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Talk:Maroons

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Merge
Info on the page Maroon should be merged here Guettarda 22:38, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
 * The page Maroon was made into a disambiguation page since the above coment was made here. --Brian Z 20:57, 25 September 2005 (UTC)

"the governor"
Later, the governor signed a treaty promising the Maroons 2500 acres (10 km²) in two locations, because they presented a threat to the British

The governor of where? Brazil? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.151.81.206 (talk • contribs) (01:51, 24 February 2006)

I think I've addressed that question. Governor of Jamaica, and the two locations were also in Jamaica.Mikesiva (talk) 16:42, 16 August 2021 (UTC)

Haiti
Should not Haiti be included as claiming maroons as an important part of its history? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.240.229.65 (talk • contribs) (10:34, 3 May 2006)

djuka
The picture captions include the word "Djuka". But there is no mention of this term in the text. Worse, the page for "Djuka" just redirects back to "Maroon". I'm left not knowing how a "Djuka Maroon" differs from an unqualified "Maroon" - is it a particular tribe? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.92.168.141 (talk • contribs) (10:19, 27 May 2006)
 * Hmmm, see this edit. — Khoikhoi 01:29, 28 May 2006 (UTC)

India?
"Maroon communities were formed among the Afro-Asians in South Asia who resisted slavery.[17] These communities of maroons still inhabit the South Asian countries." Is it certain that the Siddi of India are a) runaway slaves and b) not the descendents of the Swahili, who weren't slaves? Like the Swahili, some among them have modern African haplogroup E1b1a, and the Siddi (Saidi) name hints at Islam. It is possible that some Siddi are descendent of the original Black population of Asia/India. MrSativa (talk) 08:46, 1 July 2017 (UTC)

The "tribes' of Maroon peoples in Suriname
I will quote below a passage found at: http://lucy.ukc.ac.uk/EthnoAtlas/Hmar/Cult_dir/Culture.7834 describing the various groups of Maroons or "Bush Negros" In Suriname which should answer the question above about the Djukas. John Hill 02:48, 27 October 2006 (UTC)
 * "Today, according to Price (1976), there are six Bush Negro tribes. He divides them into two main groups on the basis of cultural and linguistic differences, as well as location: (1) the Eastern Tribes, consisting of the Djuka (Aucaner, Awka), the Aluku (Aluku nenge, Boni), and the Paramaka (Paramacca); and (2) the Central Tribes, consisting of the Saramaka (Saramacca), the Matawai, and the Kwinti (cf. the tribal distribution map in Price 1976: 5). The Djuka and Saramaka are the largest tribes, with estimated populations of 15,000 to 20,000 each. The Aluku, Matawai, and Paramaka are much smaller, with estimated populations of around 2,000 each. The smallest tribe is the Kwinti, with fewer than 500 people. Three main creole languages are spoken in Surinam: (1) Sranan (Sranan Tongo, Taki-Taki), which was once the language of the plantation slaves and is now the "national language" of Surinam, spoken throughout the country as a lingua franca; (2) Ndjuka, spoken by the Djuka, Aluku, and Paramaka; and (3) Saramaccan, spoken by the Saramaka and Matawai. It is not clear where the language of the Kwinti fits since it has not been adequately described. The Voegelins (1977) list a fourth language, Aucaan, but give no further information about it. Both Price and the Voegelins agree that Sranan and Ndjuka are, with little effort, mutually intelligible; while Saramaccan is the most distinct of the three languages and mutually unintelligible with Sranan. (It is not specified whether Saramaccan and Ndjuka are also mutually unintelligible.) There is one key difference between Price and the Voegelins with respect to the classification of these languages. The latter classify all of them as English-based creole languages belonging to the Atlantic branch of the West Germanic group of Germanic within Indo-European. Price would presumably agree except in the case of Saramaccan. If his estimate of the derivations of the Saramaccan vocabulary is correct (i.e., 50 percent African, 20 percent Portuguese, 20 percent English, and 10 percent Dutch and Amerindian), then Saramaccan cannot be classified as an English-based creole. Furthermore, Saramaccan is fully a tone language (cf. Price 1976: 35-36; Voegelin 1977: 142-44)."

Capitalization
Should the word Maroon be capitalized? Its capitalization is inconsistent in the article. -Pgan002 10:04, 23 January 2007 (UTC)

We've agreed that "Maroon" will be used to describe those Jamaican Maroons who signed treaties with the British in 1739 and 1740. All other "maroons" should not be capitalised.Mikesiva (talk) 16:43, 16 August 2021 (UTC)

Jamaican material removed 26 January 2007
The following material was added by an IP editor (IP 172.188.176.124) under Usage and other terms by someone who apparently did not read the whole article. Much of it is already in the section on Jamaica. The Jamaican section could do with a good rewrite.

Removed material:

 * Following the seizure of the Spanish colony of Jamaica by a British force sent to the region by Oliver Cromwell, the local Maroons fought a prolonged insurgency campaign against the new occupier. Amongst their leaders was a female chief known as 'Nanny', now an official national hero in independent Jamaica.  Local legend maintains that Nanny was able to catch British musket balls with her teeth and throw them back at the advancing redcoats.

 * Fighting from their mountain hideouts and protected by thick vegetation and the tropical climate, the Maroons prevailed and were eventually able to negotiate a peace treaty with the British. This treaty awarded them local self rule within two parts of the Jamaican hinterland, and they remain there today, governed independently by their 'Colonel of Maroons', a little known remnant of the original slave population brought from Africa by the Spanish in the 1500s.

 * The Maroons have their own language which is largely based on West African languages and when a Nigerian film crew visited them in the early 1980s, they were able to converse without recourse to English.

Verification and citation is needed for some of this. --Bejnar 03:09, 27 January 2007 (UTC)
 * Most of this information is common knowledge. The article should clearly delineate Maroons on different islands from each other and from South American Maroons.  Their history is different, and they should not be lumped together. Josh a brewer 02:46, 28 October 2007 (UTC)
 * Excuse me, but "most of" what is "common knowledge"? The specific information about Jamaica, or about Maroons in general?  I am really not being a smartass, either, I am simply unclear as to what you are saying.  I agree with you about clearly delineating the different groups of Maroons and their different histories. ---  RepublicanJacobite  The'FortyFive'  03:19, 28 October 2007 (UTC)

WikiProject Indigenous peoples of North America
Should this article be listed as part of WikiProject Indigenous peoples of North America? I believe that it should, since all Maroon peoples are, to some degree or another, descended from indigenous peoples, in combination with escaped slaves, and fugitive Europeans. I believe Maroons would fit in the same way the Métis do. Any thoughts? --- RepublicanJacobite  The'FortyFive'  03:28, 28 October 2007 (UTC)

 * How do you know that "all" Maroon people are part indigenous? This MAY be true (and probably is with some groups - particularly on islands), but to my knowledge, some other groups - such as in Suriname - have (and have had) as little contact as possible with the local "Indians" (or Europeans, for that matter). The Suriname Maroons (or "Bushnegroes") are certainly of mostly African descent, and, as far as I know, consider themselves to be of African descent. I think we could get into some serious difficulties here. The Métis are, by self-definition, part "Indian" and part-European - so their situation is - I would contend - somewhat different. Are there any Maroons who would like to comment? John Hill (talk) 03:36, 10 December 2007 (UTC)

