Hydrology of Colorado Water

1. Hydrology of Colorado Water By Travis Hoesli

2. Hydrology of Colorado Unit Learning Objectives • Recognize the Hydrologic Cycle that affects Colorado Water. • Learn the Importance of climate on Colorado Water. • Know and understand the roles of watersheds, riverine and riparian zones in hydraulic cycle.

3. Parts of Hydrologic Cycle Atmospheric Moisture – Water that has evaporated into the atmosphere from bodies of water like oceans and lakes. Precipitation – Water that returns to the earth in the form of rain, hail and snow. Stream Flow – Precipitation water that runs from higher elevation to the ocean. Has vast network of stream river and tributaries. Evaporation – Water that returns to the atmosphere when earth’s surface is heated.

4. Parts of Hydrologic Cycle

5. Colorado Climate Just as Colorado has Diverse terrain it also has a vast difference in climate Plains – Dry arid climate with low annual rain fall between 12 -17 inches of precipitation. Foothills – Semi arid cooler regions with low annual rainfall between 12 – 16 inches of precipitation mostly from snow fall. Mountain - Arid to wet climate with moderate annual moisture between 10 – 25 inches majority coming from snow fall. Plateaus – Very dry arid regions with low precipitation between 8-10 inches.

6. Watershed, Rivers and Riparian Zones Watersheds – Land between ridges that catches and directs runoff to its valley and streams. There are several watersheds that flow into the different river basins of Colorado. Rivers – Rivers are the main component of a Riverine system along with watersheds and Riparian zones. Rivers are what carry water from the mountains to the oceans.

7. Watershed, Rivers and Riparian Zones Riparian Zones – Areas Around rivers that