Activity: Water Cycle

An estuary is the place where fresh water rivers and creeks meet the salty water of the ocean. The water began up in the mountains at the headlands and has made its way down the streams and rivers all the way to the ocean.

Estuaries are extremely important habitats and food sources for many plants and animals. They act like a filter and stop some pollution from reaching the ocean. As you label the steps in the water cycle below, think about what you do upriver that could help or impact the estuary and the ocean.

Water Cycle Terms

• Lake
• Precipitation
• Sunlight
• Evaporation
• Mountains
• River
• Clouds
• Condensation
• Snowpack
• Ocean