and free from obstructionThey are wearing their FULL personal protective equipment

Carry out maintenance work safely They should :Maintenance should be carried out, Tell their supervisor once they where possible, with the power to the think a machine is dangerousequipment off. Isolate pipelines They should never:containing pressurized fluid, gas, steam Use a machine unless they are or hazardous material. Isolating valves trained to do soshould be locked off. Try to clean a moving machine if Support parts of equipment which could this could be dangerousfall and allow moving parts to stop and Use a machine or appliance which high temperature components to cool. has a danger sign/tag attachedTo PREVENT FIRE or EXPLOSIONS Wear dangling chains, loose thoroughly clean vessels that have clothing, rings or have long hair contained flammable solids, liquid, gases hanging freely and could get or dusts and check them before hot caught up in moving parts.work is carried out. HOT WORK Distract other PERMIT!!! people

who are Instruct and train your younger using seafarers. Make sure they have the machines or knowledge they need and can maintain fool aroundequipment safely.

- pg 2 - - pg 3 -

n order to predict the biggest wave a

ship will meet, scientists use a set of

mathematical equations called the Linear

Model. It is so well accepted that the entire

multi-billion dollar industry relies to it;

naval architects calculate the ship's

strength and the biggest wave used in

ship's design is just 15m.

owever, as accidents to vessels

continue to happen with waves up

to 30m high scientists have intensified their

research. Using a new radar satellite the

German Aerospace Centre began

searching for freak waves around the

globe. Scientist Al Osborne inhabits a

strange mathematical world where almost

everything can happen. It is the world of

quantum physics. In this world objects

appear and disappear according to one

remarkable equation, the Schrodinger

equation. The theory is based on the

notion that in certain unstable conditions,

waves can steal energy from their

neighbours. Adjacent waves shrink while

the one at the focus can grow to an

enormous size. Though this equation has

been rejected in the past; however, new

data, collected from global satellite

surveillance have began backing this case.

sborne's work if correct suggests

that there are two kinds of waves

out on the high seas; the classical

undulating type described by the linear

model and an unstable non-linear

monster; a wave that at any time can start

sucking up energy from waves around it to

become a tower ing f reak . The

consequences for ship design could be

stark.

urrently ships are designed to

accept a force of 15ton/sq.met. It

represents a typical storm wave 12m high.

A rogue wave of 30m high is calculated to

be hitting the ship with the astonishing

force of 100 t/sq.met. All the rest is history.

Adapted from

www.bbc.co.uk/print/science/horizon/2002/frea

kwavetrans.shtml

Problems found with oil filtering equipment are above issues, and the following advice is given in accounting for an increasing number of the total addition to any standing instructions onboard: deficiencies found on ships which, in the majority of ensure that all oil filtering equipment is cases, lead to the vessel being detained. Within this main ta ined in accordance w i th the category, deficiencies in particular, were found manufacturers' instructionsrelating to: perform regular testing of the oil filtering - oil/water filtering equipment fitted with a bypass line equipment, 15 ppm alarm and automatic - inoperative oil/water filtering equipment stopping device - defective 15 ppm (parts per million) alarm fitting of arrangements to allow testing of the - failure to keep proper records in the 'Oil Record equipment and 15 ppm alarm Book'. ensure that all operations involving oil/water in The following items are also featured highly in the the engine room and failures of equipment are MARPOL Annex I category: recorded properly in the Oil Record Book. . Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) These are high profile items that are easily . Retention of oil on board accessed by PSC officers during inspections.Recent analysis shows that there is a We propose that one person on board is held continuing upward trend in the above items responsible for the continued maintenance of the being targeted by PSC. above high profile items. The number of ships detained by PSC inspections Adapted from Lloyds Register would be significantly reduced by minimising the Contributed by Supt D. Papadopoulos (TECH)

WE HEREBY ATTACH A REPORT FROM "LLOYDS LIST" CONCERNING TWO INCIDENTS IN THE STRAIGHTS OF BOSPORUS/CANAKALLE. MAY WE DIRECT YOUR OUTMOST ATTENTION AND PREPAREDNESS WHILE TRANSITING THESE CONFINED WATERS.

