702. Things That Are a Carmelis

Shabbos 14:3

An example of a carmelis (quasi-public domain) is a mound four handbreadths by four handbreadths (about 1’x1’) that is between three and ten handbreadths high (approximately 9”-30”). A carmelis only occupies space ten handbreadths or closer the ground and can be no less than four handbreadths by four handbreadths. More examples of a carmelis include a trench four handbreadths by four handbreadths and between three and ten handbreadths deep, a place four handbreadths by four handbreadths surrounded by four walls between three and ten handbreadths high, a corner surrounded by walls on three sides with a public domain on the fourth like an alley without crossbeams on the fourth side, seas, and valleys in both the summer and the winter. (This last part is mentioned because people do not typically walk through valleys in the winter. Nevertheless, they are considered a carmelis year round.)

Shabbos 14:5                                                                                                                                     

The space above a carmelis (quasi-public domain) is a carmelis up to ten handbreadths (about 30”). Over ten handbreadths, it is a makom patur (exempt area). Therefore, the space above the water of a river or a sea is a carmelis for ten handbreadths, while higher than that is a makom patur. The entire depth of the water, however, is like thick soil (i.e., a carmelis).