Airplane Runways

Airplane Runways

Airplane Runways

11/04/26

“What surface do airplanes use to land and take off?”

Airplanes need a ground surface to accelerate to generate thrust for lift-off and decelerate to stop. One of the most efficient ways to accomplish this is to use an elongated linear surface called an Airplane Runway. People can make airplane runways from artificial materials (such as asphalt or concrete) or natural materials (such as grass, dirt, and even ice). Airport runways are typically designed parallel to the local prevailing wind to avoid complications and give extra thrust for taking off.

The Horse Latitudes

The Horse Latitudes

The Horse Latitudes

11/03/26

“What’s so special about the latitudes 30 degrees north and south of the equator?”

Warm air typically rises at the equator. This air then sinks 30 degrees north and south of the equator, causing stable, warm high-pressure conditions. Major deserts like the Namib, Sahara, Arabian, Australian, and Atacama Deserts form at these latitudes. These latitudes are often called The Horse Latitudes because old legends say ships got stuck there and were forced to dump horses to conserve supplies.

Stormwater Risers

Stormwater Risers

Stormwater Risers

11/02/26

“How can we connect catch basins to sewer systems using a vertical pipe?”

Catch basins hold rainwater, and sewer systems carry water away. These can connect to vertical pipes called Stormwater Risers. Stormwater risers safely separate detention systems from sewer systems while giving maintenance professionals access to visually inspect sewer pipes from above.

Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply

Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply

Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply

11/01/26

“Why may Philadelphia need to install desalination units in its water supply?”

The Delaware River is suffering from major saltwater intrusion from sea-level rise and over-extraction. Philadelphia relies on the Delaware River for most of its drinking water. The freshwater-saltwater interface may soon reach Philadelphia’s drinking water supply. Installing desalination units is one adaptation strategy. This is Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply.

Blackwater Rivers

Blackwater Rivers

Blackwater Rivers

10/31/26

“Why are some rivers darker and slow-moving?”

Warm, damp forests have lots of vegetation. This vegetation can fall into rivers, clogging the waters with decaying organic matter. The dissolved compounds turn the river dark and acidic, and the inertia from the dead weight slows the water down. These Blackwater Rivers are largely nutrient-poor due to their acidic waters.

Mires

Mires

Mires

10/30/26

“How do we classify peatlands that still produce peat?”

Peatlands may no longer produce peat if they are burned or drained. Peatlands that are still waterlogged and produce peat are called Mires.

Peatlands

Peatlands

Peatlands

10/28/26

“How do we classify wetlands that produce peat?”

Peat is a buildup of dead leaves in high-moisture, low-oxygen conditions. Peatlands are wetlands that produce peat. Peatlands are the highest land-based carbon storage source on Earth.

Fens

Fens

Fens

10/27/26

“What types of groundwater-dependent wetlands accumulate peat?”

Swamps come in all different types. Some wetlands are dependent on high groundwater tables that accumulate peat. These so-called Fens typically have mineral-rich conditions that support large plant life. Fens typically have higher ph level than bogs.