UPDATE - BOSPORUS TANKER GROUNDING IS SECOND INCIDENT IN AS MANY DAYS.THE BOSPORUS STRAITS WERE CLOSED DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS TUESDAY RESTRICTING TANKERS HEADING NORTH AND SOUTH,FOLLOWING A SHIPPING ACCIDENT DURING THE NIGHT - JUST DAYS AFTER A HANDY SIZE BULKER RAN AGROUND IN THE DARDANELLES. THE GEORGIAN FLAGGED 'SVAYETOV PANTELEYMON' HIT BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS AND GROUNDED LATE ON MONDAY NIGHT, BEFORE BREAKING INTO TWO PIECES, LOCAL SOURCES SAID.THE CREW OF 25 WAS RESCUED, BUT THE STRAIT WAS CLOSED TO ALL BUT SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC.IT WAS NOT CLEAR WHAT THE SHIP HAD BEEN CARRYING. A WEEK EARLIER, THE DRY-BULK CARGO SHIP 'MANA' RAN AGROUND WHILE TRAVERSING THE DARDANELLES, SOUTH OF THE BOSPORUS STRAITS.MONDAY NIGHT'S ACCIDENT EXACERBATED DELAYS FOR TANKERS PASSING BETWEEN THE BLACK SEA AND MEDITERRANEAN. RESTRICTED VESSELS WERE WAITING SEVEN DAYS TO PASS NORTHBOUND THROUGH THE DARDANELLES ON TUESDAY, UNCHANGED FROM MONDAY WITH 18 VESSELS LINED UP AWAITING THEIR TURN. SOUTHBOUND DELAYS WERE THREE TO FOUR DAYS, WITH 13 SHIPS WAITING. THE BOSPORUS DARDANELLES STRAITS LINK BLACK SEA PORTS TO THE WORLD'S OCEANS AND ARE KEY OUTLETS FOR RUSSIAN OIL, GRAINS AND OTHER COMMODITIES FROM SEVERAL FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS. IN LATE OCTOBER, A RUSSIAN-FLAGGED CARGO SHIP STRUCK THE DOCK OF AN HISTORIC OTTOMAN ERA PALACE ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPORUS.

UNQUOTE

(ROGUE) FREAK WAVES

...continued from pg 1Using SafelyWORK EQUIPMENTWhat needs to be done? What can be done to reduce the Risks?

What risks arise from its use?Work equipment includes:

When identifying the risks think about:

very so often, the use of work Look at all work equipment in use, Use the right equipment. Plan ahead equipment, including machinery, decide what can cause risk and how and ensure suitable equipment

results in a number of accidents, many of Look at what can be done to prevent Make sure that machinery is safe. which are serious and some fatal. risk and see whether this is being done Eliminate the source of harm.The information below gives simple, Decide whether more needs to be done Remember:practical advice on what can be done to Then do it. Fixed guards should be used. eliminate or reduce the risks. Fasten them with nuts and

boltsMany things can cause risk, for example: Detailed guidance should be

Machines such as circular saws, Using the wrong equipment for the available and consulted drilling, photocopiers, etc job, i.e. ladders instead of staging Position 'hold to run' at a safe Hand tools such as screwdrivers, Lack of guards on machines, leading distanceknives, hand saws, meat cleavers etc to accidents caused by entanglement, Ensure control switches are Lifting equipment such as lift trucks, shearing, crushing, trapping, cutting clearly marked of what they dolifting slings, etc etc Make sure operating controls Other equipment such as ladders, Having adequate controls or the are designed and placed properlypressure cleaners, etc. wrong type of controls so that Prevent operators from entering

equipment cannot be turned off danger areas before the machine quickly and safely; or it starts has stoppedaccidentally Where appropriate, have Failure to keep guards, safety devices, emergency stop controls within controls etc, properly maintained so easy reachthat machines or equipment become Make sure that hand tools are safe:unsafe Hammers - avoid split, broken Failure to provide the right informa- /loose shafts. Heads properly tion, instruction and training for secured to shaftsthose using the equipment Files have a proper hand. They

aren't leversChisels cutting edge should be

Who will use the equipment sharpened to the correct angle(experienced and well trained Screwdrivers never use as seafarers or new starters) chisels and never use hammers Crewmembers who may act foolishly on themor carelessly or make mistakes Spanners avoid splayed jaws; Whether guards or safety devices are have all right sizespoorly designed Make sure that machinery & The type of power supply, i.e. equipment are maintained in a safe electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc condition

Inspection alert. Reducing port state control detentions: MARPOL Annex I

Extracts, Courtesy HSE/U.K.

