How does the hydrologic cycle operate relative to Clinton County?
The hydrologic cycle represents an idealized global model to aid us in understanding water circulation throughout the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the upper portions of the solid earth. The term cycle is applied to indicate that, for all practical purposes, this is a closed-loop system; the planet neither gains or loses water. Here in Clinton County, all water falling within the county’s watersheds is constantly moving from higher elevations to lower elevations as both surface runoff and ground-water discharge. Base level for this water is the West Branch Susquehanna River (WBSR). And, contrary to oft-heard statements relative to the sources of our water, not a single drop of surface or ground-water (the water source for all our wells and springs) derives from outside of the WBSR watershed! Once past Lock Haven, the WBSR flows northeast and south to the town of Northumberland where it joins the North Branch (water from the Chemung, Upper and Middle Susquehanna watersheds illustrated
