we need to strengthen our current hydrological knowledge by looking and having exposure into historical observations/exposures/statements which are once lost in the mists of time and needs to be reconstructed by multi disciplinary.
It could provide a new way of uncovering the hydrology of the past and will lead to a better understanding of hydrologic systems now and in the future.
If you want, maybe you could cooperate with some scientist on history for this study. They are good at working with archives and you would help them to interpret the information on hydrology. Because some information can be found in non-scientific papers.
There are also scientists who study folklore (ethnologists and anthropologists). Their methods can be used to collect experience of uneducated farmers, for example. And then it can be presented in the form of scientific articles.
Absolutely, Sir. I always wonder why other journals have no such avenues. Historical observations which show trends over the years gives clear ideas especially for both academicians and non academicians. Views from veterans is equally important as there is no replacement for experience.
Agree, it is a great idea as long as the material is appropriate and relevant. To avoid alot of wasted time and effort, the journal may want to advertise and review proposals for special treatment under this idea.
Another reason may be for some veterans or retirees, the issue may not be the reserved space, but the costs of publishing or preparing and delivering past work or expertise at conferences is prohibitive unless one has support such as emeritus position, etc. to carry some or most of the costs. If a person wants to stay involved in their profession without an emeritus position or some agency or company support, it may be best not to retire. I have heard this argument also, and know individuals who postpone retirement to stay involved. But there needs to be retirement so there is room for new blood, new ideas, new energy. But so true, the experience gained over a lifetime is difficult to replicate, and much is lost as many professionals are not in a position or do not take the time and energy to publish or display their works, or take the time to mentor and pass the experience baton smoothly and efficiently to the next generation.
Likely Universities, agencies and companies who have benefited and utilized this expertise for years know there is a brain drain, and might in preretirement of an expert, hire a replacement and continue to support the interested professional (expert) for one year sort of like a sabbatical to transfer information, expertise, etc. as needed, and mutually beneficial. This temporary position, agreement or part time work or support could be removed at any time by either for reason, or perhaps extended if desired and benefits continued to accumulate in sharing this expertise, training others, etc..
I like the question also from the historical perspective, and have been amazed at reading or learning of some of the historical hydrology and hydraulics works by early scientists, engineers and peoples, where even today we are amazed at the accomplishments and may not fully understand how they designed the works so efficiently and to function for centuries. It is obvious to me that they knew things that we are rediscovering, such as installing dikes or flushing stored waters to limit the extent of tidal salt water influx upon sensitive rice crops. Perhaps this on site reading of history is archaeological hydrology, such as a dam within a dam in Egypt to retain or detain waters to limit downstream damage if there was failure or the efficient water transference system in Peru or development of high elevation, near ridge water sources at Machu Picchu.
William
Thanks a lot for nicely reacting and answering this sensitive question from me. Though I myself is not so old but I found many a times excellent depictions from our professional stalwarts and if i am correct many of our reputed journals use to publish some of the hand written original words or expressions from renowned hydrologists or even any knowledge source ( may be an intelligent farmer /student/client of that time, who at present is out dated in terms of literacy towards computer or modern ways of depictions). As usual sir, you have given ample solid examples here which speaks and almost establish the fact that..as hydrologist we are moving on circumference of a zero, with no fixed point of start or finish, and so many a times considers that we have enough knowledge ( i.e. reached at last point 100) and may be we are at initial point i.e.0 who knows. Our past researchers had touched so high destinations , we may not be knowing it fully. So I am totally agree with your nice words ..are we rediscovering the wheel...atleast a bit change in our line of sight of publications to give a space for such historical entities is what I would like to project for the benefit of we all, else we are going to loose it for ever..
hope to have a further churning on this issue ..
Very nice reaction from Aweke
thanks a lot for agreeing with mine school of thought via this tiny question
I very much like your sound statement ' there is no replacement for experience'
If you want, maybe you could cooperate with some scientist on history for this study. They are good at working with archives and you would help them to interpret the information on hydrology. Because some information can be found in non-scientific papers.
There are also scientists who study folklore (ethnologists and anthropologists). Their methods can be used to collect experience of uneducated farmers, for example. And then it can be presented in the form of scientific articles.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Geoscience
- Hydrology