Watersheds
Watersheds Gravity pulls surface water and ice downward. Water flows quickly downhill, but glacier ice flows very slowly. The direction of flow depends on the shape of the land.
The Continental Divides North America was mostly underwater a long time ago Shifting of the landmass created mountain ranges Flowing water eroded soil and rock forming lakes, rivers and streams Highest points of NA are called Continental Divides
Continental Divides These areas of high land divide the waters (and ice) on each side, causing them to flow downhill in different directions Almost 80 % of Canada’s surface water flows north to the Arctic Ocean or northeast to Hudson Bay Some flows west into the Pacific Ocean Only a small fraction of our water flows toward the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River region where most of the population lives.
The Great Lakes Basin Surface water from southern Ontario and NE US GLB is an example of a watershed Watershed: an area surrounded by high land and drained by a river and its tributaries; all runoff from within the watershed leaves the watershed at the same exit Watersheds can be threatened: Contaminants, pollution, dams, using for industry
Protection Conservation Authorities – created in 1946 protect and manage watersheds across Canada CA’s design, promote, and implement plans to protect and restore water systems within their watersheds CAs build partnerships with all levels of government, businesses, and residents
Remedial Action Plans Areas identified as “hot spots” Both countries signed The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Each RAP is designed to set goals and guide restoration projects
Bioremediation Organisms that “feed” on specific pollutants can be used to break pollutants down and remove them from the environment The bacteria convert the oil into carbon dioxide and water
Wetlands Wetlands work as natural water-cleaners, removing bacteria, waste solids, and excess nutrients from the water Protecting natural wetlands is one step toward sustainability for our water systems It is less expensive to protect wetlands than it is to build modern water treatment facilities
Homework Using map of North America: Draw lines indicating Continental Divides Colour the different areas Label areas with: Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Hudson Bay, Great Lakes Basin