GA assessment
GA review – see WP:WIAGA for criteria

 * 1) Is it reasonably well written?
 * A. Prose quality:
 * B. MoS compliance:
 * 1) Is it factually accurate and verifiable?
 * A. References to sources:
 * B. Citation of reliable sources where necessary:
 * C. No original research:
 * 1) Is it broad in its coverage?
 * A. Major aspects:
 * B. Focused:
 * 1) Is it neutral?
 * Fair representation without bias:
 * 1) Is it stable?
 * No edit wars, etc:
 * 1) Does it contain images to illustrate the topic?
 * A. Images are copyright tagged, and non-free images have fair use rationales:
 * B. Images are provided where possible and appropriate, with suitable captions:
 * 1) Overall:
 * Pass or Fail:
 * 1) Is it stable?
 * No edit wars, etc:
 * 1) Does it contain images to illustrate the topic?
 * A. Images are copyright tagged, and non-free images have fair use rationales:
 * B. Images are provided where possible and appropriate, with suitable captions:
 * 1) Overall:
 * Pass or Fail:
 * B. Images are provided where possible and appropriate, with suitable captions:
 * 1) Overall:
 * Pass or Fail:
 * Pass or Fail:

1:
 * Minor grammar issues, e.g. clauses such as “As early as 1655”, “to a significant extent”, “in some cases”, “until recently”, “amid increasing hostilities”, etc. need to be offset by commas and “were usually displaced; as sugar cane” is not correct use of a semi-colon.
 * Several WP:LEAD violations, e.g. lead does not summarize all major points of the article and lead should not contain unique information (i.e. etymology).
 * Use of weasel words, e.g. “on some islands”, “only on some of the larger islands”, “in some cases”, “some Maroons kept their freedom”, etc.
 * Use of peacock words, e.g. “faced great odds”, “were able to thrive”, “vibrant community”, “the interesting history”, etc.
 * Phrasing such as “remain to this day (2006)” is discourage as, for obvious reasons here, it quickly becomes outdated.
 * Maroon should be capitalized, e.g. “In Cuba, there were maroon communities”

2:
 * Aforementioned phrasing issues cause me to question whether information is truly from a published source and not from an editor, e.g. “faced great odds”, “communities were able to thrive”, etc. Also, phrasing such as “one of the most influential”, the “African traditions” paragraph and “The Boni Maroon Wars in Suriname by Wim S.M. Hoogbergen gives an overall picture” sentence are all questionable.
 * Lead states “Maroon populations are found in Jamaica, Amazon River Basin to the American states of Florida and North Carolina”. Where exactly are they in Florida and North Carolina?  I suppose anything is possible in the Appalachians and Everglades, but I can’t believe this without a source.  Also, if this is true, content will be needed to address Maroons in these areas.
 * The paragraph beginning with “Beginning in the late 17th and 18th centuries…” needs citations supporting the statistics/numbers therein.

3.
 * Content is often contradictory, e.g. lead states “A Maroon … was a runaway slave”. Article later states “Guyana and Suriname, still have large Maroon populations” and provides 1955 photos of Maroons. Article, therefore, implies both that Maroons are still in existence and Maroons are not in existence.  Further, article asserts “the slave trade [was abolished] in 1807”.  Unless Maroons live up to 200 years, they cannot still be runaway slaves.
 * Article is further contradictory in that it asserts Maroons struggled “to survive against white attackers” and “had to fight of white attackers” and face “colonial armies”, yet they were powerful enough to “fight to a draw” and sign treaties freeing them. Better description of 1) notable conflicts and 2) accumulation of might sufficient to defeat “colonial armies” is necessary.  Further, the article implies this treaty was with the British, yet article history begins with “slaves had escaped from Spanish and Portuguese owners” (essentially defining Maroons as escaped slaves of those countries) and no mention of the British is made until discussion of Jamaican Maroons.
 * Article is further contradictory, as it states “faced great odds to … obtain food”, yet asserts “The jungles around the Caribbean Sea offered food, shelter, and isolation for the escaped slaves”.
 * Non sequitur sentences, e.g. “Sir Francis Drake enlisted several 'cimaroons' during his raids on the Spanish” and “Another author who wrote on the Boni-history is John Gabriel Stedman”.
 * Article is a hodgepodge of information, experiences, etc. pertaining to Maroons in several geographic areas. This lack of organization makes the article difficult to read and/or follow.  Perhaps history sections should be divided into “main” geographic areas; several geographic areas mentioned in the lead are not addressed.
 * References themselves indicate where article is lacking content, e.g. no discussion, or identified discussion, of the Boni Maroon Wars, no discussion of the settlements in Cuba, no discussion of “religion as politics”, etc.
 * Nonsensical statements such as “Seeking to separate themselves from whites, the Maroons gained in power and amid increasing hostilities, they raided and pillaged plantations”.  In this context, by definition, an escaped slave is “separated from whites”.  Further, one seeking to separate oneself from the whites would not go about it by attacking white plantations.

General:

 * Article appears to be significantly lacking in organization and content. Please let me know if elaboration or assistance is needed.  Ɛƚ ƈơƅƅ ơƚɑ  talk 19:43, 13 December 2007 (UTC)

Suriname Maroons
Maroons of Suriname are a major project on the Dutch Wikipedia now, see a.o. nl:Marrons van Suriname and its talk page. We've taken up a cooperation project with the Tropenmuseum, a major cultural museum in Holland dealing with the colonial history. Of course, there are many interrelations with British history, if only because the British 'swapped' Suriname for New Holland, now New York, and kept British Guyana (or Demerara). Jamaica is also a major part of 17th and 18th history of the Caribbeans. In short, we need historians and cultural anthropologists to complete this part of the encyclopedia.

You might be of great help by completing this part of colonial history. In turn, we can translate or adapt your work on the Dutch version. There's a short literature list at Suriname Maroons talkpage that includes works of R. Price (1976) and more recent ones; if you are insecure of any of the works named you can ask your questions there. What you can be sure of, the best scholars on the subject, including Alex van Stipriaan (leader of the project) are all there. I'd like all of you to take part in this project, as it is important for the other Wikipedias as well. Thanks, - Art Unbound (talk) 22:21, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

Please do not place this detailed material in this general article. If it doesn't fit in existing articles, then, like the case of Jamaica, and the Jamaican Maroons article, a Suriname Maroons should be created. --Bejnar (talk) 16:35, 7 January 2010 (UTC)

Geographical distribution
This is a useful section as it provides a good way to appropriately link the many individual articles on maroons in various areas. However, there is a tendency, rife in the Wikipedia edit space, to incorporate too much of the underlying articles in what should be brief synopses. I have rewritten a couple of the entries, others need work. --Bejnar (talk) 16:35, 7 January 2010 (UTC)

