"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
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
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.
Bogs
10/26/26
“What types of rain-dependent wetlands accumulate peat?”
There are a myriad of different types of wetlands. Wetlands that rely on precipitation and accumulate peat are called Bogs. Bogs have low oxygen and high acidity levels. Because bogs are typically fed by precipitation instead of nutrient-laden groundwater, plants in bogs may have adaptations to survive in these harsh conditions, such as carnivory.
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Peat
10/25/26
“What happens when large layers of dead vegetation pile up in a wetland?”
Vegetation grows and dies. Dead plant material in a waterlogged environment may decay slowly due to a lack of available oxygen. More dead material will pile up over time, leading to the creation of Peat. Peat is an organic material that stores carbon from the original plant material, retains and filters water, and supports ecosystems.
Submerged Forests
10/24/26
“Why are there underwater forests?”
Forests form from a dense community of trees. Climate change and land subsidence can cause sea-level rise to submerge forests. Sediment and mud can cover the tree trunks, sealing them off from oxygen and preserving these spaces as Submerged Forests. Submerged forests are a relic of coastal geology and ecosystem status from previous eras. Many more submerged forests will form if humans do not stop climate change.
Coastal Deserts
10/23/26
“How can deserts form along the coast?”
When people discuss deserts, it’s easy to imagine an endless inland expanse of sand. But deserts can form over coasts too. Cold currents in the tropics will cause cold air to move along the western coastlines of continents. This cold air doesn’t rise upward to form clouds, and instead stays in a stable fog layer. This low cloud formation limits rainfall along the coasts, forming Coastal Deserts. Coastal deserts are cooler and more stable climates than other deserts, and the fog moisture creates fertile conditions for unique organism evolution. Famous coastal deserts include the Namib Desert (pictured) in southern Africa and the Atacama Desert in Chile.
Marine Transgression
10/22/26
“How can the sea advance over land?”
It’s easy to assume coastlines are permanently static. However, the sea can advance over land either through sea level rise, land subsidence, or both. This process is known as Marine Transgression. Jakarta, the largest city in Indonesia, is a prime example of this.
Plankton
10/21/26
“How do we classify tiny water organisms that drift instead of swim?”
We hear about plankton when discussing water environments. But what exactly are they? Well, Plankton are small organisms that drift with water currents instead of swimming against them. There are plankton in all of the major biological kingdoms, ranging in size from microscopic bacteria to massive jellyfish. Plankton are a vital part of the Earth’s water ecosystem.
Garage Flood Vents
10/20/26
“How can we place flood vents in garages?”
Flood vents protect building foundations during storms by channelling stormwater through a designated path. People can install flood vents in their garages to create Garage Flood Vents. Garage flood vents are typically installed low on exterior walls to let rising water in and receding water out.
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