The Tennessee Watershed EarthCache
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This is the site of the TVA Hydroelectric Dam on South Holston lake, built along the Tennessee Watershed. There is plenty of public parking available, hiking trails, picnic areas, and many areas of sheer scenic beauty.
The Tennesse Watershed
A watershed is a feature of the land made up of ridges and valleys that acts as a drainage basin, channelling water "shed" by the land into rivers, streams, and other reservoirs at lower elevations.
The Tennessee Watershed is an important, but small part in the overall cycle of water on the earth.
The Cycle Of Water
Nature constantly cycles water through the various stages of precipitation, run-off, evaporation, condensation and precipitation again. Run-off is the stage that provides both the greatest benefit for the public and the greatest potential for damage in the form of flooding.
How It Fits Together
1a. Water vapor from the ocean condenses and forms clouds.
1b. Some of the water is released back into the ocean before reaching land.
2. Rain and snow (precipitation) fall onto the land.
3a. Some of the water seeps through the rocky surface and into the ground, fuelling groundwater.
3b. The rest of the water is "shed" by the land into rivers and streams and is carried into the reservoirs.
3c. During the summer months, much of this run-off is absorbed by vegetation.
4. From the reservoirs, more rivers and streams carry the water back to the ocean, where the cycle begins anew.
How Does The TVA Fit In?
Citizens of the Tennessee Valley depend on a clean and abundant fresh water supply. More than 4 million get their drinking water from the Tennessee River. Water flow, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels are monitored and measured to protect the health of the people, wildlife, and aquatic life dependent on this precious resource.
Another benefit enjoyed by the citizens of the Tennessee Valley is the cheap, reliable electricity provided by the TVA. Hydroelectric power is generated at 29 TVA dams by allowing the flow of water to spin the turbines connected to generators which produce electricity. Hydropower is clean, reliable, and less expensive than other generating methods. It's extremely valuable in meeting rapid increases in demand because hydropower plants can come online almost instantly.
In addition, the TVA manages 11,000 miles of public shoreline to ensure the compatible development of property for residential and commercial use. The TVA also manages 293,000 acres of public land to support wildlife, outdoor recreation, and water quality.
To obtain this earthcache, please log a photo of yourself with your GPS in front of the visitor's center at TVA's South Holston dam.
You are also required to email me the answers to the following questions:
1. What major river does the Tennessee Watershed empty into?
2. Ultimately, what major body of water does the water from the Tennessee Watershed end up in?
3. What are the names of 3 of the 9 mainstream dams maintained by the TVA?
4. How much flood storage can this area of the Tennessee Watershed hold?
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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