Hydrology of Colorado Water

1
Hydrology of Colorado Water

• By
• Travis Hoesli

2
Hydrology 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 watersheds,
  riverine and riparian zones in hydraulic cycle.

3
Parts of Hydrologic Cycle

• Atmospheric 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 earths surface is heated.

4
Parts of Hydrologic Cycle
5
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.

6
Watershed, Rivers and Riparian Zones

• 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.

7
Watershed, Rivers and Riparian Zones

• Riparian Zones Areas Around rivers that