Watersheds Review Science 8 SOL

What is a watershed? A watershed is the land that water flows across, under, or through on its way to the Chesapeake Bay.

#1. Areas of high elevations, such as divides (or ridgelines), separate watersheds.

We are part of the Potomac River watershed.

Estuary Defined An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water formed where fresh water from rivers and streams flows into a bay or ocean, mixing with the salt water. . The defining feature of an estuary is the mixing of fresh and salt water.

Chesapeake Bay The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It contains 6 Major river systems.

Name the states in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Major River Systems a. Susquehanna River – provides over 50% of the water to the Bay. b. Shenandoah River – runs north through VA & WV c. Potomac River – runs through DC, 20% of water to the Bay.

Major River Systems d. Rappahannock River – next major river south of the Potomac e. York River – next major river south of the Rappahannock f. James River – Richmond is at the mouth of this River- 15% of water to the Bay

Label the Watersheds in VA: - Gulf of Mexico - Chesapeake Bay - North Carolina Sounds NC Sounds

Major VA rivers in the Ches. Bay watershed? Please Remember Your Jacket! Potomac Rappahannock York James

Abiotic (Never living) vs. Biotic (Living or Once Living)

Abiotic vs. Biotic Abiotic Biotic

Break down Physical chemistry Chemical composition

People can Harm Estuaries Channels are dredged, which causes sediment to get in the estu Shorelines are reconstructed to make room for housing and agricultural needs by filling marshes and wetlands. ary and cause higher turbidity. Water is polluted and recreation creates excess sediments. “Over fishing” fish, crabs and shellfish affect the complex food web of the estuary.

Point Source Pollution 1. Industrial Plants 2. Storm Water Drains 3. Sewage Treatment Plants

Non-Point Source Pollution Construction Sites/ Development 2. Highways and parking lots 3. Farms 4. Lawns and golf courses 5. Household products and chemicals

How do we prevent pollution? 1. Riparian Buffer Zone 2. Build wetlands 3. Storm water drainage ditches 4. Manure containment 5. Silt Fences

WHAT ARE WETLANDS? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT WETLANDS? Filters run-off from upland areas Prevent erosion Provide habitats for hundreds of plant and animal species. Absorb excess floodwater and rainwater.

Water Monitoring 1. Allows scientists and citizens to understand what is impacting their stream or river. 2. Can provide scientists with the information to come up with solutions to problems.

Types of Tests pH: tells us how acidic or basic our water is. The pH range is 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Spring water has a pH of 7 and is neither acidic or basic. While a range of 6.5 to 8.2 is optimal for most organisms, rapidly growing algae increases the pH. Acid rain can also change the pH. Dissolved Oxygen: Different organisms require different amounts of dissolved oxygen. Generally, counts below 3 ppm (parts per million) would be deadly to most aquatic animals. Turbidity: Turbidity should not be confused with color since darkly colored water can still be clear and not turbid. Turbid water may be the result of erosion, urban run-off, algal blooms, dredging and even boat traffic. Phosphates: Phosphorus is a nutrient that acts as a fertilizer for marine plants. When nutrient levels increase, excessive plant and algae growth creates water quality problems. Coliform Bacteria: The presence of coliform bacteria is a strong sign to stay away from contaminated waters. Nitrogen Content: Nitrogen is a nutrient that acts as a fertilizer for aquatic plants. When nutrient levels are high, excessive plant and algae growth creates water quality problems. Invertebrates: The presence of invertebrates is positive! But different species of invertebrates will die with pollution. By identifying which species are found, we can determine the overall health of a stream or river.

Weathering: the wearing away of rock due to wind, water, or ice Erosion: the carrying away of weathered material by wind or water