VAST’s Post

These are the 3 coolest things about moss you have never heard about… 1. It grows in deserts and at the poles; 2. Eats and drinks dust and water from the air; 3. Stores more carbon than trees. This makes them ideal for mine site restoration as they also grow on bare rock and stabilise soil. VAST is coordinating the project, which aims to accelerate  the ecological restoration of mine sites. We have the start of a successful restoration recipe when combined with geomorphic reclamation. Follow the project here re:moss A shoutout to Daniel Pacurar, aka, the Moss Man, who is the brains behind the innovation. #nature #mining #biodiversity

Ever heard of sand mining? Sand is the second-most extracted resource in the world after water. From the building you're in and the windows letting in the light, to the microchips in your devices and the road you'll take to go home—sand is everywhere. Yet it rarely surfaces in conversation while yet another crisis of extraction is rearing its head. Curious about what really going on here? Check out my infographic for a quick primer. #dataviz #datavisualisation #sandmining #climatechange #biodiversity #ecology

I'm happy to share our latest paper published in Science of the Total Enviroment entitled: "The effects of surface heterogeneity on erosion and sedimentation and their implications for of soil properties at postmining sites". https://lnkd.in/gYaNR-24 #cvut #ctu #soil

Erosion modeling is critical for sustainable mining rehabilitation, and one of the most effective tools in this area is the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model. WEPP simulates soil erosion and sediment transport based on hydrological processes, offering precise predictions of how landscapes will respond to rainfall, runoff, and soil management practices over time. In my work, WEPP has been indispensable for assessing the stability of rehabilitated landforms. By inputting specific parameters such as soil type, vegetation cover, slope, and climate data, WEPP accurately models both sheet and rill erosion, providing actionable insights for landscape design and erosion control. This allows us to not only meet regulatory requirements but also anticipate long-term risks associated with extreme weather events and climate variability. As a Certified Professional Soil Scientist, I’ve found WEPP’s ability to simulate complex interactions between hydrology and landforms invaluable in designing rehabilitation strategies that reduce erosion, improve sediment retention, and enhance ecosystem recovery. It’s a tool that helps bridge the gap between short-term rehabilitation goals and long-term landscape stability. If you’re interested in exploring how advanced modeling like WEPP can contribute to sustainable mining rehabilitation, feel free to connect! #MiningRehabilitation #SustainableMining #ErosionModeling #WEPP #SoilScience #Hydrology #EnvironmentalRestoration #SedimentControl

Learn more about activities of ALFAwetlands #LivingLab Estonia! Particularly, how project partner, University of Tartu, accompanies the restoration of former peat extraction areas! ✅ History of peat extraction mining ✅ Restoring former peat extraction sites ✅ Images of restoration process are in the post below: #RestorationForFuture #HorizonEurope #LivingLabs

Welcome to SubTropolis: the Limestone Mine Turned Climate&Controlled Business ComplexAfter extracting all the useful stuff from a mine, you are often left with a lot of empty subterranean space without a clear purpose. This was the case with the …read more https://lnkd.in/dVpNJdTb Welcome, SubTropolis:, the, Limestone, Mine, Turned, Climate-Controlled, Business, Complex

🌱 Exploring the fascinating world of soils! Did you know about Cambisols? Cambisols exhibit at least the beginnings of horizon differentiation in the subsoil, evident from changes in structure, colour, clay content, or carbonate content. These soils are characterised by slight or moderate weathering of parent material and the absence of appreciable quantities of illuviated clay, organic matter, Aluminum, and/or Iron compounds. They encompass soils that may not fit perfectly into other soil groups, including highly weathered ones. Join us in exploring the dynamic processes shaping our Earth beneath our feet! 🌍 #BIOservicES #Cambisols #Soil #EuropeanProject #HorizonProject #BasicConcepts

How to Research Property Soil Conditions and Geological Hazards for a Safe Investment https://lnkd.in/ehjim-jd

We're eager beavers when it comes to restoring the Weber River! By 2025, TU and our partners are planning on constructing up to 2,000 man-made beaver dams on the headwaters of the Upper Weber River, which is a project scale meant to benefit more than just trout. Known as Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs), these man-made beaver dams are essentially a porous wall of sticks, logs and leaves that slows the flow of water in one part of the stream. This allows excess spring flows to seep into the floodplain and be temporarily stored until drier conditions prevail. At the forefront of our work are two TU staff members, Scott Catton and Tanner Cox, who are undertaking a massive effort to help restore this watershed to its former glory after centuries of overgrazing, trapping, mining and other impacts to the local landscape. “BDAs are actually very simple and cost-effective structures that provide benefits to both trout and humans alike,” said Tanner Cox, Wasatch area senior project manager. “All we’re trying to do is slow down the flow of water so that the areas adjacent to river act like a sponge and absorb and temporarily store groundwater. This allows for colder and cleaner water to exist during the hottest times of the year.” Learn more HERE: https://lnkd.in/gkaHmMUC

Hydroseeding is a highly effective method for remediating and revegetating mining sites, particularly in Australia where such landscapes often require restoration after industrial use. Quick, cost-effective, and efficient, it stabilises soil, prevents erosion, and promotes rapid vegetation with native seed adapted to our unique landscapes. #hydroseeding #revegetation #remediation #southaustralia