While that is true, a number of the country sections don't have corresponding individual articles, i.e. Cuba. Until such time as those articles are created, I've broadened the information on maroons in those territories.Mikesiva (talk) 12:54, 5 March 2022 (UTC)

maroon (slang)
When Bugs Bunny uses "Maroon" as a term of derision, is it based on the cimarrón peoples, or does it have a different etymology? Canute (talk) 21:17, 3 June 2011 (UTC)
 * It's meant to be a mispronunciation of "moron." The full line is "What a maroon, what an ignoranimus." — Preceding unsigned comment added by Digitalmaven (talk • contribs) 00:26, 26 October 2012 (UTC)

Use
Why does the intro leave out Africa? The French at least used the term on the Mascarene islands (Cheke & Hume, 2008). FunkMonk (talk) 05:43, 22 August 2012 (UTC)
 * A lead does not deal with small details, that is for the text. --Bejnar (talk) 04:25, 22 May 2014 (UTC)

Title/ Wiki entry
Why is it Maroon (people). It's not an ethnicity or somethin. The wiki entry for this should be like "Maroon Settlement" — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dudanotak (talk • contribs) 19:39, 21 May 2014 (UTC)
 * Actually in many cases it was thought of as an ethnicity. What unifies all of these topics is the people who originated the settlements. This article is about them, culture, development etc., not just villages. --Bejnar (talk) 04:28, 22 May 2014 (UTC)

Marron
Editor Sue Douglasss suggested in an edit that the lead should contain the information that the term "maroon" could have been derived from the South American Spanish word marron, meaning "brown". (No source given.) However, the Spanish word "marron" has a couple sources suggesting that it in turn comes from the French marron meaning "chestnut brown" or "wild", and that the French word itself derives from the Spanish cimarrón. The alternative etymology for the French word marron is a borrowing from the Italian marrone. Of course we also have the problem that moreno meaning "dark-skinned" or "brown-skinned" coming from "moro" for "Moor", is closely related and may have influenced the eventual meaning. All and all, this doesn't belong in the lead, but with proper sourcing might go in a "Name" or "Etymology" section. --Bejnar (talk) 05:29, 27 April 2015 (UTC)

 * Just noting this here since it seems similar. An IP edit changed the etymology to say that the marron is connected to the color brown, not the meaning of wild or feral. CNRTL clearly gives the meaning for the adjective marron2 -onne as wild/feral and separate from the homonym marron, which can mean "the fruit of the chestnut tree" or the color brown. In the context of a person who flees enslavement, the "feral" meaning of marron is evident in the CNRTL etymological example from 1658: "Nègre Maron" (Rochefort, Histoire naturelle et morale des Isles Antilles de l'Amérique, p.322, ibid., p.335). As CNTRL noted, "Le sens d'«esclave nègre fugitif» semble être une création des colons, née aux Antilles, due à une compar. des Noirs échappés avec les animaux domestiques devenus sauvages après s'être enfuis dans les montagnes»." Carter (talk) 15:07, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

Terminology
Just today, IP user 67.211.244.14 changed the terms "runaways" to "escaped Africans," and "black slaves" to "enslaved Africans," which I think is a turn for the best. It challenges the prejudice embedded in its traditional use, which assumes that all Blacks were enslaved by changing the implication to mean that they have instead "been enslaved" and leaving the space open for "Blacks" who had been racialized, but were not in chattel slavery, what has been commonly misnamed "freedmen" (plenty were born in freedom, thus, could not have been freed). This is also a trend in scholarship (I could supply sources per request). However, I still think that the term "enslaved Africans" falls short of historical accuracy. It assumes that all of the enslaved Blacks were Africans. While the majority were so, there was in fact always a good portion of "creoles," enslaved Blacks born in the Americas who took to the wilderness escaping the plantation system. An alternative (present in scholarship too) is to simply write, "enslaved Blacks" as a generic term when the place of origin cannot be ascertained to have been in Africa. It maintains the connotation implied in the changes of IP user 67.211.244.14, namely that these were individuals who had been enslaved rather than being natural slaves, and it also makes use of the word "Black" (capital initial) as a socio-political term rather than a racial one. In other words, "Black" here is not so much a racial term, but a word that describes the racialized condition that most Africans and their descendants found themselves in European colonial settings. I am making the change for this usage of the terminology, but would appreciate your feedback here. Cheers,  Caballero / / Historiador    ☊  13:50, 7 January 2016 (UTC)
 * Sure, do the best you can. I learned how difficult this can be when I tried (unsuccessfully) to get "maroon" in caps  in the Great Dismal Swamp maroons article.  It's quite complicated as some resources have one thing and some have another.  I even called some of them and we did chat.  Gandydancer (talk) 15:06, 7 January 2016 (UTC)

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More Information on The World in which Maroons Lived
In reading this article, I saw that there was little information on maroons’ relationship with colonial powers, the natural environment in which they lived, their warfare tactics and battles, their trade, and their procedures regarding new members and crimes. I added a section on these topics. I would have expected to see more about the natural world they lived in and how they interacted with outsiders in the very dynamic and strained world in which these communities developed. All of my information came from Richard Price’s Maroon Societies: Rebel Slave Communities in the Americas, which is in my opinion an exceptional and detailed source about maroon societies.

Lsalefty (talk) 19:30, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

capitalization of maroon/Maroon
it's about 50/50 either way. I left this but am just noting the inconsistency for someone who wants to pick one or the other and remedy the discrepance. Elinruby (talk) 01:32, 3 July 2016 (UTC)

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I had a student who put together something for this page, but didn't move anything live. I wanted to link the page here (User:Ddvir/sandbox) to see if there's anything that could be used. Shalor (Wiki Ed) (talk) 16:25, 20 December 2017 (UTC)

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Is maroon capitalized or not?
I think it shouldn’t be, like “slave” isn’t. It isn’t a proper name; see Manual of Style/Capital letters and the link to proper names there. Seminoles, Creeks, Navajos have capitalized initial letters because they’re proper names. Maroon isn’t. Anyone disagree? deisenbe (talk) 20:41, 14 March 2018 (UTC)
 * Since there's been no answer, I'm standardizing as small letter. deisenbe (talk) 16:08, 16 December 2019 (UTC)

We've now agreed that the capital "M" should only be used to describe those Jamaican Maroons who signed treaties in 1739 and 1740. All other maroons should not be capitalised.Mikesiva (talk) 16:46, 16 August 2021 (UTC)

"Survive from colonists" ?
The article currently reads:

"Maroon communities faced great odds to survive from colonists, ..."

This is ungrammatical and ambiguous. I'm guessing that "survive from colonists" means something like "survive attacks by hostile colonists." This should be clarified, preferably with examples/citations.

