"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Ecology
Mountain Headwaters
08/05/25
“Where do mountain rivers originate?”
Mountain rivers are mighty bodies of water that cascade down heights to end up in larger bodies of water or deserts. But where do these rivers form? Well, clouds will commonly release water over mountain peaks. Some of this water will move downwards as surface runoff and will collect together to form a river. The source of this river is called Mountain Headwaters, and is a fundamental part of the Earth’s function..
Prism Storage (Hydrograph)
08/04/25
“How can we visualize the steady-state water storage of a stream?”
Water streams have a defined path that holds water. When operating under steady-state conditions, these streams will have a uniform profile that we can calculate for water storage known as Prism Storage. Prism storage is a fundamental idea in parts of environmental engineering and can help model numerous real-world situations.
Why People Can Use Biochar to Prevent Algae Blooms
07/27/25
“How can people use indigenous biochar technology to prevent algae blooms in water?”
Nutrient runoff into water bodies can spawn algae blooms. Interventions that help soils retain nutrients and moisture create less nutrient runoff. Biochar, a charcoal substance first discovered by Indigenous Amazonians, helps soils retain nutrients and moisture. Therefore, people can apply biochar to surfaces to prevent algae blooms. This is Why People Can Use Biochar to Prevent Algae Blooms.
Landscape Grading
07/24/25
“How can we re-level the landscape to improve drainage and aesthetics?”
Landscapes vary in shape and size. Sometimes, their topography might make them more susceptible to creating flooding issues. One way to solve this is to re-level them through Landscape Grading. Landscape grading involves contouring the area to improve drainage and aesthetics. Landscape grading is another tool in the toolshed for landscape professionals all over the world.
Soil Compaction
07/22/25
“What happens to soil when its particles are pressed together?”
Soil is one of the foundations of terrestrial life on Earth. Soil’s porosity allows for water infiltration and drainage. But when soil particles are crushed together, they lose much of their porosity, leading to worse drainage, which can stifle plant growth and increase stormwater runoff/soil erosion. This Soil Compaction is a major problem for agricultural and stormwater management and requires amelioration to minimize damage.
Soil Erosion
07/20/25
“What processes uproot topsoil?”
Topsoil is the uppermost, highly biologically productive part of soil. Activities such as heavy wind, rainstorms, and construction can displace topsoil through Soil Erosion. Soil erosion is an important factor to look out for in stormwater pollution prevention plans.
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.
