Book 19, Question 57
Why Does Rushing Water Hold More Oxygen?
Oxygen from the air dissolves into water at the surface, and rushing water mixes in lots more! Tumbling over rocks splashes air into the stream. That helps animals that need lots of oxygen.
More fun facts
- Oxygen mixed into water is called dissolved oxygen.
- Fast-moving water, like a mountain stream, tends to hold lots of it.
- Still, stagnant water holds less.
- Cold water can hold more oxygen than warm water.
- Scientists measure oxygen to check the health of a stream.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey
Questions kids ask
Does cold or warm water hold more oxygen?
Cold water can hold more oxygen than warm water.