"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Author: Isaac Gendler
Subglacial Lakes
06/28/25
“How are there lakes below glaciers?”
It’s easy to assume that glaciers are made up entirely of ice with no liquid water. However, geothermal heating from underneath and high pressure can create Subglacial Lakes. Subglacial lakes hold a large portion of the Earth’s freshwater resources and have fascinating extremophilic microbial ecosystems.
Image credit: https://i.cdn.newsbytesapp.com/
Fecal Sludge
06/27/25
“What exactly is fecal sludge?”
People all over the world use non-sewer systems to dispose of fecal matter. This fecal matter will collect over time with other waste material and accumulate into Fecal Sludge. Fecal sludge needs proper maintenance to prevent public health issues.
Siltation
06/26/25
“What happens when too much silt or clay reaches the bottom of a river?”
Rivers run best when there’s a fine balance of water and soil on their river bed. When too much silt or clay fills up the river bed, it can clog the river and hurt the existing ecosystem. This Siltation process is can heavily damage rivers of all kinds, and water body managers need to keep track of these developments.
Thalwegs
06/23/25
“What are the deepest parts of rivers?”
Rivers are dynamic pieces of geography. They curve and meander while transporting water and sediment. The depths of rivers will also vary. If you were to trace a path following the deepest parts of rivers, you would get what scientists call a Thalweg. Thalwegs are often used to mark the river border between countries or other governing bodies.
Image credit: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/
Wastewater Lift Station Maintenance
06/20/25
“How can we perform maintenance on wastewater lift stations?”
Wastewater lift stations are vital for many sewer systems. But these will wear out over time, like everything in this world. Operators can perform Wastewater Lift Station Maintenance by repairing grease motors, installing backup generators, fixing pipes, performing general inspections, and more.
Image credit: https://www.waterandwastewater.com/
Wastewater Lift Stations
06/19/25
“Why might we need to lift wastewater?”
It’s easy to move wastewater by channeling it from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. But sometimes wastewater is too low for gravity transport. Infrastructure operators can address this issue by utilizing Wastewater Lift Stations that pump wastewater upwards. This pushes wastewater to a higher elevation to allow for movement again.
Image credit: http://www.pumpsandsystems.com
Salt Marsh Migration
06/18/25
“Why do salt marshes migrate upland?”
Salt marshes border coastal waters. When sea levels rise, more upland areas will become inundated with saltwater. This will increase soil salinity, killing off non-adapted plants and creating conditions for salt marshes to move in. This Salt Marsh Migration can completely upend traditional ecosystems.
Soil Salinity
06/17/25
“How can we quantify the amount of salt in soil?”
Salt can intrude into soil. Soil Salinity is the measure of salt present in soil. Soil salinity can result from mineral weathering, saltwater intrusion, ocean withdrawal, or saltwater irrigation.
Why Midwestern US Cities That Are Losing Population But Have a Resilience Plan Can Potentially Become Receiving Cities
06/16/25
“Why can midwestern US cities that are losing population but have a resilience plan potentially become receiving cities?”
Many midwestern US cities are losing population. However, the midwest is particularly advantaged when it comes to climate change in comparison to the rest of the country, and if they have a resilience plan, then there is potential for future climate adapted growth. This is Why Midwestern US Cities That Are Losing Population But Have a Resilience Plan Can Potentially Become Receiving Cities.
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