Watersheds and Urbanization Concepts

Cody Whipple from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission explains the concept of watersheds, using rainfall to illustrate how water flows into drainage basins. He describes watershed divides and identifies the six major watersheds in Pennsylvania, including the Susquehanna River basin. The video highlights the impact of development and urbanization on watersheds and emphasizes the importance of understanding these impacts for conservation efforts. Viewers are encouraged to learn more about watersheds and their role in the environment.

What is a watershed primarily defined by?

• The size of the area it covers

• The number of rivers it contains

• The common location where all rainfall ends up

• The amount of rainfall it receives

What is a watershed divide?

• A physical barrier that stops water flow

• An imaginary line separating different drainage basins

• A type of river

• A mountain range

Which river is part of Pennsylvania's largest watershed?

• Ohio River

• Delaware River

• Potomac River

• Susquehanna River

How many major watersheds are recognized in Pennsylvania?

• Six

• Seven

• Five

• Four

What is the final destination of water in the Susquehanna watershed?

• Gulf of Mexico

• Atlantic Ocean

• Lake Erie

• Chesapeake Bay

What is a common feature of all watersheds?

• They all contain the same species of fish

• They all drain into a common waterway

• They all have the same size

• They all flow into the ocean

What impact does urbanization have on watersheds?

• Reduces water flow

• Increases impact on downstream areas

• Decreases impervious surfaces

• Increases water filtration

What is a characteristic of areas with less urbanization?

• Higher pollution levels

• Better water filtration

• More roads

• More impervious surfaces

Why is it important to understand your impact on a watershed?

• To increase urban development

• To conserve and protect the ecosystem

• To reduce rainfall

• To build more roads

What is the significance of understanding watersheds?

• To protect and enhance organisms living within them

• To build more dams

• To enhance urbanization

• To increase rainfall