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?Use the map of rivers to try to trace the path of

our watershed all the way to the Gulf of Mexico

Start here

What is your natural address?

Sewickley creek, Ohio River BasinMore 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 watershedsPollutionIncreasing PopulationsImproper watershed managementMoneyLack of education

WetlandsThree main types:Marshes Bogs

Swamps

Functions of Wetlands

Control FloodingFiltrationWildlife

Spawning area Cycling of nutrientsFood sources

Plants and animals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJZTjfsefAU&feature=PlayList&p=DDE86B2FEF7AD3F3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=18

Bill Nye You tube

Hydrophytes

Major Causes of Wetland Loss & Degradation

Biological Alterations

Chemical Alterations

Physical Destruction or Degradation

Removal of riparian vegetation next to stream due to residential development.

Biological Alterations

Farming up to edge of stream.

Biological Alterations

Biological Alterations

Introduced Weedspose a threat to those plants that are native to the areasCompete 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 DestructionStream channeling to alter waterways for

human needs

C. Physical Destruction or Degradation

1. Filling2. Draining3. Dredging & Stream Channelization4. Peat Mining5. Flooding & Changes in Sediment

Deposition Patterns due to Dam Construction.

6. ATV/Recreational Uses

Flooding (and flood damage) is much greater when streams are straightened and riparian vegetation has been removed.

Test-taking strategiesCarefully read each Question and Answer.Look closely at the visual information

Graphs, pictures, tablesUse your knowledge to eliminate answer

choices.Answer every question.Mark those you wish to review againUse your best handwritingAnswer all parts of the open-ended

questions

Sample Question 1Use 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 2A 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 3Which 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 losesenergy 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. Meadow

Part Two: Explain your answer.

Sample 5Looking at the diagram below, what

organism can you remove from a wetland without any effect on the ecosystem?