"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Month: November 2024
Why Hydric Soils Are Critical to Wetland Restoration
11/19/24
“Why are hydric soils critical to wetland restoration?”
Wetland foliage requires hydric soils to survive. If there is a presence of hydric soils, then it means wetlands can be restored at that location. This is Why Hydric Soils Are Critical to Wetland Restoration.
Hydric Soils
11/18/24
“What happens when soils are hypersaturated with water?”
Soils can be saturated by water from time to time. When they become hypersaturated by water, they can become anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) Hydric Soils that can support swamplands.
Storm Drain Inlet Filtration Units
11/17/24
“How can we attach filters to storm drains?”
Storm drains carry floodwaters away from cities to a dumping source. However, pollution from the city, such as debris or runoff, may enter the storm drain and harm the environment. People can install Storm Drain Inlet Filtration Units to keep these in place.
Image credit https://oldcastleinfrastructure.com/
Tectonic Estuaries
11/16/24
“How can tectonic movements create estuaries?”
Estuaries are magnificent forms of nature. One of the most fascinating ways estuaries are formed is when tectonic movement causes a piece of land to sink and for surrounding water to fill it. This forms a Tectonic Estuary. The San Francisco Bay is an example of a tidal estuary.
Bar-Built Estuaries
11/15/24
“How can barrier islands create special estuaries?”
Barrier islands protect mainlands from harsh storms. Sometimes their backside also forms an estuary with a nearby river. These Bar-Built Estuaries typically have low water volume flows with the surrounding ocean, and can even temporarily turn into lagoons. The Salmon River in Oregon is an example of a bar-built estuary.
Image credit: http://www.oregonconservationstrategy.com
Holdfasts
11/14/24
“What is the equivalent of roots for ocean algae organisms like seaweed?”
Ocean algae organisms like seaweed are attached to ocean ground. But what attaches them to that ground? Well, it comes in the form of something called a Holdfast that functions much like roots.
Aquatic System Substrates
11/13/24
“What is the earthy material that forms at the bottom of a habitat?”
Aquatic habitats often have earthy bottoms. These are composed of sediments and are called Aquatic System Substrates.
Ephemeral Creeks
11/12/24
“Are there creeks that only flow during rain?”
People typically think that water in creeks flows throughout the entire year. However, some creeks only flow during precipitation events. These Ephemeral Creeks are more common in arid and semi-arid environments.
Aquatic Plant Adaptations
11/11/24
“How are aquatic plants adapted to their environments?”
Aquatic plants live in marine environments. This requires a number of specific adaptations. Many reproduce asexually, metabolize bicarbonate to make up for the dearth of photosynthesis, and are more buoyant than their land-based cousins. These Aquatic Plant Adaptations affect the form and structure of an untold number of plant organisms around the world.
Isaac's science blog 