Karl gregory jones (talk) 21:20, 19 July 2018 (UTC)

You're right. Thanks. ✅ Carlstak (talk) 01:41, 20 July 2018 (UTC)

Requested move 10 November 2019

 * The following is a closed discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. Editors desiring to contest the closing decision should consider a move review after discussing it on the closer's talk page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

The result of the move request was: Moved as proposed. (non-admin closure) – Ammarpad (talk) 06:19, 20 November 2019 (UTC)

– Seems like a clear primary topic due to long-term significance. Ethnic groups normally take a plural demonym as a title. Sangdeboeuf (talk) 12:43, 10 November 2019 (UTC)
 * Maroon (people) → Maroons
 * Maroons → Maroons (disambiguation)
 * Agreed. Carlstak (talk) 17:30, 10 November 2019 (UTC)
 * Also agree that no changes are needed. Gandydancer (talk) 18:25, 10 November 2019 (UTC)

 * Support This is a clear WP:PLURALPT.ZXCVBNM (TALK) 08:03, 11 November 2019 (UTC)
 * Support. Clear primary topic and should be plural. -- Necrothesp (talk) 14:52, 13 November 2019 (UTC)
 * Support first only and just merge maroons into maroon (disambiguation) Red   Slash  00:21, 18 November 2019 (UTC)
 * Support Clear primary topic. Dimadick (talk) 12:47, 18 November 2019 (UTC)

 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page or in a move review. No further edits should be made to this section.

Recent additions - March 2021
I have now twice reverted your recent addition to the top of this article. Per MOS:LEAD, the opening paragraph of an article should give a brief description of the topic, in the form of "Maroons are descendants of escaped African slaves..." or some such. The article should not jump immediately into the history of the Maroons without first defining who they are. Also, there is already a "History" section in the article, and the information you have added is already sufficiently covered in that section. You are free to expand on the existing history section if you feel something is missing, but since you have now been twice reverted, please discuss the matter first. WikiDan61 ChatMe!ReadMe!! 15:39, 26 March 2021 (UTC)

Discussion at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2021 April 5 § Cimarron (people)
You are invited to join the discussion at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2021 April 5 § Cimarron (people). Shhhnotsoloud (talk) 11:31, 5 April 2021 (UTC)

“Mauritius” section
The Maroon article is specifically about escaped African slaves in the Americas. Escaped Asian slaves should not be part of this article. The information in this “Mauritius” section is partly contradicted by the historical information in the general “Mauritius” article which indicates that the Indian workers were actually indentured workers, not actually slaves, which was also the case in other British colonies. Canuckft (talk) 18:31, 25 September 2022 (UTC)

title: Talk:Maroons


text:
Humidifier

A humidifier is a household appliance or device designed to increase the moisture level in the air within a room or an enclosed space. It achieves this by emitting water droplets or steam into the surrounding air, thereby raising the humidity.

In the home, point-of-use humidifiers are commonly used to humidify a single room, while whole-house or furnace humidifiers, which connect to a home's HVAC system, provide humidity to the entire house. Medical ventilators often include humidifiers for increased patient comfort. Large humidifiers are used in commercial, institutional, or industrial contexts, often as part of a larger HVAC system.

Humidification calculation

 * Humidity per hour: X = Air changes per hour (ACPH) * M³ * density of air * humidity ratio
 * Humidity per day: X * 24

 * The air changes per hour (ACPH) ranges wildly based on:
 * Ventilation: Values may be obtained from the HVAC maintainer that routinely (typically every third year or so) tests the ventilation of the residence.
 * Insulation leakage: Measured with a standard blower door test.
 * Cubic meters: The volume of the room, excluding the bathroom that should be kept closed since it ventilates humidity.
 * Density of air: Typically 1.2 for dry air.
 * Humidity
 * Current relative humidity: 20%
 * Humidity needed to reach 55%: 35%
 * Humidity ratio for 35%: 0.0051

For example, a typical modern apartment of 50 m2 with closed windows (wood isolation) may consume 36.72 L/d to raise the relative humidity from 20% to 55%: 24 * 1,53 L/h (2*1×125×1.2×0.0051):
 * Air changes per hour
 * Ventilation: 2
 * Insulation leakage: 1 (a few windows)
 * Cubic meters: 125 m3 (50 m2 * 2.5 m height)
 * Density of air: Typically 1.2 for dry air.
 * Humidity
 * Current relative humidity: 20%
 * Humidity needed to reach 55%: 35%
 * Humidity ratio for 35%: 0.0051

Prevention of low indoor humidity
Low humidity may occur in hot, dry desert climates, or indoors in artificially heated spaces. In winter, especially when cold outside air is heated indoors, the humidity may drop to as low as 10–20%. A relative humidity of 30% to 50% is recommended for most homes.

Health treatment

 * Prevention of dermatitis: Low humidity can cause adverse health effects and may cause atopic dermatitis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
 * Management of hair loss: Commonly, patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis experience mild redness, scaly skin lesions and in some cases hair loss.
 * Prevention of dry mucous membranes and cough: By drying out mucous membranes such as the lining of the nose and throat, it may also lead to a snoring problem, and can cause respiratory distress.
 * Prevention of dry eye syndrome.
 * Improved apparent temperature: The heat index and humidex measure the effect of humidity on the perception of temperatures above +27 C. In humid conditions, the air feels much hotter, because less perspiration evaporates from the skin.

Improved climate for material
Low humidity can affect wooden furniture, causing shrinkage and loose joints or cracking of pieces. Books, papers, and artworks may shrink or warp and become brittle in very low humidity.

In addition, static electricity may become a problem in conditions of low humidity, destroying semiconductor devices, causing static cling of textiles, and causing dust and small particles to stick stubbornly to electrically charged surfaces.

Negative impact of overuse of humidifiers
An indoor relative humidity of less than 51% resulted in significant reductions in mite and allergen levels. Overuse of a humidifier can raise the relative humidity to excessive levels, promoting the growth of dust mites and mold, and can also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (humidifier lung). A properly installed and located hygrostat should be used to monitor and control humidity levels automatically, or a well-informed and conscientious human operator must constantly check for correct humidity levels.

A humidity below 50% can prevent water condensation on building materials.

A dehumidifier can be used to balance the humidity.

Humidifiers
Industrial humidifiers are used when a specific humidity level must be maintained to prevent static electricity buildup, preserve material properties, and ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for workers or residents.

Static problems are prevalent in industries such as packaging, printing, paper, plastics, textiles, electronics, automotive manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Friction can produce static buildup and sparks when humidity is below 45% relative humidity (RH). Between 45% and 55% RH, static builds up at reduced levels, while humidity above 55% RH ensures that static will never build up. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has traditionally recommended a range of 45–55% RH in data centers to prevent sparks that can damage IT equipment. Humidifiers are also used by manufacturers of semiconductors and in hospital operating rooms.

Printers and paper manufacturers use humidifiers to prevent shrinkage and paper curl. Humidifiers are needed in cold storage rooms to preserve the freshness of food against the dryness caused by hot temperatures. Art museums use humidifiers to protect sensitive works of art, especially in exhibition galleries, where they combat the dryness caused by heating for the comfort of visitors during winter.

Natural humidifiers
Natural humidifiers don't use or need a demineralization filter because the water is slowly evaporated which leaves the mineral deposit at the bottom of the container. However, natural humidifiers raise the humidity very slowly even if their water surface area is large.

