We all know the various water bodies on Earth, such as rivers, streams, and creeks. But do we know about the sources through which they keep going? The answer is through watersheds. But what is watershed?
Here is everything you need to know about Watersheds and their functions to maintain balance in the ecosystem.
1. What Is Watershed?
A watershed is a specific area that channels the water of rainfalls and snowmelts into rivers, lakes, streams, and other reservoirs. Further, they flow the water into bigger water bodies such as oceans and bays.
On the one hand, some watersheds are comparatively small. On the other hand, some are so big that they cover thousands of miles of land.
These Watersheds may contain water from numerous rivers, lakes, streams, groundwater, and reservoirs. A Watershed is also known as a drainage basin or catchment.
The water from thousands of rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks flows through the higher surface and drains in a single land or a large water body.
The water flows through thousands of miles, various countries, and lands. Eventually, it also catches pollutants which may result in threatening effects when it flows the water in oceans, rivers, lakes, and creeks.
The Gravity force plays a significant role in flowing the water in numerous waterbodies. Not all the rainfall or melted snow water ends up in the Watershed.
However, some amount of water seeps into the ground and ends up in groundwater. The underground reservoirs are known as aquifers.
In the urban area, the water from rainfall falls on hard surfaces consisting of roads, and buildings and then flows into the streams which eventually meet the oceans and rivers.
During heavy rainfalls and storms the water flow increases. The excess water overflows the streams and creeks. This scenario causes floods during the monsoon.
Due to the rising levels of pollution, the threat of the inclusion of pollutants in watersheds and waterbodies such as rivers, streams, creeks, and lakes has increased. Watersheds are a life source for plants and animals.
1.1 Mississippi River Watershed
Mississippi River watershed is the largest watershed in the United States. It drains more than one million square miles of land. The Mississippi River Watershed ranges from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians.
North America consists of the two longest rivers namely the Mississippi and Missouri river.
They are the largest source to provide fresh water supply to the largest water basin. Mississippi Watershed provides fresh water to the United States’ large area.
1.2 The Chesapeake Bay
An interesting fact about the Chesapeake Bay is that it covers almost six states. Namely – New York, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. It covers about 64,000 square miles of land.
More than 150 rivers drain the water in the Chesapeake Bay. It holds great cultural, regional, agricultural, economic, and ecological value.
The Watershed is formed with great networks of streams, rivers, and creeks which keep its water flow maintained. Chesapeake Bay contains 150 rivers. The water flow consists of over 300 species of fish crabs, shellfish species, and biodiversity that will surely amaze you.
Over 17 million population survives due to the Watershed.
Chesapeake Bay is also home to over 300 migration bird species. At the time of the fall, the sky is filled with migrated ducks, swans, and geese.
The Watershed supports over 83,000 farms and creates over 10 billion dollars annually. This Bay can hold about 18 trillion gallons of water. Around half of the water flows from the ocean.
The Chesapeake Bay has the deepest part called ‘The Hole’ which is over 170 feet deep. 50 million pounds worth of seafood is produced in the Bay every year.
1.3 Largest River Basin In The World
The Amazon River Basin is the largest in the world, located in northern South America. It is stretched over 7 million square kilometres of land. Most of the area of the Amazon River Basin is covered by the rainforest.
The river basin consists of water drained from the Amazon rivers and others. The water level of the river basin fluctuates over time. The rainforests have been evolving over the years.
The quality of the water varies, as it has different levels of nutrients from numerous water resources.
The River Basin supports millions of animal and plant species. Most parts of the river basin flood during heavy rainfalls but the trees have adapted to survive in this situation. It acts as a part of the food chain providing fruits and grass to millions of fish species.
The climate in this zone is mostly wet and hot, as it is located on the equator. Sometimes the weather also gets extreme.
2. What are the Benefits of Drainage Basin?
Not many are familiar with the benefits of Watersheds. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, healthy watersheds are capable of improving the quality of life of not only humans but also the environment.
Healthy watersheds lead to economic, cultural, environmental, and mental health benefits.
2.1 Environmental Benefits
Soil erosion is the most frequent problem faced by the current ecosystem. Due to the rise in deforestation, the soil gets washed away in monsoons. Hence, it is proving to be a crucial problem for agriculture and other water bodies.
A healthy watershed can reduce soil erosion, and improve soil formation, carbon storage, biodiversity, water infiltration, and water storage. These factors are essential for economic as well as environmental growth.
Various landscapes and water bodies filter the water over time and lead to improvement in water quality.
A healthy watershed protects the population from extreme climate changes that are frequent these days. Climate change may include a reduction in precipitation and so in water supply. In this scenario, a watershed comes to the rescue.
As it is drained by thousands of rivers and streams it contains enough water supply.
It also lets water seep into the ground and increases groundwater levels. In this way, watersheds help the population adapt to extreme weather conditions. They also reduce the chances of flooding.
2.2 Economical Benefits
Watersheds are effective sources of water storage. If they are maintained they can reduce the cost of water storage, and water treatment. With watersheds, we can also avoid the damage caused by floods and storms.
Watersheds can increase revenue levels by supporting a million acres of agricultural land. Healthy watersheds generate abundant opportunities for water sports such as swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, biking, and ecotourism.
Healthy watersheds support a healthy lifestyle. People demand properties near healthy watersheds.
2.3 Healthy Watershed Equals Healthy Mind
No one would have thought that a water body could make a human mind healthy. River basins adapt to biodiversity and support the environment. Hence, the population surrounded by greenery and healthy climatic conditions has lower levels of illness.
Their immunity is boosted by such environmental factors. Stronger immunity results in cognitive and physical development.
3. How can we Protect the Watersheds?
As mentioned before, watersheds are an essential part of ecosystems that support the livelihood of not only animals but also humans and plants. We must protect the watersheds and also keep them clean.
There are some measures that we can consider to save them. Watersheds are a natural source of water.
The first thing we can execute is to save water daily. Taking short showers and avoiding the usage of water on unnecessary occasions might do the trick.
In recent times, nothing is now without pesticides. Avoid pouring hazardous chemicals down the drain so that the watersheds remain pollutant-free. Do not use cement floors. Let the water seep into the ground during precipitation. In this way, the ground-level water remains intact.
Don’t throw the waste into the flow of water, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and creeks. Just properly dispose of the waste. While working in the garden, stay clear of fertilizers and pesticides.
They may dissolve in the water flowing through small streams and creeks. Try to recycle the waste as much as you can. Avoid dumping it into the ground. It may mix with the aquifers. Cars and other vehicles lead to water and air pollution.
Try walking more and driving less. The gas and fuel leak is hazardous for watersheds.
4. Importance Of Watersheds
The watersheds are natural water resources. They are meant to be protected for the well-being of flora, fauna, and humans. They help to improve our lifestyle in so many ways that we cannot even imagine.
We must protect the environment and keep it safe. Our actions can save many future generations by supporting agriculture, fishing, and other ways of recreation that are accomplished by watersheds.
Let us keep the above points in mind and protect mankind. Follow the above simple steps to bring massive changes to the environment.
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Last Updated on by Anoushka