Lake Mead

Lake Mead

Lake Mead

08/31/26

“What’s so special about the reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam?”

The Hoover Dam is one of the most famous dams in the world. Nestled near Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam provides energy to over half a million homes, water to over 1.5 million acres of land and 25 million people (including some in Los Angeles and Mexico), and flood control for the region. The reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam is so large it’s been called Lake Mead. The creation of Lake Mead involved great devastation, including the submerging of Indigenous archeological sites and multiple towns. The water level at Lake Mead is an indicator of drought in the Southwest. As of writing, the water level in Lake Mead has dropped to nearly a quarter of its capacity, its lowest ever recorded level.

Work Softening in Soils

Work Softening in Soils

Work Softening in Soils

08/30/26

“Why do some soils decrease in shear strength after a certain amount of strain?”

Soils can resist shearing forces through soil shear strength. However, the soil’s shear strength can decrease after a point of increased strain as internal structures are rearranged. This Work Softening in Soils can lead to dangerous soil failures if too much strain is reached and the soil collapses with the structure over it.

Living Shorelines

Living Shorelines

Living Shorelines

08/29/26

“How can we stabilize shorelines using nature-based methods?”

Shorelines all over the world are subject to erosion by coastal forces. One way to stabilize them is to use nature-based methods such as planting vegetation and nurturing oyster reefs. These aptly named Living Shorelines can stabilize sand, filter runoff, fortify against erosion, and provide a beautiful place for all walks of life. Living shorelines provide a useful alternative to hard gray infrastructure such as bulkheads.

Voltage Spikes

Voltage Spikes

Voltage Spikes

08/28/26

“What causes temporary voltage spikes?”

Electric power supply is more stable when it is constant. However, sometimes events like short circuits, EMP pulses, and even lightning strikes can cause Voltage Spikes. Voltage spikes can overwhelm electrical equipment if proper protections are not implemented.

Electric Power Quality

Electric Power Quality

Electric Power Quality

08/26/26

“How can we define the quality of AC electric power supply?”

AC electric power quality is the backbone of most global electricity supplies. However, its quality depends on a few factors. Electric Power Quality is determined by how much the voltage level doesn’t stray from its expected value and how stable its frequency is. Providing high-quality electric power quality is of the utmost importance for electric infrastructure operators.

 Why Data Centers Are Causing The Grid to Go Out Of Sync

 Why Data Centers Are Causing The Grid to Go Out Of Sync

 Why Data Centers Are Causing The Grid to Go Out Of Sync

08/25/26

“Why are data centers causing the grid to go out of sync?”

Data centers take up gargantuan amounts of power for their computational needs. However, they don’t do it all at once. Instead, their operations fluctuate with the computation at hand. These extreme fluctuations cause rapid grid load changes, which in turn can throw the electricity grid out of sync. The degradation of a consistent AC electricity frequency can be so severe that it damages nearby household electrical appliances. This is Why Data Centers Are Causing The Grid to Go Out Of Sync.

Community Land Trusts

Community Land Trusts

Community Land Trusts

 08/24/26

“How can we establish nonprofits to hold and manage land for affordable housing?”

Land trusts allow nonprofits to hold and manage land. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) hold and steward land specifically for affordable housing. The Community Land Trust purchases land and leases it out to tenants or other organizations that own and manage the buildings and improvements. The land trust protects residents from housing market price increases by separating building ownership from land ownership. Community land trusts may have governance structures that allow residents to take part.

Land Trusts

Land Trusts

Land Trusts

 08/23/26

“How can people create nonprofit organizations that own and manage land?”

Land is typically managed by private individuals as a consequence of global Western European colonization. However, nonprofit organizations called Land Trusts are also able to own and manage land. Land trusts can serve a variety of functions, from conserving natural landscapes to providing affordable housing.