"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Ecology
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/
Permafrost
06/30/25
“What happens when soil is frozen for more than two years?”
Soil’s temperature depends on the air’s temperature. When soil is frozen for two or more years, it develops into Permafrost. Permafrost upholds tundra ecosystems, and is prone to physical collapse upon melting. Permafrost is commonly found in far northern latitudes and the Tibetan Plateau.
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.
Why Constructed Wetlands Have Low Operating Costs
04/12/25
“Why do constructed wetlands have lower operating costs?”
Constructed wetlands provide water treatment through passive mechanisms without relying on complex machinery and operations. These factors make constructed wetlands more affordable to build and maintain than their mechanical equivalents. This is Why Constructed Wetlands Have Low Operating Costs.
Why Rivers Were Channeled Into Culverts
03/20/25
“Why were rivers channeled into culverts?”
It’s common to hear about the dangers of culverting rivers and the need to daylight these bodies of water. But why were rivers culverted in the first place? Well, the thinking was that open rivers are difficult to control, flood during storms, and prevent construction from taking place. Channeling rivers into a culvert allowed flood control and development to occur. This is Why Rivers Were Channeled Into Culverts.
Plant Communities
02/27/25
“How can we describe groups of closely interdependent plants?”
Living beings live in communities. Plants are no exception. Plants that interact interdependently with each other in close geographic proximity form Plant Communities. Plant communities have definite visual boundaries, and form a foundation of ecosystems.
Landscape Parks (Protected Area)
02/25/25
“How do multiple Central and Eastern European countries classify environmentally protected recreational parks?”
When people talk about environmentally protected areas, they typically refer to large sprawling parks. But for many Central/Eastern European countries, there’s something called a Landscape Park, which is an environmentally conserved part of nature that’s meant for human recreation. These landscape parks are a terrific way to meet the needs of people and the planet.
Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/
Why Homes in Los Angeles Will Likely Have Higher Insurance Premiums Now
01/09/25
“Why will homes in Los Angeles likely have higher insurance premiums now?”
Insurance rate premium amounts are in proportion to perceived risk. The ongoing (as of writing) fires devastating Los Angeles is making the market appear more risky for investors, thereby raising insurance rates. This is Why Homes in Los Angeles Will Likely Have Higher Insurance Premiums Now. California policymakers and financial institutions should act quickly and implement reforms to help the people of Los Angeles.
Toxicology
12/24/24
“What is the academic study of the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms and the environment?”
Toxic substances can have a wide range of effects on a wide range of organisms. Some may cause only small ain, while others can be threatening. To study these phenomena, scientists look to the field of Toxicology. Toxicology studies how the response of an organism is affected by exposure to a toxin. Toxicology is used in environmental health to understand the effects of pollutants on organisms and the environment.
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