4.6 Watersheds

• What is a watershed?

  An area of land that drains water to a common outlet
• A watershed is an area of land that drains all streams and rainfall to a common outlet
• Watersheds are crucial for providing water supply and supporting habitats.
• What are the ridges or boundaries of a watershed called?

  Drainage divide
• The network of streams and rivers in a watershed is called the drainage network.
• Where does water accumulate in a watershed before flowing out?

  Outlet
• Watersheds facilitate nutrient cycling within ecosystems.
• Match the watershed component with its description:

  Drainage Divide ↔️ Highest ridges separating watersheds

  Drainage Network ↔️ System of streams and rivers

  Outlet ↔️ Common point of water accumulation
• Watershed boundaries are defined by the drainage divide.
• What is one critical function of watersheds related to water supply?

  Replenishing groundwater
• Watersheds support biodiversity by providing diverse habitats for aquatic species.
• Order the functions of a watershed based on their primary role:

  1️⃣ Water Supply

  2️⃣ Habitat Support

  3️⃣ Nutrient Cycling
• What are the ridges or boundaries that separate a watershed from neighboring ones called?

  Ridges or boundaries
• The system of streams and rivers within a watershed is known as the drainage network.
• The outlet of a watershed is the point where all water accumulates before flowing out.
• Which major watershed covers nearly 40% of the continental United States?

  Mississippi River watershed
• The drainage divide is the highest ridge that separates one watershed from another.
• Match the watershed component with its role:

  Drainage Divide ↔️ Defines watershed boundaries

  Drainage Network ↔️ Collects and transports water

  Outlet ↔️ Facilitates water flow out
• The outlet of a watershed is always located at the highest point in the watershed.

  False
• What is the role of the drainage divide in a watershed?

  Defines watershed boundaries
• Order the steps of water flow in a watershed:

  1️⃣ Rainfall or snowmelt

  2️⃣ Water collection by streams

  3️⃣ Water flow through rivers

  4️⃣ Water accumulation at outlet
• What is the drainage divide in a watershed?

  Highest ridges separating watersheds
• A drainage network in a watershed is a system of streams and rivers that collect and transport water
• What is the outlet of a watershed?

  Water accumulation point
• The drainage divide defines the boundaries of a watershed.
• The drainage network in a watershed collects and transports water
• How many main components does a watershed have?

  Three
• Match the watershed component with its role:

  Drainage Divide ↔️ Defines watershed boundaries

  Drainage Network ↔️ Collects and transports water

  Outlet ↔️ Facilitates water flow out
• The outlet of a watershed is a common point of water accumulation
• What are three critical functions of a watershed?

  Water supply, habitat support, nutrient cycling
• Watersheds replenish surface and groundwater sources.
• Watersheds provide diverse habitats for plants, animals, and aquatic species
• Why is nutrient cycling important in a watershed?

  Supports soil fertility and aquatic ecosystems
• Water supply in a watershed is essential for agriculture and drinking water.
• Which major watershed example is mentioned in the study material?

  Mississippi River Watershed
• Match the factor affecting watershed health with its effect on water quality:

  Land Use ↔️ Pollution from fertilizers

  Climate Change ↔️ Increased erosion and runoff

  Deforestation ↔️ Higher sediment runoff

  Pollution ↔️ Contamination with chemicals
• Deforestation in a watershed can lead to higher sediment runoff
• What is one goal of effective watershed management strategies?

  Protecting water resources
• Water conservation practices in watersheds reduce water demand
• Which watershed management example is mentioned in the study material?

  Chehalis Basin