Hydrology of Colorado Water By Travis Hoesli

Hydrology of Colorado Unit Learning Objectives Recognize the Hydrologic Cycle that affects Colorado Water. Learn the Importance of climate on Colorado Water. Know and understand the roles of watersheds, riverine and riparian zones in hydraulic cycle.

Parts of Hydrologic Cycle Atmospheric Moisture – Water that has evaporated into the atmosphere from bodies of water like oceans and lakes. Precipitation – Water that returns to the earth in the form of rain, hail and snow. Stream Flow – Precipitation water that runs from higher elevation to the ocean. Has vast network of stream river and tributaries. Evaporation – Water that returns to the atmosphere when earth’s surface is heated.

Parts of Hydrologic Cycle

Colorado Climate Just as Colorado has Diverse terrain it also has a vast difference in climate Plains – Dry arid climate with low annual rain fall between 12 -17 inches of precipitation. Foothills – Semi arid cooler regions with low annual rainfall between 12 – 16 inches of precipitation mostly from snow fall. Mountain - Arid to wet climate with moderate annual moisture between 10 – 25 inches majority coming from snow fall. Plateaus – Very dry arid regions with low precipitation between 8-10 inches.

Watershed, Rivers and Riparian Zones Watersheds – Land between ridges that catches and directs runoff to its valley and streams. There are several watersheds that flow into the different river basins of Colorado. Rivers – Rivers are the main component of a Riverine system along with watersheds and Riparian zones. Rivers are what carry water from the mountains to the oceans.

Watershed, Rivers and Riparian Zones Riparian Zones – Areas Around rivers that