Common sources

 * Human water losses, both respiratory, and insensible water loss like sweat, range in average 0.75 L/d in sedentary adults. However, most people do not spend most of the day at home.
 * Houseplants may also be used as natural humidifiers, especially if they are placed in fabric flowerpots, since they evaporate water into the air through transpiration. Care must still be taken to prevent bacteria or mold in the soil from growing to excessive levels, or from dispersing into the air. The presence of sciarids (like fungus gnats) in houseplants may indicate overwatering.
 * Hanging laundry will increase the humidity.

Homemade
One type of evaporative humidifier makes use of just a reservoir and wick. Sometimes called a "natural humidifier", these are usually non-commercial devices that can be assembled at little or no cost.

One version of a natural humidifier uses a stainless steel bowl, partially filled with water, covered by a towel. A waterproof weight is used to sink the towel in the center of the bowl. There is no need for a fan, because the water spreads through the towel by capillary action and the towel surface area is large enough to provide for rapid evaporation. The stainless steel bowl is much easier to clean than typical humidifier water tanks. This, in combination with daily or every other day replacement of the towel and periodic laundering, can control the problem of mold and bacteria.

Evaporative humidifiers
An "evaporative", "cool moisture", or "wick humidifier", consists of just three basic parts: a reservoir, a wick, and a fan.

The wick is made of a porous material that absorbs water from the reservoir and provides a larger surface area for it to evaporate from. The fan is adjacent to the wick and blows air onto the wet wick to aid in the evaporation of the water. Evaporation from the wick is dependent on relative humidity. A room with low humidity will have a higher evaporation rate compared to a room with high humidity. Therefore, this type of humidifier is partially self-regulating; as the humidity of the room increases, the water vapor output naturally decreases.

These wicks become moldy if they are not dried out completely between fillings, and become saturated with mineral deposits over time. They regularly need rinsing or replacement; if this does not happen, air cannot pass through them, and humidifier stops humidifying the area it is in and the water in the tank remains at the same level.

Evaporative humidifiers function similarly to evaporative coolers.

Impeller humidifiers
Impeller humidifiers (a type of cool mist humidifier) are usually noisier than others. It uses a rotating disc to fling water at a diffuser, which breaks the water into fine droplets that float into the air. The water supply must be kept scrupulously clean, or there is a risk of spreading bacteria or mold into the air.

Ultrasonic humidifiers
An ultrasonic humidifier uses a ceramic diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets that silently exit the humidifier in the form of cool fog. Usually the mist gets forced out by a tiny fan, while some ultra mini models have no fans. The models without fans are meant mainly for personal use. Ultrasonic humidifiers use a piezoelectric transducer to create a high frequency (1-2 MHz ) mechanical oscillation in a film of water. This forms an extremely fine mist of droplets about one micron in diameter, that is quickly evaporated into the air flow.

Unlike the humidifiers that boil water, these water droplets will contain any impurities that are in the reservoir, including minerals from hard water (which then forms a difficult-to-remove sticky white dust on nearby objects and furniture). Any pathogens growing in the stagnant tank will also be dispersed in the air. Ultrasonic humidifiers should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial contamination from being spread throughout the air.

The amount of minerals and other materials can be greatly reduced by using distilled water. Special disposable demineralization cartridges may also reduce the amount of airborne material, but the EPA warns, "the ability of these devices to remove minerals may vary widely." The mineral dust may have negative health effects. Wick humidifiers trap the mineral deposits in the wick; vaporizer types tend to collect minerals on or around the heating element and require regular cleaning with vinegar or citric acid to control buildup.

Tanks
The water is usually supplied by manually filling the unit on a periodic basis.

Top fill
A top fill tank has a hole at the top to make it convenient to refill the tank on daily basis.

Bottom fill

Bottom filled humidifiers has removable water tank, often attached with a replaceable demineralization filter. Both the cap and the filter are often universal, which means that they can be switched between many tank cap humidifiers.

Tank cap-based humidifiers are more inconvenient to fill than top fill tanks, because the demineralization filter has to be unscrewed and screwed back on a daily basis. Also, water drops from the tank attachment may get in contact with the hygrometer, which will make it harder to operate properly if they are not operated with caution.

Cleanable
Ultrasonic wave nebulizers trap the mineral deposits over time, even if filters are used, and require cleaning with vinegar or citric acid to control buildup. It is easy to remove the buildup from the nebulizer in humidifiers with removable base parts. Other models must be screwed. Some models require monthly maintenance, while other models may run for years unmaintained.

Activated charcoal filter
Some humidifiers have an activated charcoal filter to reduce contaminants.

Demineralization filter
Humidity with mineral deposits build up on furniture, and static objects like computer monitors, TVs, etc.

Most models with heating elements come with replacement demineralization filters (cartridges, or plastic foam, for the tank, and fabric near the heater in the reservoir) to reduce the amount of minerals entering the system. The cost of these filters is about $10–15 per cartridge or 10-pack for plastic foam, or fabric filters. Cartridges may last for 6 months, and plastic foam/fabric filters may last one month, if the humidifier is frequently used. Cartridges can be used for most humidifiers, but some models have a proprietary format.

Some humidifiers (for example, some cold mist humidifiers) don't come with any filters at all.

Clogged filters should be replaced when they cannot deliver water, which is indicated with a "no water" icon/alert signal in modern humidifiers. A manual way to figure out if a filter is clogged is to shake it, if the content of it (even if wet) doesn't move around, then it's unlikely that sufficient water will pass through.

Heating element
Steam humidifiers, or warm mist humidifiers, are equipped with a heating element.

A medicated inhalant can also be added to the steam vapor to help reduce cough. Vaporizers may be healthier than cool mist types of humidifiers because steam is less likely to convey mineral impurities or microorganisms from the standing water in the reservoir. However, boiling water requires significantly more energy than other techniques. The heat source in poorly designed humidifiers can overheat, causing the product to melt, leak, and start fires.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)
Some humidifiers have an integrated ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) feature.

Water ionizer
Some humidifiers have an integrated water ionizer.

Maintenance

A torx screwdriver is often needed to open consumer electronics.

Humidifiers with a centrifugal fan may become noisy due to build up which cannot effectively be removed with vinegar for example. However, the fan can be replaced, and the model name of the fan and its specifications can be figured out by disassembling the humidifier and detaching it.

Fixed-installation humidifiers
For buildings with a forced-air furnace, a humidifier may be installed into the furnace. They can also protect wooden objects, antiques and other furnishings which may be sensitive to damage from overly dry air. In colder months, they may provide modest energy savings, since as humidity increases, occupants may feel warm at a lower temperature.

Bypass humidifiers are connected between the heated and cold air return ducts, using the pressure difference between these ducts to cause some heated air to make a bypass through the humidifier and return to the furnace.

Any humidifiers should usually be disabled during the summer months if air conditioning is used; air conditioners partially function to reducing indoor humidity, and having a humidifier continue to operate will waste significant amounts of energy.