Contributed by Ch. Trantas (MAROPS)

Check manufacturers' Training may be needed for existing instructions about maintenance staff as well as inexperienced staff or Routine daily and weekly checks new starters. The greater the danger may be necessary the better the training needs to be. We Check about preventive all started as beginners. Be patient.maintenanceLifts, cranes pressure systems, What should operators do?power presses etc should be They should check that:examined by competent persons, They know how to use the at intervals specified by law machine

They know how to stop the machine before they start itAll guards are in position; all protective devices are workingThe area around the machine is clean, tidy and free from obstructionThey are wearing their FULL personal protective equipment

Carry out maintenance work safely They should :Maintenance should be carried out, Tell their supervisor once they where possible, with the power to the think a machine is dangerousequipment off. Isolate pipelines They should never:containing pressurized fluid, gas, steam Use a machine unless they are or hazardous material. Isolating valves trained to do soshould be locked off. Try to clean a moving machine if Support parts of equipment which could this could be dangerousfall and allow moving parts to stop and Use a machine or appliance which high temperature components to cool. has a danger sign/tag attachedTo PREVENT FIRE or EXPLOSIONS Wear dangling chains, loose thoroughly clean vessels that have clothing, rings or have long hair contained flammable solids, liquid, gases hanging freely and could get or dusts and check them before hot caught up in moving parts.work is carried out. HOT WORK Distract other PERMIT!!! people

who are Instruct and train your younger using seafarers. Make sure they have the machines or knowledge they need and can maintain fool aroundequipment safely.

- pg 2 - - pg 3 -

n order to predict the biggest wave a

ship will meet, scientists use a set of

mathematical equations called the Linear

Model. It is so well accepted that the entire

multi-billion dollar industry relies to it;

naval architects calculate the ship's

strength and the biggest wave used in

ship's design is just 15m.

owever, as accidents to vessels

continue to happen with waves up

to 30m high scientists have intensified their

research. Using a new radar satellite the

German Aerospace Centre began

searching for freak waves around the

globe. Scientist Al Osborne inhabits a

strange mathematical world where almost

everything can happen. It is the world of

quantum physics. In this world objects

appear and disappear according to one

remarkable equation, the Schrodinger

equation. The theory is based on the

notion that in certain unstable conditions,

waves can steal energy from their

neighbours. Adjacent waves shrink while

the one at the focus can grow to an

enormous size. Though this equation has

been rejected in the past; however, new

data, collected from global satellite

surveillance have began backing this case.

sborne's work if correct suggests

that there are two kinds of waves

out on the high seas; the classical

undulating type described by the linear

model and an unstable non-linear

monster; a wave that at any time can start

sucking up energy from waves around it to

become a tower ing f reak . The

consequences for ship design could be

stark.

urrently ships are designed to

accept a force of 15ton/sq.met. It

represents a typical storm wave 12m high.

A rogue wave of 30m high is calculated to

be hitting the ship with the astonishing

force of 100 t/sq.met. All the rest is history.

Adapted from

www.bbc.co.uk/print/science/horizon/2002/frea

kwavetrans.shtml

Problems found with oil filtering equipment are above issues, and the following advice is given in accounting for an increasing number of the total addition to any standing instructions onboard: deficiencies found on ships which, in the majority of ensure that all oil filtering equipment is cases, lead to the vessel being detained. Within this main ta ined in accordance w i th the category, deficiencies in particular, were found manufacturers' instructionsrelating to: perform regular testing of the oil filtering - oil/water filtering equipment fitted with a bypass line equipment, 15 ppm alarm and automatic - inoperative oil/water filtering equipment stopping device - defective 15 ppm (parts per million) alarm fitting of arrangements to allow testing of the - failure to keep proper records in the 'Oil Record equipment and 15 ppm alarm Book'. ensure that all operations involving oil/water in The following items are also featured highly in the the engine room and failures of equipment are MARPOL Annex I category: recorded properly in the Oil Record Book. . Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) These are high profile items that are easily . Retention of oil on board accessed by PSC officers during inspections.Recent analysis shows that there is a We propose that one person on board is held continuing upward trend in the above items responsible for the continued maintenance of the being targeted by PSC. above high profile items. The number of ships detained by PSC inspections Adapted from Lloyds Register would be significantly reduced by minimising the Contributed by Supt D. Papadopoulos (TECH)

WE HEREBY ATTACH A REPORT FROM "LLOYDS LIST" CONCERNING TWO INCIDENTS IN THE STRAIGHTS OF BOSPORUS/CANAKALLE. MAY WE DIRECT YOUR OUTMOST ATTENTION AND PREPAREDNESS WHILE TRANSITING THESE CONFINED WATERS.

