Subcelestial Temporal Fissures
Fissures can be broadly separated into two distinct types: natural and artificial. The existence of one does not necessarily preclude a causal relation to the other. Generally speaking, ‘artificial’ is defined as anthropogenic in nature, whether by deliberate or accidental participation.
A naturally-occurring fissure goes through three stages before it can be considered stable: proto, harmonious and viable.
Though rarely noticed, the proto-type of a naturally-occurring subcelestial temporal fissures (NOSTFs) can be exploited by any of the methods described in this chapter. It is worth pointing out that artificial fissures (ASTFs) created from proto-NOSTFs, otherwise known as hybridised ATFs are prone to the sudden collapse associated with artificial fissures. Their use is likely to result in the same chronometric trauma, cognitive injury and temporal displacement as a pure ASTF. Temporal incursions are also associated risk factors.
NOSTFs often occur around linear zones of ancient rock strata, most commonly those formed from plutonic or volcanic processes. Where igneous bedrock has been subject to long term industrialisation, the likelihood of NOSTF formation is substantially increased.
Chronometric playback is a common side-effect at many locations containing subcelestial fissures. Genuine emotional broadcasts of a prolonged or intense nature can further disturb the sub-temporal architecture, allowing a chronometric recording to be made. Playback depends upon a variety of factors relating to the sensitivity and psychological states of both the initial participant and subsequent recipient(s).
Any subsequent anthropogenic activity (such as industrial, architectural or agricultural) will not usually alter playback, however uninvited recipients may inadvertently contribute to the recorded chronometrics encoded in the sub-temporal architecture.
Artificial fissures can be created without the presence of a natural proto or harmonious NOSTF. The mechanics of forced fissure manifestation are no longer fully understood and if any recording of such information existed, it has now been lost. Participants engaged in further research are encouraged to record their phenomenological observations as fully as possible.
Depending upon its stability, an ASTF may remain open for several centuries, however there exists the chance of sudden collapse without warning. NOSTFs older than two centuries rarely collapse without anthropogenic intervention.
Both NOSTFs and ASTFs rarely manifest as directly visible phenomena, however adjacent manifestations act as markers for participants (see adjacent phenomena)
Though the mechanism is presently elusive, several methods have been devised to create ASTFs.