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Termites cause problems in many homes. If termites get infested in the house, it shakes even its foundation. But these termites have created such a mega city, which is being discussed a lot on social media also. After seeing this, people are calling these termites as excellent engineers.
This mega city built by termites is visible from space (Image- Social Media)
We think of termites as just insects that spoil our homes, but nature has taught them the wonders of engineering. There are more than 200 million termite mounds spread in the northeastern region of Brazil, which are clearly visible from space. These mounds are 4,000 years old and cover an area the size of Great Britain.
Each mound is 2.5 to 4 meters high and 9 meters wide. They were built by a termite species called Syntermes dirus, which are tiny termites but collectively excavate 4,000 times more soil than the pyramids. On Google Earth they appear in a honeycomb pattern, like a huge mega city! In Australia, cathedral termites (Nasutitermes triodiae) do even more wonders. They create mounds up to 8 meters (26 ft) high, which is like stacking four Burj Khalifas on human scale!
have made records
These are considered to be the tallest non-human animal structures in the Guinness World Records. These cathedral-like buildings stand in the plains of the Northern Territory, which withstand wind, rain and heat. The mounds are made of soil, saliva and feces, which last for thousands of years. The most surprising thing is the natural air conditioning system of these mounds. They look simple from outside, but inside there is a complex network of thousands of tunnels, chambers and chimneys. It works by stack effect – hot air comes from the top of the chimney, cold air comes from the bottom. Gases like CO2 and methane escape, the temperature remains constant at 30°C even if it is 40-50°C outside.
amazing engineering
Air circulates inside them with the help of wind and solar energy, that too without any machine! This system is so advanced that architects are copying it. Zimbabwe’s Eastgate Centre, designed by Mick Pierce, is inspired by termite mounds. It uses 90% less energy in AC. Its pictures are going viral on social media. Scientists say that these mounds are not just houses but a complete ecosystem. Fungus farming takes place inside, which prepares food for termites. The ventilation system brings in oxygen, takes out gas. Recent research has found that the walls of the mounds are porous, which filters the air. This is the best example of biomimicry where we can create energy-efficient buildings by learning from nature.
About the Author
I am working as a senior sub editor in News 18. The aim of the regional section is to introduce you to the events happening in the states which are being liked on social media. So that you don’t miss any viral content.