UPDATE - BOSPORUS TANKER GROUNDING IS SECOND INCIDENT IN AS MANY DAYS.THE BOSPORUS STRAITS WERE CLOSED DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS TUESDAY RESTRICTING TANKERS HEADING NORTH AND SOUTH,FOLLOWING A SHIPPING ACCIDENT DURING THE NIGHT - JUST DAYS AFTER A HANDY SIZE BULKER RAN AGROUND IN THE DARDANELLES. THE GEORGIAN FLAGGED 'SVAYETOV PANTELEYMON' HIT BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS AND GROUNDED LATE ON MONDAY NIGHT, BEFORE BREAKING INTO TWO PIECES, LOCAL SOURCES SAID.THE CREW OF 25 WAS RESCUED, BUT THE STRAIT WAS CLOSED TO ALL BUT SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC.IT WAS NOT CLEAR WHAT THE SHIP HAD BEEN CARRYING. A WEEK EARLIER, THE DRY-BULK CARGO SHIP 'MANA' RAN AGROUND WHILE TRAVERSING THE DARDANELLES, SOUTH OF THE BOSPORUS STRAITS.MONDAY NIGHT'S ACCIDENT EXACERBATED DELAYS FOR TANKERS PASSING BETWEEN THE BLACK SEA AND MEDITERRANEAN. RESTRICTED VESSELS WERE WAITING SEVEN DAYS TO PASS NORTHBOUND THROUGH THE DARDANELLES ON TUESDAY, UNCHANGED FROM MONDAY WITH 18 VESSELS LINED UP AWAITING THEIR TURN. SOUTHBOUND DELAYS WERE THREE TO FOUR DAYS, WITH 13 SHIPS WAITING. THE BOSPORUS DARDANELLES STRAITS LINK BLACK SEA PORTS TO THE WORLD'S OCEANS AND ARE KEY OUTLETS FOR RUSSIAN OIL, GRAINS AND OTHER COMMODITIES FROM SEVERAL FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS. IN LATE OCTOBER, A RUSSIAN-FLAGGED CARGO SHIP STRUCK THE DOCK OF AN HISTORIC OTTOMAN ERA PALACE ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPORUS.

UNQUOTE

(ROGUE) FREAK WAVES

...continued from pg 1Using SafelyWORK EQUIPMENTWhat needs to be done? What can be done to reduce the Risks?

What risks arise from its use?Work equipment includes:

When identifying the risks think about:

very so often, the use of work Look at all work equipment in use, Use the right equipment. Plan ahead equipment, including machinery, decide what can cause risk and how and ensure suitable equipment

results in a number of accidents, many of Look at what can be done to prevent Make sure that machinery is safe. which are serious and some fatal. risk and see whether this is being done Eliminate the source of harm.The information below gives simple, Decide whether more needs to be done Remember:practical advice on what can be done to Then do it. Fixed guards should be used. eliminate or reduce the risks. Fasten them with nuts and

boltsMany things can cause risk, for example: Detailed guidance should be

Machines such as circular saws, Using the wrong equipment for the available and consulted drilling, photocopiers, etc job, i.e. ladders instead of staging Position 'hold to run' at a safe Hand tools such as screwdrivers, Lack of guards on machines, leading distanceknives, hand saws, meat cleavers etc to accidents caused by entanglement, Ensure control switches are Lifting equipment such as lift trucks, shearing, crushing, trapping, cutting clearly marked of what they dolifting slings, etc etc Make sure operating controls Other equipment such as ladders, Having adequate controls or the are designed and placed properlypressure cleaners, etc. wrong type of controls so that Prevent operators from entering

