Overview

In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Section 2: Rivers and Drainage Basins.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze data on a local topographic map to explain patterns in stream drainage within your community.
• Analyze data on regional maps and satellite images to determine the location of drainage basins and divides in your region.
• Obtain information about the interconnections among drainage systems.

Inquiring Further

1. To learn more about water quality issues, visit the following web site:
   
   National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, USGS
   The National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) provides an understanding of water-quality conditions.  Provides information on how natural features and human activities affect water quality.
    
2. To learn more about river pollution and ecosystems, visit the following web sites:
   
   Nonpoint Source Pollution, NOAA
   Provides an overview of nonpoint and point pollution sources.  Describes the effects of pollution sources on bodies of water, such as streams and rivers, and ecosystems.
   
   Streams: A National Heritage Worth Preserving, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
   Describes stream components of a watershed, stream ecosystems, and the ways in which stream ecosystems can deteriorate.
    
3. To learn more about dams and river systems, including the removal of dams, visit the following web sites:

Edwards Dam, Kennebec River, Maine
Edwards Dam and Kennebec Restoration, Natural Resources Council of Maine

Quaker Neck Dam, Neuse River, North Carolina
Quaker Neck and Cherry Hospital Dam Removals, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Kirkpatrick Dam (also known as Rodman Dam), St. Johns River, Florida
Rodman Dam removal, Tampa Bay Times

Glen Canyon Dam, Colorado River, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam - Frequently Asked Questions, U.S. Department of the Interior

Lower Granite Dam, Snake River, Idaho
Walla Walla District, Army Corp of Engineers

Elwha Dam and Glines Canyon Dam, Elwha River, Washington
Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams, Elwha River near Port Angeles, Washington, National Park Service

4. To learn more about river systems and wastewater treatment, visit the following web sites:
   
   Water Q&A: Water use at home, USGS
   Question and answer segment that explains how water enters and exits a community.
          
   New York City's Wastewater Treatment System, The City of New York
   Describes New York City's wastewater treatment system, including where water comes from and where it goes.
   
   Wastewater Treatment - Water Use, USGS
   Explains what wastewater is as well as how and why it should be treated.

Resources

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

Parts of a River System

Earth's Water: Rivers and the Landscape, USGS
Explains how water flows through streams and rivers and combine to create a watershed.

Mississippi River Delta Basin, The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act
The Mississippi River is a fantastic example of how a delta can change overtime. Explore this site to learn how the Mississippi River Delta has changed throughout geologic time.

Drainage Divides

What is a Watershed?, NOAA
Defines a watershed and provides an image that shows the parts of a watershed.

Surf Your Watershed, EPA
Identify the watershed your community is located in and obtain an environmental profile of your watershed.

River Systems and Community Growth

California's Coastal Streams and Rivers, California Water Education Foundation
Describes how to find your drainage basin and provides examples of ways to maintain the health of a drainage basin.