The Thames Watershed by Harmony Lynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j en-us 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC 2025-12-22 07:17:45 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padletuploads.blob.core.windows.net/prod/91810442/4eab4ab0d7f4cb776574703dd4e24fd6/giraffe_icon.svg The Thames Watershed receives about 690 mm of rainwater a year. harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138615 That is a lot of rain! In fact it rains on average 4/7 days a week! To get a glimpse into the rain in England you can watch the video below.]]> 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138615 The Thames River runs about 215 miles harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138617 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138617 It has 47 locks and ports that are used daily for recreation, food, and education. For this reason the locks and ports alone meet all of the ecosystem services. harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138618 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138618 The Thames Watershed is located in England and the Thames river begins in Cotswold and travels through the heart of London. harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138619 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138619 The Thames and its tributaries are a part of the wider Thames river basin. harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138620 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138620 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138621 |]]> 2018-11-29 05:06:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309138621 The Thames is divided up into the tidal section and non-tidal section. It is also murky as it carries about 300,000 tons of sediment each year. The tidal section comes from the long reach of the salty sea tides into the Thames. harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309583442 2018-11-29 22:25:08 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309583442 The groundwater from the Thames provides drinking water for 14 million people! harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309583971 2018-11-29 22:27:16 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309583971 Tidal Thames: harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309584333 -Has 125 types of fish.
-seals
-bottlenose whale
-sea-horses
-otter
-occasional dolphins

Lost to the Thames are salmon. They were once prevalent, but are now rare to see.

]]> 2018-11-29 22:28:37 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309584333 Non-Tidal Thames: harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309585091 -Snake's Head Fritillary- unique to the Thames Watershed.
-Loddon Lily
-20 species of fresh water fish
-Many species of birds and insects.

]]> 2018-11-29 22:30:59 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309585091 Soil erosion due to intense precipitation events. harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309603532 During the rainy season in the spring months providing larger amounts of rain than normal for the watershed and the dry months in late summer providing less precipitation that normal. With global warming, the tidal section is seeing an increase of flooding and the non-tidal section is seeing drought during the non-rainy season. This change in climate and precipitation can be hard on the already vulnerable soil erosion and also results in an increase of sediment in the waterways.]]> 2018-11-30 00:10:20 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309603532 Soil erosion due to land use harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309603570 “For example, soil erosion in South Eastern England has been largely affected by the shift from grassland to arable land in the second half of the 20th century, due to mechanization and intensification of agriculture” (Whiteman, Rose)]]> 2018-11-30 00:10:31 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309603570 Farmland Increase harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309603787 “The portion of arable land increased from 36%- 60% for the Thames at Teddington” (Bussi).  As the land is converted into farmland all of the natural vegetation is plowed away for food crops. The result of this is a lack of trees and grasses that provide natural protect against soil erosion. ]]> 2018-11-30 00:12:09 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309603787 Phytoplankton Increase harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309604062 “The results of the model demonstrate that an increase in average phytoplankton concentration due to climate change is highly likely to occur, with the magnitude varying depending on the location along the River Thames” (Bussi). ]]> 2018-11-30 00:14:02 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309604062 Phytoplankton Increase harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309604330 This increase of phytoplankton is the result of warming waters and an increase of phosphorus and nitrogen coming into the watershed from farmland fertilizers. A large increase of phytoplankton can lead to “dead zones” in the river. A “dead zone” is an area of water where nothing can live. ]]> 2018-11-30 00:15:45 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309604330 Global Warming impacting future water availability harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309605068 “The most socio-economic factor in the upper Thames watershed is water availability shown to become under the climate change a limiting factor for future growth and development” (Prodanovik, Simonovik ]]> 2018-11-30 00:20:50 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309605068 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309605209 The extremes in precipitation will result in flooding in some areas of the watershed and a lack of fresh water in other parts. If nothing is done this will devastate the current population surrounding the Thames. ]]> 2018-11-30 00:21:49 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309605209 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309606735 "From 2000 to 2010, about 800 hectares of forest cover were cleared for other uses, such as urban development, agriculture, and aggregate extraction, the report said." Randy Richmond]]> 2018-11-30 00:32:15 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309606735 Connected Forest and the Watershed harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309606913 "Forest cover is considered a key measuring tool for watershed quality for two reasons. Healthy and connected forests support a range of terrestrial species. Second, forests filter runoff, slow erosion and shade water, adding to water quality" Cathy Quinlan

]]> 2018-11-30 00:33:35 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309606913 Phosphorus Levels harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309608181 Based on the Thames river quality report from the AODA "Based on an average for the period 2012 to 2016 inclusive, 84% of phosphorous
loading in the Thames River originates upstream of London. The City of London PCP’s
contribute about 13% and other city sources contribute 2.7% of the phosphorous
loading on an annual basis. There are seasonal variations for phosphorous loading in
the Thames River. In the summer, the Wastewater treatment plant loading contribution
increases to 31% of the load due to decreased river flows. Other sources within London
contributed 11% of the load in the spring. "]]> 2018-11-30 00:43:25 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309608181 Suspended Solids harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309608665 The weighted average concentration of suspended solids discharged from the PCPs in
2016 was 5 mg/L. This can be a possible concern for bottom dwelling organisms. The full report is in the link below.

