Creeks shape the world and create habitats as they move across the land. A healthy stream supports organisms that live in and around the water.
The aquatic zone is the area of the creek that is on, in, or under water. Plants and animals that live in the aquatic zone may prefer some parts of the stream to others. The speed, depth, and temperature of the water can all attract different organisms.
Can you find these aquatic creatures in the creek today?
The riparian zone is the area that surrounds the creek. It can include the banks as well as areas that occasionally flood. With its constantly changing moisture levels, sediment deposits, and abundant food sources, the riparian zone attracts a great diversity of life.
Can you find these creatures in the riparian zone today?
Creeks might seem gentle, but they are actually powerful forces that shape the landscape. With the force of rushing water, they carve into the earth and move tons of sediment miles away.
Can you find any of these signs of erosion?
Creeks are affected by human activity. From pollution to habitat destruction, we change the quality of water in a stream.
Some species only thrive in very clean water. By paying attention to the presence or absence of these indicator species, we can make some assumptions about the quality of the water. Can you find these indicator species?
A watershed is a large area that drains rain into a single water source. Pollution from miles away can get into a stream through the watershed. Everyone lives in a watershed. When you get home, research where water from your house drains.
