Countertop Fittings

1989/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena

The designer Francis Hallé has named “radeau des cimes”, the “almadía de las encinas. What is behind that strange name that doesn't make much sense?

The radeau des cimes is a new system of recognition of the high branches of trees of the rainforest. The abundant life in the high branches of tropical forests is not adequately known for their difficulty of access. Keep in mind that most of the sunlight from the sun stays in the tall branches, so life is quite different. The methods used so far, such as tree climbing, platform construction, airway construction and aerial photography, have not been useful because only very specific places could be studied.

Hallé's idea is to approach from the air through a zeppelin. Hanging from Zeppelin there is a hexagonal platform on which six people can work. Zeppelina can carry and deposit the platform where desired. The high branches of the forest can be studied directly.

The platform is reinforced with light plastic inflatable bags. Among the chorizos there is a network. The platform has a total ^of 700 m2.

The first prototype of this platform was built in 1985 and was a triangular structure that could be carried by helicopter to the desired place. It was found that the helicopters damaged the branches. The second version was tested in 1986 in Guyana and hung from a balloon. The branches were not broken in it, but the wind made the globe ungovernable. Finally, hot air dross has been selected.

About 60 researchers will participate in this exploration, of which half will be Brazilian. The expedition had to leave last July, but the Brazilian government did not give them permission. It is believed that, due to criticisms of Brazilians' ecological policy, obtaining authorization may last for several months.