Saltwater Intrusion in Groundwater

Saltwater Intrusion in Groundwater

Saltwater Intrusion in Groundwater

05/11/25

“How can saltwater corrode freshwater aquifers?”

Aquifers usually hold freshwater. However, coastal aquifers may have saltwater. Usually, saltwater in aquifers is kept at bay because of the natural coastal movement of freshwater. But if groundwater pumping is unsustainable, then the freshwater flow can decrease and suction of saltwater increases, leading to Saltwater intrusion into the aquifer. Saltwater intrusion can destroy drinking water and irrigation sources for people.

Oceanic Basins

Oceanic Basins

Oceanic Basins

05/08/25

“What geological features hold the oceans?”

Oceans cover three-quarters of the Earth’s surface. What holds them? Well, it turns out that each ocean rests on top of a bowl-shaped geological formation called an Oceanic Basin. Oceanic basins are a fundamental part of the Earth’s hydrogeological system. 

Boundary Currents

Boundary Currents

Boundary Currents

05/07/25

“How do we classify ocean currents that interact with coastlines?”

Ocean currents move everywhere. Ocean currents that are affected by coastlines are labeled as Boundary Currents.

Water Softening

Water Softening

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.

Image credit: https://kineticoutah.com/

Tropical Glaciers

Tropical Glaciers

Tropical Glaciers

05/04/25

“How can glaciers exist in the tropics?”

When people are told to think of the tropics, they tend to picture hot, humid beaches and jungles. But believe it or not, glaciers can also exist in the tropics. These Tropical Glaciers exist at high altitudes in tropical regions, such as the West Papua Highlands or the Andes Mountains. Many tropical glaciers are disappearing due to climate change.

Image credit: https://news.berkeley.edu/

Trenches

Trenches

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

Slurry Walls

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.

Image credit: forgen.com

Why Sequencing Batch Reactors Can Potentially Be Less Expensive Because of Their Size

Why Sequencing Batch Reactors Can Potentially Be Less Expensive Because of Their Size

Why Sequencing Batch Reactors Can Potentially Be Less Expensive Because of Their Size

04/30/25

“Why are sequencing batch reactors potentially less expensive because of their size?”

The integrated functionality of sequencing batch reactors allows them to take up much smaller spaces than conventional wastewater filtration systems. By eliminating extra tanks and equipment, sequencing batch reactors are potentially less expensive to install and operate than general wastewater treatment plants like conventional activated sludge systems.

Exergy

Exergy

Exergy

04/27/25

“How can we quantify the potential of energy in a system that can do work?”

Anergy is the amount of energy in a system that can no longer do useful work. It’s complement, Exergy, is the amount of energy in a system that can do useful work. Exert plus anergy makes total work.