"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
Ecosystem Services
10/26/24
“How can we categorize the benefits that ecosystems have to humans?”
Ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to people. It ranges from trees providing oxygen to beaches providing enjoyment. These supports can be categorized as Ecosystem Services. Thinking about ecosystems as providing services can elucidate how people need them for their lives.
Why Cities Bury Streams
10/24/24
“Why do cities bury streams?”
Cities often develop by streams. But sometimes they see these streams as a nuisance since they flood and block “developable” space. This is Why Cities Bury Streams.
Sewage Lagoons
10/17/24
“How can lagoons be used for sewage treatment?”
Lagoons can be found all over the world. Many contain bacteria that can feed on toxic waste. This makes it possible to use as a wastewater treatment by dumping sewage into the lagoon and letting the bacteria break down the waste. These Sewage Lagoons are typically aided by wind and sunlight.
Image credit: https://nanogasenvironmental.com/
Why Venice is Built on Stilts
10/13/24
“Why is the city of Venice built on stilts?”
Venice is a top-rated destination for countless people all over the world. There is so much to love from its beautiful canals to its deep history. However, one of the most interesting aspects is that the city itself is built on stilts. Why did the Venetians do this? Well, the islands that serve as Venice’s base are made of weak, soft mud and silt. This makes building very dangerous and arduous. Building a foundation of wooden stilts makes development stronger. This is Why Venice is Built on Stilts.
Utility Easements
09/24/24
“Why do no utilities need easements?”
Utilities provide critical services to residents, whether it be water for your shower or electricity for your devices. These utilities will break down from time to time and need repairs. Property owners will have to provide Utility Easements so repairs can be made by the utility owners. These are usually determined in easement agreements that outline which specific areas utilities are eligible to work on.
Easements
09/22/24
“When may someone be entitled to use another person’s property?”
People may have to have access to someone else’s property from time to time. This could range from utilities needing to use a backyard to repair property to access for a landlocked neighbor. These rights are called Easements and are an important part of land-use law.
Eminent Domain for Airspace
09/21/24
“How is eminent domain applied to airspace?”
Eminent domain is typically used to acquire land rights for public use. However, if it wants to use air-based applications (such as airports) it will also need to acquire airspace. Eminent Domain for Airspace entails the government paying just compensation for the airspace.
Dwellings Insurance
09/16/24
“What insurance covers the physical structure of a home?”
Horrendous disasters like fires or hurricanes can greatly damage a home. Personal property insurance will cover personal items destroyed, but what about the home’s physical built struture, such as the walls and foundations? Well, this is covered by Dwellings Insurance. Dwellings insurance also coverers attached fixtures such as stoves.
Why Municipalities Issue Their Own Stormwater Permit Regulations
09/13/24
“Why do municipalities issue their own stormwater permit regulations?”
Stormwater permit regulations are usually made by state and federal governments in the US. Individual municipalities may want to impose stricter ordinances, such as disallowing certain chemicals or encouraging stronger protection against system infiltration. These allow a community to be safer and stronger and is Why Municipalities Issue Their Own Stormwater Permit Regulations.
Isaac's Science Blog 