SmallQuestions
Why were castles built? Castles were built for several reasons at once: to defend people and territory, to house rulers and nobles, to control important roads and settlements, and to show power. A medieval castle was not just a fortress. It could also be a home, an administrative center, a storage place, and a very […]
How deep is Lake Michigan? Lake Michigan reaches a maximum recorded depth of 923 feet (281 meters). Its average depth is about 279 feet (85 meters). The deepest water is in the northern part of the lake, in the Chippewa Basin. Explore more source-backed questions in our Nature section. How Deep Is Lake Michigan at […]
Why do buildings have lightning rods? Buildings use lightning rods to give lightning current a safer, controlled path into the ground. The rod does not stop lightning or pull it toward the building. It is one part of a lightning-protection system designed to reduce the chance that a strike will travel through vulnerable building materials, […]
Why do houses have gutters? Gutters collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the house. That simple job helps keep large amounts of water from repeatedly soaking the soil next to the foundation, splashing against siding, eroding landscaping, and pouring over entrances and walkways. A roof can shed hundreds of gallons of […]