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Verse:Qu: Difference between revisions
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=== ''Xuoho'': passages between tubes === | === ''Xuoho'': passages between tubes === | ||
[[File:Qu_tube_long_section.png|500px|thumb|right|Fig. 2. Long section of two consecutive ''vuqu'']]Travel between tubes is possible thanks to a network of tunnels called ''xuoho'' [ʃwòhó] | [[File:Qu_tube_long_section.png|500px|thumb|right|Fig. 2. Long section of two consecutive ''vuqu'']]Travel between tubes is possible thanks to a network of tunnels called ''xuoho'' [ʃwòhó] that link the tubes with other tubes, as seen in figure 2. These tunnels connect the hubs of consecutive tubes and tunnels branching from nodes half way between consecutive tubes radiate out towards the hubs of parallel tubes. | ||
To reach the opening into the tunnel, one must climb around 3 kilometres up the end wall of a tube, known as a ''makio'' [màkjó]. Most ''makio'' are near vertical, although many have comparatively easy paths up to the hub. With increasing altitude, the force of centrifugal gravity decreases, making the climb less and less strenuous as one makes progress. Despite the gradual decrease in gravity, the climb is perilous. The rotation of the tubes causes a strong vertical coriolis effect, causing whirlwinds looking like lazy horizontal tornadoes to stretch along the tube and sweep over the end walls. Many convenient climing paths are relatively sheltered in grooves in the end wall, and over the years, people have carved steps and handholds into often-climbed walls, but climbers in exposed positions, if caught by a whirlwind unawares, can easily by sucked off the wall and fall to their deaths. | To reach the opening into the tunnel, one must climb around 3 kilometres up the end wall of a tube, known as a ''makio'' [màkjó]. Most ''makio'' are near vertical, although many have comparatively easy paths up to the hub. With increasing altitude, the force of centrifugal gravity decreases, making the climb less and less strenuous as one makes progress. Despite the gradual decrease in gravity, the climb is perilous. The rotation of the tubes causes a strong vertical coriolis effect, causing whirlwinds looking like lazy horizontal tornadoes to stretch along the tube and sweep over the end walls. Many convenient climing paths are relatively sheltered in grooves in the end wall, and over the years, people have carved steps and handholds into often-climbed walls, but climbers in exposed positions, if caught by a whirlwind unawares, can easily by sucked off the wall and fall to their deaths. | ||