]]> 2018-11-30 00:47:02 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309608665 Coliform harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309609082 Coliform levels do not meet standards. ]]> 2018-11-30 00:50:38 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309609082 Ultra Violet Light harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309918079 Used to help decrease bacteria levels.]]> 2018-11-30 18:33:58 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309918079 Plastic Waste Clean-Up harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309919963 "The Cleaner Thames campaign was launched in September 2015 to combat plastic waste. "
This article talks about steps made to bring bacteria levels down, oxygen levels up, and clean up the plastic waste.]]> 2018-11-30 18:37:29 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309919963 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309921108 Thames Water, a utility company, says it cleans up 25,000 tonnes of plastic debris a year.]]> 2018-11-30 18:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309921108 Tidal Thames harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309924697 The tidal Thames has had to deal with increasing flooding in the London area due to global warming and changes in sea level. ]]> 2018-11-30 18:45:53 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309924697 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309925510 Flood Planning Policies can be found from 1988.

]]> 2018-11-30 18:47:31 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309925510 Environmental Policy harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309927024 This extensive 110 page report details plans and policies with conservation efforts for the environment of the upper thames.]]> 2018-11-30 18:50:10 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309927024 "The sewage was reported to be six inches thick and black as ink. The water itself was turgid and dark, with a viscous quality created by the mountains of sludge poured into its depths." That dismal description, fortunately, was not of a river in Connecticut, but of the 19th-century Thames River in London, described by author Peter Ackroyd in his "Thames: The Biography." harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309930514 2018-11-30 18:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309930514 Used for Sewage harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309930738 For decades the Thames was used to transport sewage. In 1858 the weather heated up and the smell was so bad it was named "The great stink". This spurred on great changes in water use for London.


]]> 2018-11-30 18:56:52 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309930738 1848- Public Health Act harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309934862 Establishes the Metropolitan Commission of Sewers.]]> 2018-11-30 19:04:29 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309934862 1858- The Great Stink harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309936211 Stink is so bad and a concern that the smell was bringing illness rushed the Act allowing the Board of Works to raise money to pay for new sewage works.]]> 2018-11-30 19:07:00 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309936211 1910-1916 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309937109 Raw water quality improves with chlorinated drinking water.]]> 2018-11-30 19:08:37 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309937109 1989 Water Act harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309937567 UK passes the Water Act which enabled some parts of the industry to be privatized]]> 2018-11-30 19:09:26 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309937567 1994 Thames Water Ring Main harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309938248 The Thames water ring main was designed to bring clean water to London. It now provides 1,300 litres of water a day.]]> 2018-11-30 19:10:39 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309938248 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2918923/History-of-London-water.html harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309939026 2018-11-30 19:12:04 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309939026 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309939967  
Bussi, Gianbattista, et al. “Impacts of Climate Change, Land-Use Change and Phosphorus Reduction on Phytoplankton in the River Thames (UK).” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 572, 2016, pp. 1507–1519., doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.109.
 
“Facts about the River Thames & Useful Information.” Facts about the River Thames & Useful Information - Visit Thames, www.visitthames.co.uk/about-the-river.
 
 
 
Jolley, T.J., & Wheater, H.S. (1996). Finamore, Emma. “Where Does London's Tap Water Come From?” Londonist, 2 Nov. 2016, londonist.com/london/features/where-s-my-tap-water-from.
 
Water and Environmental Management : Journal of the Institution of Water and Environmental Management, 10(4), 253-262.
 
NERC. “Groundwater Quality and Protection.” Groundwater Quality and Protection | British Geological Survey (BGS), 2017, www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwater/quality/home.html.
 
Prodanovic, P., & Simonovic, S. (2010). An Operational Model for Support of Integrated Watershed Management. Water Resources Management, 24(6), 1161-1194.
 
Whiteman, & Rose. (1992). Thames River sediments of the British Early and Middle Pleistocene. Quaternary Science Reviews, 11(3), 363-375.
]]> 2018-11-30 19:13:48 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/309939967 harmonyelynch https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/310220515 Ready Player One took place in a world where many animals had gone extinct. The disappearing of much of the aquatic life in the Thames shows this as a reality. However, many policies have been made and in recent years there has been a growth in fish species that live in the Thames River.]]> 2018-12-02 20:59:28 UTC https://padlet.com/harmonyelynch/kc15kgwuim1j/wish/310220515