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Why are watersheds important?. Pennsylvania is part of 6 major watersheds. Ohio and Susquehanna River Basins. Ohio river Basin Susquehanna. Where does our watershed go?. http://maps.howstuffworks.com/united-states-watersheds-map.htm Can you trace the watershed from start to finish?
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Ohio and Susquehanna River Basins • Ohio river Basin Susquehanna
Where does our watershed go? • http://maps.howstuffworks.com/united-states-watersheds-map.htm • Can you trace the watershed from start to finish? • Use the map of rivers to try to trace the path of our watershed all the way to the Gulf of Mexico
What is your natural address? • Sewickley creek, Ohio River Basin • More specifically, the local watershed includes: all of New Stanton, Youngwood, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg,Madison, Arona and Hunker boroughs; all of Sewickley Township; part of Hempfield, Unity, East Huntingdon, North Huntingdon, South Huntingdon, and Mount Pleasant townships; and part of the City of Greensburg. • The local web address for the local watershed • http://www.sewickleycreek.com/
Issues affecting watersheds • Pollution • Increasing Populations • Improper watershed management • Money • Lack of education
Wetlands Three main types: Marshes Bogs Swamps
Functions of Wetlands • Control Flooding • Filtration • Wildlife • Spawning area • Cycling of nutrients • Food sources • Plants and animals Bill Nye You tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJZTjfsefAU&feature=PlayList&p=DDE86B2FEF7AD3F3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18
Major Causes of Wetland Loss & Degradation Biological Alterations Chemical Alterations Physical Destruction or Degradation
Biological Alterations Removal of riparian vegetation next to stream due to residential development.
Biological Alterations Farming up to edge of stream.
Biological Alterations • Introduced Weedspose a threat to those plants that are native to the areas • Compete for space, water and nutrients
Chemical Alterations Agricultural runoff carries pesticides, fertilizers and manure
Livestock corral on streams allows manure (nutrients) to enter stream unfiltered by vegetation.
Sediment plume discharging into river and then entering lake.
Physical Destruction • Stream channeling to alter waterways for human needs
C. Physical Destruction or Degradation 1. Filling 2. Draining 3. Dredging & Stream Channelization 4. Peat Mining 5. Flooding & Changes in Sediment Deposition Patterns due to Dam Construction. 6. ATV/Recreational Uses
Physical Destruction Flooding (and flood damage) is much greater when streams are straightened and riparian vegetation has been removed.
Test-taking strategies • Carefully read each Question and Answer. • Look closely at the visual information • Graphs, pictures, tables • Use your knowledge to eliminate answer choices. • Answer every question. • Mark those you wish to review again • Use your best handwriting • Answer all parts of the open-ended questions
Sample Question 1 Use the diagram below to answer question 2. 2. Which statement describes how this ecosystem is likely to change after many years of succession? A The variety of fish will increase. B The number of plants will increase. C The level of the water will increase. D The elevation of the hill will increase.
Sample 2 A small lake has an algae bloom, and the water is very green. Which change is most likely the cause of the algae growth? A an increase in the amount of fertilizer used near the lake B an increase in the amount of fresh water fl owing into the lake C an increase in the number of people fishing in the lake D an increase in the number of boats using the lake
Sample 3 Which statement correctly describes a water cycle process? A Evaporation can occur when water gains energy from the Sun and changes into water vapor. B Condensation can occur when liquid water molecules in clouds lose energy and fall to Earth. C Transpiration can occur when atmospheric water vapor gains energy and moves higher in the atmosphere. D Precipitation can occur when atmospheric water vapor loses energy and forms liquid water droplets.
Sample 4 • Part One: Circle the environment in which these webbed feet would be most helpful for survival.A. DesertB. ForestC. LakeD. MeadowPart Two: Explain your answer.
Sample 5 • Looking at the diagram below, what organism can you remove from a wetland without any effect on the ecosystem?