Drums
Drum style (bypass) uses a pipe to bring water directly to a reservoir (a pan) attached to the furnace. The water level in the pan is controlled by a float valve, similar to a small toilet tank float. The wick is typically a foam pad mounted on a drum and attached to a small motor; hot air enters the drum at one end and is forced to leave through the sides of the drum. When the hygrostat calls for humidity, the motor is turned on causing the drum to rotate slowly through the pan of water and preventing the foam pad from drying out.
 * Advantages include:
 * Low cost
 * Inexpensive maintenance (drum-style pads are cheap and readily available)
 * Disadvantages include:
 * Requirement for frequent (approximately monthly) inspections of cleanliness and pad condition
 * Water evaporation even when humidification is not required (due to the pan of water which remains exposed to a high velocity air stream)
 * Mold growth in the pan full of water (this problem is exacerbated by the large quantity of air, inevitably carrying mold spores, passing through the humidifier whether in use or not).

For the latter reason especially, drum-style humidifiers should always be turned off at the water supply during summer (air conditioning) months, and should always be used with high quality furnace air filters (MERV ratings as high as possible to ensure small numbers of mold spores reaching the humidifier pan) when the water supply is turned on.

Disc wheels
A disc wheel style (bypass) is very similar in design to the drum style humidifiers; this type of furnace humidifier replaces the foam drumming with a number of plastic discs with small grooves on both sides. This allows for a very large evaporative surface area, without requiring a great deal of space. Unlike the drum style humidifiers, the disc wheel does not need regular replacement.

 * Advantages include:
 * Very low maintenance (basin of humidifier should be cleaned out periodically, unless an automatic flushing device is installed)
 * No regular replacement of parts necessary
 * Higher output due to large evaporative surface area
 * Can be installed in hard water situations
 * Maintains efficiency throughout lifespans

 * Disadvantages include:
 * Higher price
 * Water evaporation even when humidification is not required (due to the pan of water which remains exposed to a high velocity air stream)

Bypass flow-through
Bypass flow-through style (bypass – also known as "biscuit style" or many other, similar variant names) uses a pipe to bring water directly to an electrically controlled valve at the top of the humidifier. Air passes through an aluminum "biscuit" (often called a pad; the term "biscuit" emphasizes the solid rather than foamy form) which is similar to a piece of extremely coarse steel wool. The "biscuit" has a coating of a matte ceramic, resulting in an extremely large surface area within a small space. When the hygrostat calls for humidity, the valve is opened and causes a spray of water onto the "biscuit". Hot air is passed through the "biscuit", causing the water to evaporate from the pad and be carried into the building.
 * Advantages include:
 * Reduced maintenance (new "biscuit" is needed only when clogged with dust or mineral deposits, typically once per year)
 * Lack of a pan of potentially stagnant water to serve as a breeding ground for mold as with a drum-style humidifier
 * No incidental humidification caused by a constantly replenished pan of water in a high velocity air stream
 * Reduced requirement for expensive air filters
 * Uses little electricity
 * Disadvantages include:
 * A somewhat higher purchase price
 * Manufacturer and model-specific replacement biscuits (versus the relatively generic drum-style pads) may be more expensive and difficult to find
 * For most models, a portion of the water supplied to the unit is not evaporated. This can generate a considerable amount of waste water containing residual minerals, which does require connection to a drain. There is a limited selection of drain-less models that recirculate water, but mineral buildup must then be removed manually on a periodic basis.

Spray mist
Spray mist type uses a pipe, usually a small plastic one, to bring water directly to an electrically controlled valve (atomizer-this forces the water through a tiny orifice causing it to break up into tiny particles) in the humidifier. Water mist is sprayed directly into the supply air, and the mist is carried into the premises by the air flow.
 * Advantages include:
 * Simpler than bypass types to install, requiring a single cut hole for installation, no additional ducting.
 * Uses little electricity.
 * Small, compact unit which fits where other types cannot. (Approximately 6 in square.)
 * Because it does not require bypass ducting it does not undermine the pressure separation (and therefore, blower efficiency) of the return and supply ducts.
 * Does not require use of moisture pads (on-going expense).
 * Highly efficient usage of water. Does not generate waste water, and does not require separate connection to a drain.
 * Requires little maintenance. Periodic cleaning of nozzle may be required in hard water environments.
 * Lack of a pan of potentially stagnant water to serve as a breeding ground for mold as with a drum-style humidifier.
 * Disadvantages include:
 * Spray nozzle can become clogged in hard water situations, necessitating the use of water filter, periodic cleaning of nozzle, or nozzle replacement.
 * Disperses any minerals in the water into the airstream.

Invention
On July 27, 1962, Raymond Banks applied for a patent for a room humidifier. The patent was granted on November 3, 1964, to the inventor and originally assigned to Walton Labs, Inc.

Additional types
There are many different types of Plant and Home Humidifiers which can help you to maintain humidity level of your home as required. Additional types include non-bypass flow-through (fan augmented), steam, impeller or centrifugal atomizer, and under duct designs.

Problems
The U.S. EPA provides detailed information about health risks as well as recommended maintenance procedures. If the tap water contains a lot of minerals (also known as "hard water") then the ultrasonic or impeller humidifiers will produce a "white dust" (calcium is the most common mineral in tap water), which usually settles onto furniture, and is attracted to static electricity generating devices such as CRT monitors. The white dust can be prevented by using distilled water, or a demineralization cartridge in ultrasonic humidifiers. Bottled waters labeled "natural", "artesian", or "spring" may still have their original mineral content. The EPA reports that ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers spread the most mineral deposits and microorganisms, while evaporative and steam humidifers can allow the growth of microorganisms but generally disperse less of them into the air.,

In addition, a stuck or malfunctioning water supply valve can deliver large amounts of water, causing extensive water damage if undetected for any period of time. A water alarm, possibly with an automatic water shutoff, can help prevent this malfunction from causing major problems.

From 2006 to 2011, the disinfectant polyhexamethylene guanidine and other toxic materials were used as a cleaning agent for humidifier water tanks in Korea, leading to severe lung disease. Eighty children died of the disorder and nine adults either died or needed lung transplants. In the two years following the banning of cleaning chemicals for humidifier tanks, there were no new cases.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Humidifier


text:
Music for the Royal Fireworks

The Music for the Royal Fireworks (HWV 351) is a suite in D major for wind instruments composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749 under contract of George II of Great Britain for the fireworks in London's Green Park on 27 April 1749. The music celebrates the end of the War of the Austrian Succession and the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen) in 1748. The work was very popular when first performed and following Handel's death.

Rehearsal and final production
During the preparations, Handel and John Montagu, Duke of Montagu, the Master-General of the Ordnance and the officer responsible for the Royal Fireworks, had an argument about adding violins. The duke made clear to Handel that King George had a preference for only martial instruments (winds and percussion), and hoped there would be "no fiddles". Handel omitted the string instruments against his will. Also, against Handel's will, there was a full rehearsal of the music in Vauxhall Gardens and not in Green Park. On 21 April 1749 an audience, claimed to be over twelve thousand people, each paying two shillings and six pence (half a crown) rushed to get there, causing a three-hour traffic jam of carriages on London Bridge, the only vehicular route to the area south of the river.

