20150118 (J)
Journal: January 18, 2015
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Albuquerque Years                        Science (Fear Mongering)

Yucca Mountain: “Back of the envelope” calculation are always “good enough” if they are sufficiently general and compatible with project objectives. For example, my back of the envelope calculations of groundwater flow time based on flux and porosity vrs. the detailed, pressure equilibrium calculations to solve the Navier-Stokes equation. After nearly 30 billion dollars were spent “confirming” my cheap versions (≈$200,000).

Fear: See Flynn’s 1978 for ad nauseam discussion about “fear” of making the “wrong” decision scientifically or politically. Of course Flynn a scientist recommend listening to “science” (as many calls are now during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 for when it is “safe” to open the country despite “safe” being a politically determined concept with no science basis (see 20130903)