SOL 6.8 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 body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, air, water, and minerals.

Front

What is the difference between a river and a watershed?

Back

A river is a flowing body of water, while a watershed is the land area that drains into that river.

Front

What is the significance of wetlands?

Back

Wetlands provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants from water, and help reduce flooding by absorbing excess water.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

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

Front

What role do birds play in a watershed?

Back

Birds are biotic factors that can indicate the health of a watershed and contribute to its biodiversity.

Front

What is runoff?

Back

Runoff is water that flows over the ground surface and can carry pollutants into rivers and lakes.

Front

What is the Chesapeake Bay?

Back

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, located between Maryland and Virginia.

Front

What is a divide in terms of watersheds?

Back

A divide is a geographical boundary that separates one watershed from another.

Front

How do human activities impact watersheds?

Back

Human activities, such as urban development and agriculture, can lead to pollution and habitat destruction in watersheds.