1. USA Bodies of Water

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Gulf Stream

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

6. Mississippi River Longest River in USA 750 islands
Used for transportation

7. 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.

8. 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

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

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

11. Pacific Ocean
Largest ocean
Borders west coast of USA

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Atlantic Ocean
Borders east coast of USA
2nd largest ocean

20. 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

21. 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

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