"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Earth/Climate science
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.
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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.
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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.
Salt Marshes
06/15/25
“How are there marshes in salt water?”
Marshes are wetlands with shallow, stationary water. Marshes that border coastal saltwater are called Salt Marshes. Salt marsh plants are typically salt-tolerant and play a large role in binding sediments. Salt marshes are vital for coastal protection, and many environmental planners are working on restoring salt marshes.
Stream Banks
06/14/25
“How do we classify the land by streams?”
Streams flow from one place to another. The land bordering streams, also known as Stream Banks, have a symbiotic relationship with the bodies of water.
Stream Beds
06/13/25
“What makes the bottom of streams so special?”
Streams carry water throughout a particular geography. The bottom of a stream, known as a Stream Bed, influences how the stream moves. For example, if a stream bed is more rocky, then it will protect against flooding, but can lead to extra sedimentation. Plant life can also occur on stream beds.
