USA Bodies of Water

Largest lake in Florida Water drains from the lake to the Everglades. Water flows through canals to the Atlantic Ocean – providing water to communities along the way.

Gulf Stream A warm water current keeps the temperatures moderate. It originates in the Gulf of Mexico, flows around Florida, and up the eastern coast of the U.S.

Gulf Stream

Gulf of Mexico Surrounded by USA and Mexico 700,000 square miles Few harbors because the coast is low and marshy

Mississippi River Longest River in USA 750 islands Used for transportation

Missouri River “Big Muddy” – because of silt, parts of the river has dark brown water Tributary of the Mississippi River Fort Peck Dam controls flooding, provides irrigation water, and generates electricity for the surrounding area.

Rio Grande River “Big River” 1,885 miles Runs from San Juan Mts. In SW Colorado to Gulf of Mexico Forms border between Texas and Mexico

Colorado River Carved the Grand Canyon Hoover Dam sits on it Flows 1470 miles into Gulf of California

Coast of San Francisco 50 miles long 3-12 miles wide San Francisco Bay

Pacific Ocean Largest ocean Borders west coast of USA

Columbia River Largest source of hydroelectric power in North America Begins in S.E. British Columbia and flows 1,293 miles to Pacific in Washington. Columbia River

Puget Sound Large inlet of Pacific Ocean entering Washington. Large ships travel into ports located in Puget Sound because it is so deep.

Great Lakes Five lakes that form the largest connected area of freshwater in the world. Used for transportation Canals and locks built to connect Formed by glaciers during Ice Age

Ohio River Tributary of Mississippi River 981 miles long Forms southern border of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois Carries 100 million tons of freight each year Ohio River

Tennessee River Major waterway in SE U.S. Served as route for settlers moving west Only navigable by flat boats Tennessee River

Potomac River Runs past Washington D.C. toward Chesapeake Bay John Smith mapped it while exploring Chesapeake George Washington was born on shores – Mt. Vernon Dividing line between north and south

Chesapeake Bay “Country on a great river” – John Smith While British bombed, Francis Scott Key wrote “Star Spangled Banner” 195 miles long 3-25 miles wide – deep enough for ocean going vessels

Atlantic Ocean Borders east coast of USA 2nd largest ocean

Hudson River Harbor at mouth of river made NYC famous Forms border between NY and NJ Explored in 1609 by Henry Hudson Used for shipping

Niagara Falls “thunder of waters” Sits between NY and Ontario About 25,000 years old Almost all drainage from the Great lakes pours over falls

Great Salt Lake Largest inland body of salt water in Western Hemisphere High salt and mineral content Few life forms About 1700 square miles