Water Quality Comparison

Puget Sound v. Chesapeake Bay

 

  1. You will be placed into a group of 4; 2 will research Puget Sound, 2 the Chesapeake Bay
  2. Read the intro/summary of the report for your assigned water body.  Take notes on major points.
    1. Puget Sound  http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1216/#pdf
    2. Chesapeake Bay  http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/c1220/c1220.pdf

 

  1. Go to the interactive water quality site for your water body.  Choose several important locations (at lease 5) and record data on pH, DO, salinity, temperature and turbidity.  Include data for January, April, July, & October.  Note how parameters vary seasonally.
    1. Puget Sound http://www.ecy.wa.gov/apps/eap/marinewq/mwdataset.asp?staID=49
    2. Chesapeake Bay  http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/index.cfm

 

  1. Reconvene your group.  Each subgroup should report their findings.  Discuss similarities and differences.  What physical aspects of these water bodies may be responsible for water quality differences?
  2. Write a 1-2 page reflection comparing the Chesapeake to Puget Sound.