USA Bodies of Water

1. USA Bodies of Water

2. Largest lake in Florida • Water drains from the lake to the Everglades. • Water flows through canals to the Atlantic Ocean – providing water to communities along the way.

3. Gulf Stream • A warm water current keeps the temperatures moderate. • It originates in the Gulf of Mexico, flows around Florida, and up the eastern coast of the U.S.

4. Gulf Stream

5. Gulf of Mexico • Surrounded by USA and Mexico • 700,000 square miles • Few harbors because the coast is low and marshy

6. Mississippi River • Longest River in USA • 750 islands • Used for transportation

7. Missouri River • “Big Muddy” – because of silt, parts of the river has dark brown water • Tributary of the Mississippi River Fort Peck Dam controls flooding, provides irrigation water, and generates electricity for the surrounding area.

8. Rio Grande River • “Big River” 1,885 miles • Runs from San Juan Mts. In SW Colorado to Gulf of Mexico • Forms border between Texas and Mexico

9. Colorado River • Carved the Grand Canyon • Hoover Dam sits on it • Flows 1470 miles into Gulf of California

10. San Francisco Bay • Coast of San Francisco • 50 miles long • 3-12 miles wide

11. Pacific Ocean • Largest ocean • Borders west coast of USA

12. Columbia River • Largest source of hydroelectric power in North America • Begins in S.E. British Columbia and flows 1,293 miles to Pacific in Washington.

13. Puget Sound • Large inlet of Pacific Ocean entering Washington. • Large ships travel into ports located in Puget Sound because it is so deep.

14. Great Lakes • Five lakes that form the largest connected area of freshwater in the world. • Used for transportation • Canals and locks built to connect • Formed by glaciers during Ice Age

15. Ohio River • Tributary of Mississippi River • 981 miles long • Forms southern border of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois • Carries 100 million tons of freight each year

16. Tennessee River • Major waterway in SE U.S. • Served as route for settlers moving west • Only navigable by flat boats

17. Potomac River • Runs past Washington D.C. toward Chesapeake Bay • John Smith mapped it while exploring Chesapeake • George Washington was born on shores – Mt. Vernon • Dividing line between north and south

18. Chesapeake Bay • “Country on a great river” – John Smith • While British bombed, Francis Scott Key wrote “Star Spangled Banner” • 195 miles long • 3-25 miles wide – deep enough for ocean going vessels

19. Atlantic Ocean • Borders east coast of USA • 2nd largest ocean

20. Hudson River • Harbor at mouth of river made NYC famous • Forms border between NY and NJ • Explored in 1609 by Henry Hudson • Used for shipping

21. Niagara Falls • “thunder of waters” • Sits between NY and Ontario • About 25,000 years old • Almost all drainage from the Great lakes pours over falls

22. Great Salt Lake • Largest inland body of salt water in Western Hemisphere • High salt and mineral content • Few life forms • About 1700 square miles