It's time to dig out an old column, if only to demonstrate how old problems seem to remain problems for a long time.
This one was first published on April 22, 2009, with the memory of 2007 flooding still on our minds. It might be less painful to remember floods when we are enjoying 70-plus degree weather, and this old insight may be more and more familiar in the future.
We've had about 16 years to come up with at least a decision about diminishing the impact of flooding, even if it does not satisfy everyone. But the problem seems still as undecided as it was then, and I suspect things will be even more serious as we have to deal with climate change.
So, with that introduction to an old column, here are what I hope will be my final words on our local flooding situation:
First of all, I extend my apologies to a certain ancient Athenian philosopher for using what is known as the Socratic Method of instruction, a series of questions and answers designed to prove a point. What follows, therefore, is a dialogue I wish to present between a wise old man and a student who, for want of a better name, we shall name “Irving."
Wise Old Man (WOM): Are you comfortable sitting on that cable spool?
Irving: Yes.
WOM: Good. Now, as to the subject of flooding, what do you consider to be its main cause?
Irving: Is it too much water?
WOM: I'll ask the questions here, but, yes, your response was correct. Now then, where does that water come from?
Irving: From rain clouds.
WOM: Very good. And where do those clouds come from?
Irving: I'm told that mostly they originate over the Pacific Ocean.
WOM: Can you be more specific?
Irving: Well, the more severe storms are often called tropical storms, if that's what you mean?
WOM: I do indeed. Now,why are those more severe events called "tropical storms?”
Irving: Because that's where they originate? In the tropics, I mean.
WOM: Oh, very good. And how does water get into those clouds we mentioned?
Irving: Since air is warmer than the water, moisture is drawn into the air, where it forms into clouds.
WOM: Very good. And, by the way, what is the primary characteristic of the tropics?
Irving: Is it that they're warmer than other places?
WOM: What did I tell you about asking questions? You don't need to answer that. However, we're nearing the end of today's lesson. Now, let us review what we've learned so far. Since flooding is caused by too much water, and since water comes from clouds, and since clouds are formed by a temperature differential between air and water, and since there is a recent history of more water being held in those clouds and coming back down upon us in the form of rain, what would you deduce as the reason for increased flooding?
Irving: That the temperature where the clouds are forming is increasing?
WOM: EXACTLY! And you said it, not me. And, finally, what would be a good catchy term for this shift in temperature?
Irving: Global warning?
WOM: That's WARMING, you dunce, not warning! Come to think of it, though, perhaps there is a warning there as well. At any rate, I rest my case. Class dismissed.
Oh, and since I noted earlier in the column we haven't seen much action on this since the last big flood, let's hope we'll pay a little more attention to this soon? Then we can move on to wildfire smoke.
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Bill Moeller is a former entertainer, mayor, bookstore owner, city council member, paratrooper and pilot living in Centralia. He can be reached at bookmaven321@comcast.net.
