Hydrology of Colorado Hydrology of Colorado WaterWater

ByBy

Travis HoesliTravis Hoesli

Hydrology of ColoradoHydrology of Colorado

Unit Learning Objectives

• Recognize the Hydrologic Cycle that affects Colorado Water.

• Learn the Importance of climate on Colorado Water.

• Know and understand the roles of river systems in Colorado

• Recognize the river basins in Colorado.

Parts of Hydrologic CycleParts of Hydrologic Cycle

Parts of Hydrologic CycleParts of Hydrologic CycleAtmospheric Moisture – Water that has evaporated

into the atmosphere from bodies of water like oceans and lakes.

Precipitation – Water that returns to the earth in the form of rain, hail and snow.

Stream Flow – Precipitation water that runs from higher elevation to the ocean. Has vast network of stream river and tributaries.

Evaporation – Water that returns to the atmosphere when earth’s surface is heated.

Colorado Climate Colorado Climate

Just as Colorado has Diverse terrain it also has a vast difference in climate

Plains – Dry arid climate with low annual rain fall between 12 -17 inches of precipitation.

Foothills – Semi arid cooler regions with low annual rainfall between 12 – 16 inches of precipitation mostly from snow fall.

Mountain - Arid to wet climate with moderate annual moisture between 10 – 25 inches majority coming from snow fall.

Plateaus – Very dry arid regions with low precipitation between 8-10 inches.

River Systems In ColoradoRiver Systems In Colorado

Watersheds – Land between ridges that catches and directs runoff to its valley and streams. There are several watersheds that flow into the different river basins of Colorado.

Rivers – Rivers are the main component of a Riverine system along with watersheds and Riparian zones. Rivers are what carry water from the mountains to the oceans.

Riparian Zones - Areas around rivers that animal and humans come in contact with the river. These areas Include wetlands and banks.

River Basins In ColoradoRiver Basins In Colorado

River Basins In ColoradoRiver Basins In Colorado

River Basins In ColoradoRiver Basins In Colorado

River Basins In ColoradoRiver Basins In Colorado

River Basins In ColoradoRiver Basins In Colorado

River Basins In ColoradoRiver Basins In Colorado