Wetlands
Which ecosystem is covered in water all year long?
A marsh
What are watersheds?
The land area that drains into one stream, lake, or river
How do watersheds help water quality?
Watersheds filter pollutants, promote nutrient cycling, and help retain sediment.
What would be examples of amphibians found in wetlands?
Frogs, salamanders, etc.
The two most common reasons for pollution in watersheds are what?
Agricultural run-off and urban stormwater run-off.
In which ecosystem is the water table below the surface of the soil?
A fen
What is the source of a watershed/basin called?
The headwaters
Are watersheds really necessary for outdoor recreation?
Yes, watersheds are vital for outdoor recreation.
Which wetland has few birds?
Fens
Algae blooms in watersheds and other bodies of water can have what effects?
They can reduce the oxygen levels in the water, leading to organisms in the water to die out.
Which wetland is formed with the accumulation of peat over time?
A bog
The Susquehanna River Basin is part of which watershed?
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed
How do watersheds help with carbon storage?
Watersheds with intact soil resources and natural land cover can remove carbon and balance greenhouse gas emissions.
Which wetlands are cattails found in?
Marshes and swamps
How can agricultural runoff effect wetlands and watersheds?
It can cause algal blooms and unsafe drinking water.
Which wetland is formed when a river overflows its bank and creates saturated soil and surface water in many areas?
A swamp
Is a healthy watershed common?
No, unfortunately a healthy watershed is uncommon, with most healthy watersheds in the U.S. residing in protected areas.
How many people rely on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed for drinking water?
About 13-15 million people
What do wetlands provide many birds and mammals?
Wetlands provide food, shelter, and water, particularly during migration and breeding.
Along with water quality, what else is affected by pollution in wetlands?
Biodiversity
In which wetland is it difficult at times for plants to grow?
A bog
How are watersheds divided?
They are divided by borders called watershed boundaries or drainage divides.
Wetlands can be thought of as what due to them holding water which prevents flooding?
A sponge
What is peat?
Peat is decaying organic matter.
How are algae blooms formed?
Algae bloom are formed when and excess amount of nitrogen and phosphorous cause the algae levels to spike rapidly.