Six days later, on 27 April, the musicians performed in a specially constructed building designed by Servandoni, a theatre designer, assisted by four Italians. Andrea Casali and Andrea Soldi designed the decorations. The fireworks themselves were devised and controlled by Gaetano Ruggieri and Giuseppe Sarti, both from Bologna. Charles Frederick was the controller, captain Thomas Desaguliers was the chief fire master. The display was not as successful as the music itself: the weather was rainy, causing many misfires, and in the middle of the show the right pavilion caught fire. Also, a woman's clothes were set on fire by a stray rocket and other fireworks burned two soldiers and blinded a third. Yet another soldier had his hand blown off during an earlier rehearsal for the 101 cannons which were used during the event.

Music and instrumentation
Music for the Royal Fireworks opens with a French overture and includes a bourrée and two minuets. The work is in five movements:
 * 1) Overture (Adagio – Allegro – Lentement – Allegro)
 * 2) Bourrée
 * 3) La Paix (Largo alla siciliana)
 * 4) La Réjouissance (Allegro)
 * 5) Menuets I and II

It was scored for a large wind band ensemble consisting of 24 oboes, 12 bassoons and a contrabassoon (originally serpent, later scratched out), nine natural trumpets, nine natural horns, three pairs of kettledrums, and side drums which were given only the direction to play ad libitum; no side drum parts were written by Handel. Handel was specific about the numbers of instruments to each written part. In the overture there are assigned three players to each of the three trumpet parts; the 24 oboes are divided 12, 8 and 4; and the 12 bassoons are divided 8 and 4. The side drums were instructed when to play in La Réjouissance and the second Menuet, but very likely also played in the Ouverture.

Handel re-scored the suite for full orchestra for a performance on 27 May in the Foundling Hospital. Handel noted in the score that the violins were to play the oboe parts, the cellos and double basses the bassoon part, and the violas either a lower wind or bass part. The instruments from the original band instrumentation play all the movements in the revised orchestral edition except the Bourrée and the first Menuet, which are played by the oboes, bassoons, and strings alone.

Recordings
There are many recordings of Music for the Royal Fireworks. Handel's Water Music, although it was composed more than thirty years earlier, is often paired with the Music for the Royal Fireworks as both were written for outdoor performance. Older recordings tend to use arrangements of Handel's score for the modern orchestra, for example, the arrangements by Hamilton Harty (1923) and Leopold Stokowski. Charles Mackerras´ 1959 recording for Pye Records marked a return to Handel's orchestration. More recent recordings tend to use more historically informed performance methods appropriate for baroque music and often use authentic instruments.

There are also arrangements for pipe organ, alone or with brass. In 1970, José Feliciano recorded for his Fireworks LP part of the work transcribed for classical guitar by himself.

This music was performed under the baton of Andrew Davis for the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II on 1 June 2002, at the Buckingham Palace gardens, complete with fireworks.

title: Music for the Royal Fireworks


text:
Cape Cod Bay

Cape Cod Bay is a large bay of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Measuring 604 sqmi below a line drawn from Brant Rock in Marshfield to Race Point in Provincetown, Massachusetts, it is enclosed by Cape Cod to the south and east, and Plymouth County, Massachusetts, to the west. To the north of Cape Cod Bay lie Massachusetts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Cod Bay is the southernmost extremity of the Gulf of Maine. Cape Cod Bay is one of the bays adjacent to Massachusetts that give it the name Bay State. The others are Narragansett Bay, Buzzards Bay, and Massachusetts Bay.

History
In 1524, Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to discover Cape Cod Bay, his claim proved by a map of 1529 which clearly outlined Cape Cod. In 1620, the Pilgrims first sheltered in Provincetown Harbor where they signed the Mayflower Compact, the first democratic document signed in the New World.

Geology
Most of Cape Cod is composed of glacially derived rocks, sands, and gravels. The last glacial period ended about 12,000 years ago. During the end of the last glaciation, Cape Cod Bay was probably a large freshwater lake with drainages across Cape Cod in places like Bass River and Orleans Harbor. The Provincetown Spit, i.e., the land north of High Head in North Truro, was formed by marine deposits over the last 5,000-8,000 years. These deposits created Provincetown Harbor, a large, bowl-shaped section of Cape Cod Bay. Generally, currents in the Bay move in a counter-clockwise fashion, moving south from Boston, to Plymouth then east and then north to Provincetown. Strong tides flow water into the Bay, cleansing the system with nutrient-rich sea water and maintaining a well-mixed marine environment that helps to maintain a generally healthy and productive system by exchanging roughly 9.3% of the total bay water volume on a regular basis. Surface water stratification and mixing have a distinct seasonal cycle in the Bay. In the winter, the density of bay water is nearly the same from top to bottom, allowing it to mix readily and become nutrient-rich all around. Stratification occurs when the surface water becomes warmer and less thick than the deeper water in the spring, summer, and early fall. Because the water is stratified and rich in nutrients in the spring, biological productivity in the bay is at its peak.

Since 1914, Cape Cod Bay has been connected to Buzzards Bay by the Cape Cod Canal, which divides the upper cape towns of Bourne and Sandwich.

Ecology
The sea life of Cape Cod Bay is quite varied and healthy. Fish that call the bay home include Bluefin Tuna, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, and Atlantic Mackerel. Sea mammals also live in Cape Cod Bay (seals, dolphins and whales). Cape Cod Bay has a diverse range of coastal and marine ecosystems, making it ecologically rich. Beaches, marshes, and offshore water provide critical habitats for plant and animal ecosystems, including commercially valuable fin-fish and shellfish, as well as endangered marine animals and birds. The bay's natural resources are used by endangered bird species like the Roseate Tern and the Piping Plover. The North Atlantic right whale, which is severely endangered, feeds in Cape Cod Bay. From April to December, humpback whales travel to Cape Cod Bay and nearby seas to feast on schooling fish.

The Pilgrims shot at a whale unsuccessfully while they were anchored in Provincetown Harbor in 1620.

Water resources
Cape Cod has abundant water resources. These resources include both saltwater and freshwater. Below is a list of the most important resources.

Coastal waters
The Atlantic Ocean, Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay, and Cape Cod Bay form a 559-mile coastline that surrounds the majority fr of the Cape. There are 53 saltwater embayments along this extensive stretch of coastline, each of which is formed by a depression or dip in the coastline that forms a bay abutting the ocean. Estuaries are where rivers and the sea meet. Freshwater, brackish, tidal wetlands, and tidal channels are all found in estuaries. Rivers, streams, and groundwater pour into the ocean's estuaries and embayments on Cape Cod.

Freshwater bodies
The Cape is home to more than a thousand lakes. Nearly 11,000 acres are covered by 996 freshwater ponds and lakes, with individual ponds and lakes ranging in size from less than one acre to 735 acres and 166 "big ponds" of 10 acres or more. Groundwater supplies the Cape's ponds and lakes. Groundwater can flow into and out of ponds thanks to the Cape's sandy soils. As a result, pond pollution is likely to pollute groundwater and vice versa.

Groundwater
The Cape's lifeline is groundwater. Rain and melting snow swiftly sink into the sandy soils, where it pools to form a massive subterranean groundwater reservoir beneath the majority of the Cape. Groundwater continues to flow into and out of ponds, feeding streams, and flowing towards the coast, finding sea level when it enters our estuaries and embayments, as water seeks the lowest elevation. Drinking water comes entirely from groundwater. This sole-source aquifer, which is protected by local, regional, state, and federal restrictions, provides all of the Cape's drinking water.

