what is a watershed?
DESCRIPTION
What is a watershed?. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common place – such as a river, a bay, or an ocean. When precipitation occurs, water runs to the lowest point -- usually a stream, river or lake. Where does the water go?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common place –
such as a river, a bay, or an ocean
When precipitation occurs, water runs to the lowest point -- usually a stream, river or lake.
Where does the water go?
On its way to the lowest point, the water crosses over surfaces of forest land,
or it may simply seep into the soil and travel through an aquifer (like an underground river).
and urbanized areas,
suburban land
The shape of the land determines where the water will flow.
www.co.berks.pa.us/conservation/lib/
Everything that happens to a watershed can affect what ends
up in the water. In natural areas with trees and other
vegetation, water is slowed down. It doesn’t pick up as much dirt
and doesn’t “wear away” the land.
If there are no plants…
…you get “ruts” in the land and dirty water flowing into the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
River Watersheds
Where the water finally ends up
The Mississippi River Watershed… is huge!