The 15 Layers of Persistence (PIW–CWG Unified Edition)

This working paper presents the 15 Layers of Persistence, a unified framework combining the Persistence–Information Weave (PIW) and the Carroll Wells Gradient (CWG) into a single, structured research program. The framework is designed to remain fully compatible with General Relativity, ΛCDM, effective field theory (EFT), holography, unitarity, and modern quantum energy conditions (QNEC/QFC). No new fundamental forces or superluminal mechanisms are introduced. Instead, persistence is treated as an informational and thermodynamic statistic describing which structures remain viable under recursive coarse-graining. Each layer specifies: a narrowly scoped conceptual claim, explicit physical and mathematical guardrails, conservative observational or experimental tests, and clear falsification or demotion criteria. Topics span weak-field geometry, entropy and memory, motion and gradient flow, structure formation, biological persistence, self-modeling systems, collapse and renewal processes, cosmological data analysis, thermodynamic consistency, toy-model extensions, black-hole information, testable cosmological signatures, and reflective scientific governance. This document is intended as a citable, versioned reference anchoring the PIW–CWG framework for future peer-reviewed submissions, empirical tests, and interdisciplinary discussion.