Watersheds
Watersheds connect nearly all of the Cape's waters, fetching water and releasing it into the ocean. There are 101 watersheds on Cape Cod that discharge into the ocean. 53 of them flow into embayments, which are vulnerable to nitrogen contamination, while the others discharge directly into the ocean. The Cape Cod Commission produced a regional framework for protecting and improving water quality and tracks progress in implementation through the Section 208 Water Quality Management Plan for Cape Cod.

Fishing
Cape Cod Bay is a world class fishing destination for many anglers. Popular fishing methods used to fish Cape Cod bay include trolling, live bait fishing, light tackle fishing, and fly fishing. Fisherman typically fish off the coast of the South Shore (Massachusetts) and inner cape for fish such as Blue Fish, Cod, Flounder, Striped Bass, Bonito, Tuna, Mackerel, Pollock, Haddock, and even Sharks.

Fishing season typically takes place between May and October. Although plenty of fisherman prefer to fish from shore rather than a boat, Massachusetts requires a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit for anyone 16 years of age or older.

Many coastal towns have fishing piers, and boat charters that provide daily trips into Cape Cod Bay to catch fish. The most popular bait used is sea clams, and live mackerel.

Pollution and water quality
Per the Cape Cod Commission, the bay is experiencing water problems. Although nutrients like nitrogen are an important aspect of aquatic ecosystems, excessive amounts can damage water systems. Cape Cod's estuaries are vulnerable to the effects of excess nitrogen due to a number of factors. Nitrogen is poisoning the saltwater barrier that has characterized the peninsula. On Cape Cod, centralized wastewater treatment plants are not extensively employed due to the expense and challenges associated with widely spread housing, as well as huge seasonal fluctuations in population due to summer tourists. Typical backyard sewage systems, which are not aimed at eliminating nitrogen, are responsible for an estimated 80% percent nitrogen dumping on Cape Cod Bay. The circumstances it generates devastate animal habitat and frequently violate water quality requirements, resulting in fish kills and decreased shellfisheries, among other things. The consequences of this pollution must be carefully managed. Another big issue affecting our coastal waters is polluted runoff. Contaminants collected up in precipitation and melting snow are eventually dumped into the bay, resulting in this sort of pollution. Fertilizers and other lawn and garden chemicals, pet waste, salt from streets, and oil and gasoline leaking from autos are all possible contaminants picked up in runoff.

Harmful Algal and Cyanobacteria blooms
Pollution's effects have already been seen in our coastal waters. Excess nutrient input from both point and non-point sources leads to high levels of plant growth, in addition to the direct, harmful impacts of pollution. This process, known as eutrophication, is taking place in Cape Cod Bay to some extent. In the bay, excess nutrients originate mainly from human sources and activities, such as waste systems for example. With the harmful increase of these nutrients comes an increase in algae and bacteria. Phaeocystis blooms are common in Cape Cod Bay during the spring. A bloom of this phytoplankton has far-reaching consequences, including out-competing other beneficial phytoplankton species, impacting zooplankton growth and productivity, and killing off fish species. Alexandrium, another species found in Cape Cod Bay, is responsible for red tides, which bring in harmful toxins, and has been the cause of death for fish, birds, mammals, and sometimes humans as a result. Shellfish that consume toxic phytoplankton become hazardous themselves, posing a risk to humans who consume infected shellfish and wreaking havoc on the shellfishing business. It is important to control HAB's and bacterial communities. Algal blooms deplete oxygen in the water, release toxins, and produce a terrible taste and odor. Algae will continue to grow if not treated, disturbing an ecosystem's natural equilibrium, and can severely deplete water quality, potentially causing illness in our biological communities and humans.

Brewster Flats
The Brewster Flats (41.77944°N, -70.06111°W) are tidal flats on Cape Cod Bay, particularly near the town of Brewster, and are a unique environment. They are the widest expanse of tidal flats in North America, rivaled in the western hemisphere only by a similar expanse in Brazil.

title: Cape Cod Bay


text:
Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations

The flag of the Commonwealth of Nations is the official flag used by and representing the Commonwealth of Nations. Its current design dates to 2013, a modification of a design adopted in 1976.

Description
The flag consists of the Commonwealth symbol in gold on a blue field. The symbol centres on a globe, representing the global nature of the Commonwealth and the breadth of its membership.

History
The flag developed from car pennants produced for the first time at the 1973 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held in Ottawa, Ontario. The initiative for its design is credited to two Canadians: the first Commonwealth Secretary-General, Arnold Smith; and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. It was officially adopted on 26 March 1976.

Original design
The original design featured a globe surrounded by 64 radiating, approximately quadrilateral, sunrays, which form a 'C' for 'Commonwealth'. The number of sunrays did not represent the number of member states (there have never been 64 members); instead, the large number represented the many ways in which the Commonwealth cooperates around the world. This flag used Pantone 286.

2013 redesign
In 2013, the globe was tilted, and the number of sunrays reduced to 34. The colourings used in the flag were also slightly modified. The standard proportions of the flag are 3:5; however, a 1:2 version appears in countries whose flags use a 1:2 ratio, such as Australia and the UK. This flag used Pantone 280.

Usage
The flag of the Commonwealth of Nations is flown at Marlborough House, London, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, throughout the year, and for a limited period at other venues where Commonwealth meetings, events, or visits are taking place (for example, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings). The Canadian federal government does not stipulate that the flag be flown for Commonwealth Day, instead directing that the British Union Jack (officially called the Royal Union Flag) be flown at federal installations which have a second flagpole.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon encourages the flying of the Commonwealth flag on Commonwealth Day, and the Office of the Secretary-General notes that "it is not the case that the Union Jack – or the flag of any other member country for that matter – is a substitute for the Commonwealth flag which represents the association of 53 members and their peoples."

Elsewhere, the Commonwealth flag is flown at the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh on Commonwealth Day, from the fourth flagpole in addition to the Union Flag, the Scottish saltire and the European Union flag which all fly daily. Since 2002 the Commonwealth flag has been flown alongside the Union Flag, over the Northern Ireland Assembly's home at Parliament Buildings Stormont every Commonwealth Day. It is also flown on Commonwealth Day in the territory of Gibraltar, from the third flagpole alongside the Union Flag and the Flag of Gibraltar, which fly on the roof of No. 6 Convent Place, the office of the Chief Minister of Gibraltar.

On 28 September 2016, the Welsh Conservative AM in the National Assembly for Wales Mohammad Asghar suggested that once the United Kingdom left the European Union, the Welsh Assembly should replace the EU Flag alongside the Union Flag and the Welsh Flag. It has been suggested that the Flag of the Commonwealth be the replacement. On 31 January 2020, Brexit was marked at the Gibraltar border with the lowering of the EU flag and the raising of the Commonwealth flag in its place.

Commonwealth Games
A ceremonial flag is used at the Commonwealth Games, the design of which has changed considerably over the years.

title: Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations