Artificial Groundwater Recharge

06/11/25

“How can we recharge groundwater supplies using human-built infrastructure?”

Infrastructure operators need to maintain groundwater supplies at sustainable levels. Sometimes, demand is so high that groundwater levels will collapse if no external intervention is taken. Infrastructure operators can undertake Artificial Groundwater Recharge using human-built mechanisms such as recycling treated wastewater and stormwater.

Garbage Patches in Ocean Gyres

06/02/25

“Why do country-sized garbage patches circle the oceans?”

Ocean gyres rotate water between continents like a conveyor belt. When people release garbage into the ocean, it can get sucked into this rotation. Over time, this waste has accumulated into giant Garbage Patches in Ocean Gyres. The largest by area, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is estimated to be around twice as large as the U.S. state of Texas! These garbage patches are not continuous, solid masses, but rather similar to a mirky soup soup.

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Natural Harbors

05/23/25

“What land forms make natural harbors?”

Harbors require protection from rough waters and depths deep enough for ships to navigate. Areas that naturally have these elements are labelled Natural Harbors. Examples of natural harbors include New York Harbor in the northeastern US and the Golden Horn in Istanbul. 

Harbors

05/17/25

“What makes a location safe for docking ships?”

Maritime operators need to store ships in a safe place when they’re docked. These locations, called Harbors, require enclosures to protect ships from strong currents and deep waters so ships can enter and exit without hitting land. Harbors are a vital part of oceanic infrastructure and helps the world operate the way it does.

Water Softening

05/05/25

“How can we remove iron and manganese from water using positively charged sodium ions?”

Water Softening is a water treatment technique for iron and manganese. Water passes through a resin bed filled with positively charged sodium ions. These sodium ions “replace” the magnesium in the water, separating the latter from the substance. This technique is only recommended for water with pH greater than 6.7, water hardness between 50 – 350 mg/L, and dissolved iron concentrations less than 5 mg/L.

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Trenches

05/03/25

“What properties make up a trench?”

Trenches are a vital part of civil engineering and geology. But what properties make up a trench? Well, a trench is a depression that is longer than it is wide. Trenches are useful for laying underground infrastructure.

Slurry Walls

05/01/25

“How can we prevent groundwater from seeping into underground structures?”

Groundwater seepage is a threat to underground structure construction. But what if we built a trench around the structure and then fill it in with a slurry that blocks water? This is the idea behind Slurry Walls. Projects of all scales use slurry walls, from wells to the World trade Center.

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French Drains

04/26/25

“How can we drain water away to a specified flood zone?”

Water flooding is a major issue around the world. Massive damage can ensue if there’s no management. So what’s one way we can solve it? Well, what if we dig a trench, fill it with a gravel bed, insert a perforated pipe, and then file the rest with gravel? This way, the water will move from the gravel into the pipe, which can then transport the water into a specified flooding area. This technology is as French Drains, and is a common household flooding solution.

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