equipment cannot be turned off danger areas before the machine quickly and safely; or it starts has stoppedaccidentally Where appropriate, have Failure to keep guards, safety devices, emergency stop controls within controls etc, properly maintained so easy reachthat machines or equipment become Make sure that hand tools are safe:unsafe Hammers - avoid split, broken Failure to provide the right informa- /loose shafts. Heads properly tion, instruction and training for secured to shaftsthose using the equipment Files have a proper hand. They

aren't leversChisels cutting edge should be

Who will use the equipment sharpened to the correct angle(experienced and well trained Screwdrivers never use as seafarers or new starters) chisels and never use hammers Crewmembers who may act foolishly on themor carelessly or make mistakes Spanners avoid splayed jaws; Whether guards or safety devices are have all right sizespoorly designed Make sure that machinery & The type of power supply, i.e. equipment are maintained in a safe electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc condition

Inspection alert. Reducing port state control detentions: MARPOL Annex I

Extracts, Courtesy HSE/U.K.

Contributed by Ch. Trantas (MAROPS)

- pg 4 - - pg 5 -

The universe is an old place. In fact it may have existed for

more than 10 billion years before the formation of our own

solar system 4.6 billion years ago. We have a great deal to

learn about cosmos and are only just beginning to understand

the intricate nature of the solar system.

Our solar system is a gargantuan theatre-in-the-round roughly

8 billion miles in diameter. The chief players on the solar stage

are a sun, named Sol (Helios), four Jovian or gas-giant planets

and five smaller planets. The extras include at least 40

satellites or moons and a seemingly endless cast of comets

and asteroids.

In the last 20 years scientists have learned more about the solar system than in all of recorded history. Its exact origin is still in doubt. Innumerable cultures around the world have developed stories of creation, and it is not surprising that scientists have developed more than one of their own. Below is a select few hypotheses that may account for the evolution of the solar system.

The origin and life of the earth (Gaea)The origin and life of the earth (Gaea)

Nebula Hypothesis HEATING THE NEW EARTH potassium are not common, yet their effect is As early as 1755, German philosopher Immanuel Kant profound. Heat creates convection currents of hypothesized a primordial cloud of rotating gas, what is c The 'proto-earth' was probably an unsorted molten metal within the Earth's interior. The now called a nebula, in some way coalesced into distinct collection of silicon, iron and magnesium convecting metals generate a powerful electric bodies. compounds, and a smaller portion of all the other current and consequently a magnetic field (north

Earth elements. The element iron represents one and south poles). Supernova Hypothesis third of the Earth's entire mass. Many The possibility exists that a companion star shared the solar geophysicists believe that the initial internal system with Sol. The explosion of this ancient star scattered temperature of the planet was a fairly cool FORMING A DIFFERENTIATED EARTHdebris that in turn formed the remainder of the solar system. 1000C. Three major actions began heating the

young world: Until the gradual heating process was well under way Collision Hypothesis c Accretion: every falling particle attracted by the the Earth existed as an unsorted conglomerate of The tidal or gravitational forces of a passing star wrenched Earth's gravity carries with it the energy of material. After billions or hundreds of millions the a sliver of solar material away from the Sun. The newly freed motion, which then converts to heat upon impact. Earth's interior reached the melting point of iron matter split into planetesimals that achieved solar orbit. c Compression: as the size increased from the 1535C. This caused the drastic change in the Earth Several variations. accumulation of outer layers of falling matter, the differentiation.

interior was compressed by the steady increase Abundant and heavy iron, collected in large globs, Accretion Hypothesis in mass, which also translates energy to heat. began slowly sinking towards the center of the (Growth by accumulation) c Radioactive decay: as these elements planet. This gravitational energy, translated into heat It utilizes recent astronomical observations and the disintegrate they release energy and bombard energy, raised the planetary temperature by as much chemical composition of meteorites. the surrounding matter with atomic particles. This as 2000C.(Any proposed hypothesis creates a lively debate among chain action produces heat too. Heavy Meanwhile lighter matter, released from its parent astronomers and planetary scientists.) radioactive elements like uranium, thorium and rock by the meltdown, moved upward to float atop

the heavier mantle and cooled to form a new surface. The primal surface was absorbed and remade without a trace of its original character. A new world was born some 3.7 to 4.5 billion years ago. Differentiation released the gases that formed the Earth's atmosphere and oceans, a process referred to as the “Big Burp”.

