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Mapping a Watershed Module

Introduction

Watersheds are delineated or mapped so that specific areas of interest can be defined for study. The flow and distribution of water has a strong effect on the location of towns and cities as well as lines of transportation and agriculture. The distribution of water also effects ecosystems in many ways, including through erosion and deposition as well as affecting plant and animal communities.

The first part of this two-part module is learning to interpret the symbols and text found on a United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) Topographical map. These maps break down larger geographical areas into Quadrangles known as Quad maps. Basic mapping skills are reviewed and practice worksheets and activities covering these skills are presented. The first piece of this module involves studying the Pittsfield West quad map. In the second part of this module, students will be delineating or drawing in the boundaries of several watersheds so that an area of study can be defined.

Overview of module

Part I. Mapping

A. Introduction to mapping using U.S.G.S. and EPA web sites.

· Constructing a two-dimensional map of a three-dimensional object.

Worksheet I: Matching shapes in three dimensions to two- dimensional representations.

Worksheet II: Mapping: from Profile to Contour

Worksheet III A,B: Constructing contour lines from elevation data.

· Generating Profiles of a map area.

Worksheet IV A, B & C: Construction of Contour Maps

Worksheet V: Which way does water flow?

B. Map Features, the legend

· Map legend information, U.S.G.S. web site.

· Activity: Locating Map Symbols

Part II. Delineating watersheds

A. Introduction to Watersheds

B. Delineating a Simple Watershed

Massachussetts Framework connection:

Disciplinary focus S20: Learners are able to locate the watershed in which their home and school are located and draw its rough boundaries on a topographic map. They can determine in what major drainage basin that watershed is located and they can also indicate the major ecosystems, resources, and major towns and cities that occur in that drainage basin.

Resources:

http://mac.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/booklets/symbols/index.html :Introduction to mapping and map legend information.

http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/watershedmgt/index.html: Introduction to watershed mapping

http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/ Clearinghouse of Information

http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/wacademy/

http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/em/ Enviromapper http://www.state.ma.us/envir/mwi/watersheds.htm Watershed Initiative

http://www.state.ma.us/envir/mwi/housatonic.htm Housatonic River watershed

http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/index.html

http://ma.water.usgs.gov/

http://www.hvathewatershedgroup.org/

http://www.hvathewatershedgroup.org/watersheducation/watersheded.cfm