Watershed Exploring

1st site - Blackwater River

The AP environmental science class visited the black water river site, examining its properties. The group walked down a path filled with rocks and dirt until they reached the Blackwater River.

The abiotic objects in the area included water, dead tree branches, rocks, and dirt. Biotic organisms included various trees.

The water was slightly chilly at 14.1 degrees celsius and had a slightly acidic p.H of 6. This acidity is perhaps due to its relatively close proximity to large urban areas that emit air pollutants that are eventually captured and carried to the surface by rain.






2nd site - Tributary leading to Blackwater River

This particular place was faster flowing than the first site. More sunlight was also visible in the area.

This site was also warmer with a temperature of 15.5 degrees celsius, and had a higher p.H almost at 7. These factors are perhaps a result of the fact that the river at this section was flowing faster than the water at the first site.

Our teacher, Alan, also made a note of the appearance of Caddisfly larvae in the area. They're presence is greatly affected by factors such as pollution and p.H of a body of water. In short, the fact that these flies are here is a good indicator that the water is very clean.






3rd site - The source

The last site on our list was the source of all the water - the lake. The lake water is relatively still. Water is not flowing like the second site. The area also has significantly more sunlight than the other two sites. There were also two types of birds present in the area: loons and bald Eagles.

The water at this site was significantly warmer than the other two sites with a temperature of 18.7 degrees celsius and a p.H of 7. To be completely honest, I have no idea why this lake is so warm and why the p.H is neutral.

From the data shown, I have possibly found a correlation between p.H and temperature. I have yet to discover which factor affects the other, if at all, but it is evident that warmer waters had a higher p.H. I also have yet to discover why this is the case.