Boston falling groundwater wooden foundation piles dry rot

Falling groundwater may expose Boston’s wooden foundations

Many older Boston buildings rest on wooden piles driven into fill. The piles stay sound when underwater, but prolonged exposure to air can cause dry rot. Groundwater is falling in many parts of the city, partly because rainwater is sent into sewers instead of soaking into the ground.

The Great Depression cut global GDP

Estimated 15%

From 1929 to 1932, worldwide GDP fell by an estimated 15%. During the 2008–2009 Great Recession, the decline was less than 1%.

Napoleon’s occupation of Spain helped spark independence

Napoleon’s occupation of mainland Spain helped set off independence movements in Spain’s American colonies. Colonial elites resented the privileges given to officials born in Spain and used the disruption to demand that sovereignty return to the people.

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Boston falling groundwater wooden foundation piles dry rot

Falling groundwater may expose Boston’s wooden foundations

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