Watersheds

Watershed

all of the land that drains into a specific body of water

How is the watershed determined?

Determined by slope; ridges of land divide watersheds

How determines how watersheds drain?

Vegetation, soil composition, and slope

What does more vegetation lead to?

more infiltration and less drainage

What does greater slope lead to?

faster velocity, and more soil erosion

What does increased soil permeability control?

runoff and infiltration rates

What human activities impact H2O quality of a watershead?

Clearcutting, agriculture, urbanization, dams, mining

What ecosystem services do estuaries and wetlands provide?

Tourism revenue, water filtration, habitat for food sources, storm protection

What does nutrient pollution in bodies of water lead to?

Eutrophication

What are the examples of sources of nutrient pollution?

Discharge from sewage, animal waste, synthetic fertiliizer

What are other major pollutants for bodies of water?

Endocrine disruptors and sediment pollution