Travelogues & History
At first glance, the California Aqueduct can seem almost unassuming, but in truth, it is one of the most ambitious and consequential feats of hydraulic engineering ever attempted in the United States — nothing less than a modern-day river sculpted from concrete and willpower, delivering life-sustaining water to millions of people and acres of farmland in an otherwise arid landscape.
...
From tranquil pools to vast oceans, few environments rival the immersive beauty of being underwater. For photographer Karyn Allard, that subaquatic world is a place of visual wonder, emotional reflection, artistic expression, and natural connection. In this personal essay, Allard shares her journey from childhood fascination with water to a lifelong creative pursuit that marries the quest for artistry, technical mastery, and emotional depth.
...
Inspired by the legendary luxury and lifestyle of Acapulco, and a Ringo Starr song immortalizing the resort mecca, JC Escudero, reflects on the history and legacy that fuels dreams of ocean breezes, frothy drinks and sunshine.
...
A recent overseas trip took Jim McCloskey to a place he’s wanted to see for more than 20 years – basically ever since he worked on a WaterShapes article by Douglas Roth more than two decades ago on the wonders of the Japanese garden known as Katsura Rikyu.
...
La Spezia, Italy, is a place rich in history, architectural beauty, religious tradition and maritime heritage. One of its latest modern attractions is the Palio del Golfo Artwork—a work that pays homage to the rich local culture and traditions, while also pointing toward the future.
...
The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite represents a groundbreaking leap in our ability to understand Earth’s water systems. Its data could potentially revolutionize climate modeling, enhance our understanding of ocean currents, and inform water resource management. Beyond surface water, SWOT enables indirect mapping of the ocean floor, uncovering insights into underwater landscapes, tectonic processes, and the history of Earth’s geology.
...
Salt and water are literally natural companions, defining the very nature of our natural world, and indeed our own human existence. Nowhere is that more evident than at a remote location in the Peruvian Andes known as the Maras Salt Mines, or "Salineras de Maras" where salt has been extracted from water for centuries, creating a landscape unlike any other.
...
Should pools at short-term rental properties be subject to commercial pool standards and codes? It’s a question that begs serious consideration, says Scott Cohen, given the nature of pools that are residential in scope and scale; but, in some respects, more like commercial watershapes in the way they are used.
...
In September 2024, Watershape University organized a tour of Machu Picchu, the famous ruins nestled high in the Peruvian Andes. It was a dynamic journey of personal discovery with numerous fascinating revelations along the way, including the many ways the Incas controlled and utilized water. Here’s a look at one of the tour’s main highlights – a unique and mysterious place known as Tipón.
...
Lost & Found Beneath the Waves