Sunday, June 11, 2023

Creation Moment 6/12/2023 - Learning from "ndustrious insects" of the Creator

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Proverbs 6:6 
 
"Of the approximately 2,000 recognized termite species, some play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers
The colossal mounds, up to eight meters high, constructed by several termite genera like Amitermes, Macrotermes, Nasutitermes, and Odontotermes, represent some of the most significant biological formations globally. 
Q: How might human architects and engineers benefit from studying these industrious insects?
 
A groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Materials
demonstrates the valuable lessons we can learn from
termite mounds to create comfortable interior climates in our buildings. 
 
Here we show that the ‘egress complex’, an intricate network of interconnected tunnels found in termite mounds, can be used to promote flows of air, heat, and moisture in novel ways in human architecture,” said Dr. David Andréen. 
 
The researchers focused on the egress complex: a dense, lattice-like network of tunnels, between 3mm and 5mm wide, which connects wider conduits inside with the exterior. 
During the rainy season (November through April) when the mound is growing, this extends over its north-facing surface, directly exposed to the midday sun. 
Outside this season, termite workers keep the egress tunnels blocked. The complex is thought to allow evaporation of excess moisture, while maintaining adequate ventilation. 
 
Q: But how does it work?
The researchers concluded that tunnels in the complex interact with wind blowing on the mound in ways that enhance mass transfer of air for ventilation. 
Wind oscillations at certain frequencies generate turbulence inside, whose effect is to carry respiratory gases and excess moisture away from the mound’s heart." SciTech Daily