"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Earth/Climate science
Hydrologic Soil Groups
07/18/25
“How can we classify soils based on infiltration potential?”
Different soils will have different structures. Consequently, some soils will become saturated with water more quickly and become more vulnerable to runoff. We can classify these by Hydrologic Soil Groups, sorted from A (the highest infiltration/lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wet) to D (the lowest infiltration/highest runoff potential when thoroughly wet).
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans
07/17/25
“How can we make plans to prevent new construction from polluting stormwater runoff?”
Construction activities such as soil tillage, hazardous material storage, and waste disposal can create pollutants that are carried into water bodies by stormwater. This can turn into a major environmental and public health problem if no regulations exist. Thankfully, in the U.S, new construction projects are required to submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program established under the Clean Water Act. Stormwater pollution prevention plans must include a site map, construction sequencing of the expected activities, potential pollution sources, best management practices undertaken to prevent pollution discharge, and supporting hydrological calculations.
Alluvial Rivers
07/16/2025
“What exactly makes rivers composed of loose sediment special?”
Rivers move loose sediment through their powerful flow. If the riverbed and riverbanks are made of sediment, then the river can actively shape its own geometry. These river types, called Alluvial Rivers, create meandering paths and may periodically flood nearby riverbanks.
Tidal Range
07/15/2025
“What is the difference between high and low tide?”
The height of tidal bodies of water will vary between high tide and low tide. The height difference between them is known as the Tidal Range. Knowing the tidal range is value is critical for coastal management.
Standpipes (Streets)
07/13/25
“How can we use pipes to provide water on the street?”
Water is one of the foundations of human civilization. People cannot survive without it. Sometimes, we might need to provide water on the street for people. We can use freestanding pipes outfitted with taps, called Standpipes, to provide instantaneous access to water when necessary.
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Basement Waterproofing
07/12/25
“Why do we need to waterproof our basements?”
You can find basements in buildings all over the world. These subterranean floors allow for larger storage, cooking, and even living facilities. However, flooding can occur in basements and create structural damage, mold, and property destruction. People can apply Basement Waterproofing techniques such as sump pits and sump pumps to ensure the safety of the building.
Marine Protected Areas
07/09/25
“How can we protect marine ecological areas?”
Industrial activity in marine areas can destroy ecosystems. One way to prevent this is to limit all human activities that don’t contribute to ecological and cultural conservation. Governments and international bodies establish these Marine Protected Areas to ensure ecosystem stability.
Image credit: https://marinesanctuary.org/
Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Best Management Practices
07/08/25
“What are the best management practices for stormwater pollution from construction activity?”
Construction projects can release pollution into water bodies through stormwater. So what can we do to prevent this? Well, over time, engineers, planners, and architects have developed Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Best Management Practices, or BMPs to deal with these problems. Common BMPs focus on reducing soil erosion, reducing sediment loss, and managing materials and waste. Examples BMPs include silt fences, sediment basins, and bare ground stabilization.
Tidal Bores
07/07/25
“How can ocean tides flow into rivers?”
Rivers pour water from high elevations into deeper bodies of water like oceans. Oceans have waves that crash into land. When a place with a high tidal range and a shallow river or Bay inlet, the ocean tides can push into the river in the opposite direction of river water flow. These Tidal Bores are fascinating phenomena that can upset the local hydrological system.
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