"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Month: October 2024
Ecotones
10/31/24
“What is the transition zone between two ecological communities?”
There are different ecosystem types all over the world, from forests to grasslands to tundras. But how does one ecosystem type transition from one to another? Well, there might be a transition called an Ecotone. Ecotones can be either sudden or gradual.
Coastal Plain Estuaries
10/30/24
“How are coastal plain estuaries formed?”
Coastal river valleys connect rivers to the ocean. These valleys become submerged and become Coastal Plain Estuaries when the sea level rises. These estuaries are typically wedge-shaped with a narrow inlet to the ocean.
Estuaries
10/29/24
“What are Estuaries?”
Water shapes land masses in all types of ways. Sometimes a partially enclosed body of water by the ocean mixes salt water with freshwater from rivers and streams. This forms something called an Estuary, which are some of the most peculiar spaces of brackish water.
How to Daylight a Stream
10/28/24
“How do we restore a buried stream?”
People bury streams for a variety of reasons. This can cause flooding issues and habitat destruction. Later, people may want to restore the stream. Restoring, or daylighting a stream can be accomplished by removing artificial impediments like pavements and culverts, recreating the former ecosystem, and applying maintenance techniques. This is How to Daylight a Stream.
Ecosystem Improvement Compensation
10/27/24
“How can we compensate people for improving ecosystems?”
Ecosystem services monetarily quantify the value an ecosystem provides. If someone improves an ecosystem, then under this framework they theoretically raise the ecosystem value. Some governments may want to implement Ecosystem Improvement Compensation by paying people who make ecosystems better.
Ecosystem Services
10/26/24
“How can we categorize the benefits that ecosystems have to humans?”
Ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to people. It ranges from trees providing oxygen to beaches providing enjoyment. These supports can be categorized as Ecosystem Services. Thinking about ecosystems as providing services can elucidate how people need them for their lives.
How Sinkholes Form
10/25/24
“How do sinkholes form?”
Sinkholes form from ground collapse. But how exactly does this process work? Well, water dissolves minerals in rocks and leaves permeable, open spaces. Further watering will further open holes, and this will loosen things more. This can eventually lead to collapse, leaving a sinkhole. This is How Sinkholes Form.
Why Cities Bury Streams
10/24/24
“Why do cities bury streams?”
Cities often develop by streams. But sometimes they see these streams as a nuisance since they flood and block “developable” space. This is Why Cities Bury Streams.
Daylighting (Streams)
10/23/24
“How can we restore streams that were buried?”
Streams are often buried by urban development, which leads to flood issues and ecological devastation. We can use Daylighting, or stream restoration to unearth streams and help heal the world.
Isaac's science blog 