ANATOMY OF THE EARTH The Earth is divided chemically into the CRUST, MANTLE and iron CORE. The upper layers are also divided by their physical properties into the lithosphere, which includes the crust and uppermost mantle, and the asthenosphere.

Crust: Oceanic 6 to 10 km / Continental 10 to 90 kmMantle: Upper Mantle 90 to 700 km / Lower Mantle 700 to 2900 kmCore: Liquid iron Core 2900 to 4980 km / Solid iron Core 4980 to 6370 km

PLATE TECTONICSThe crust of the Earth, with evidence, is broken into seven major tectonic plates and about 20 smaller ones, all of which are in motion due to the flow of the convection currents moving beneath the lithosphere, like conveyor belts. The continents are part of them. The measured velocity averages 5 to 10 centimetres per year.

Earth Quakes. Small tremors in the Earth's crust cause distortions in the lithosphere which then produce strain. Strain energy is stored in the rock like a tightly wound watch-spring until it is released suddenly as an earthquake. Almost 95% of all earthquakes take place along tectonic plate margins where the stress is greatest. Earthquakes are common; about one million occur every year.

Over the 4.6bn years of its history the Earth has will find layers not of fossils but of crumbling acquired a minutely thin covering of living matter and concrete, industrial rubbish, plastic objects of all its surface environment has remained comfortable for kind, old cars and, and if they are unlucky, life despite increasing radiation from the sun, radioactive and toxic residues. Water, both fresh and decreasing material from the inner earth as it cools, salty, is increasingly polluted. Supplies of fresh water impacts from objects large and small from the space will probably be the biggest environmental problem and our petty behaviour and neglect (“it's the of this century. There is the human-driven component economy…stupid”, and the human greed). of climate change and sea level rise. Carbon levels

are the highest in 160,000 years and rising. Then Perhaps the most important single element in Gaea is there is the extinction of other organisms at about a bacteria. Bacteria do not function as individuals. thousand times the natural rate. There has been talk

“One second of time has created in the mind a They live together in an ever-changing planetary web. about an alleged human obligation of “stewardship” strange idea of insecurity which hours of reflection Their life cycles interlock; the waste of one becomes of the earth. Looking at the human record of would not have produced,” Charles Darwin said after the food source of the other. Together, they achieve predation, exploitation and extinction of other forms the 1835 Chile earthquake. The doom mongers are the conditioning of the entire planet. It was they who of life one is reminded of the remark that “humans wrong, scientists say. The killer earthquakes that learned how to cope with the rising levels of oxygen are about as qualified to be stewards of the earth as have shaken the globe lately and taken thousands of in the long past. It is they who prevent once living goats are to be gardeners”.lives are no sign that the end is nigh. The rate over matter from becoming dust; they turn organisms Remember the "KYOTO" Protocole.time seems to be more or less unchanging. As the including “great us” into food and energy forworld gets more populous and richer,(with more others; they cycle and recycle the organic urban areas allowing a more built-up environment, and inorganic elements on the earth's higher buildings and all the infrastructure that surface; they purify the water and supports our civilization, communications and the perpetuate the chemical anomaly that like), the risk goes up. Imagine a future blow to a city, is atmosphere. 10 per cent of our dry with more than 10 million people and global financial body weight is bacteria.importance; it could “damage the world economy” However, only in the last tick of the setting off a downward spiral in advanced and geological time did humans make their developing nations. appearance, and only in the last tiny fraction

did they make any impact on Gaea's surface.The idea of the living Gaea is an old one as well as a There are more changes in the past 200 years than new one. Thoughts about it come up regularly in in the preceding 2,000 and more changes in the past Greek and other philosophies and religions. She is a 20 years than in the preceding 200 ones. In the past supreme example of interdisciplinary, or of the way in decade alone 450m new humans have come to which the sum is greater than the parts. Looking at live on earth. (Compiled from a variety the Earth top down from outside has been one of the Linked to this have been an overall reduction in soil of relevant sources. Ed)most startling revelations since those photographs fertility, depletion of natural resources, and an were taken from space 35 years or more ago. enormous increase in waste. Future archaeologists

“humans are about as

qualified to be

stewards of the earth

as goats are to be

gardeners”.