Watersheds

Front

What is a watershed?

Back

A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls on it drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

True or False: The Chesapeake Bay is made completely of saline water.

Back

False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the significance of soil in a watershed?

Back

Soil is important for water quality because it reduces runoff by absorbing and filtering water, acting like Earth's natural filter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

Which major Virginia watershed is known for its estuaries?

Back

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Front

What is the difference between a river basin and a watershed?

Back

A river basin is a type of watershed that specifically drains into a river, while a watershed can drain into any body of water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

True or False: All watersheds follow state lines.

Back

False

Front

What role do hills and mountains play in shaping a watershed?

Back

Hills and mountains influence the flow of water and the boundaries of a watershed by directing water runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface and into bodies of water, often after rain or snowmelt.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the primary function of a tributary?

Back

A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4