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Definition
A catchment, also known as a drainage basin or watershed, is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation collects into a common outlet like a river, lake, or ocean.
Expanded Explanation
The boundaries of a catchment are determined by the topography or the shape of the land, with ridges and high points forming the edge of the catchment. Water within the catchment flows to the lowest point due to gravity, eventually collecting into bodies of water.
Importance
Catchments play a crucial role in water cycle and ecosystem health. They are fundamental units for the management of water resources and are essential for flood mitigation, water supply planning, and environmental conservation.
Context and Usage
In environmental science and hydrology, the term “catchment” is used to describe the area from which water resources are collected. It’s used in the planning and management of water supply systems, environmental conservation efforts, and flood management programs.
Examples
- Example 1: The Great Lakes Basin is an example of a large catchment, collecting water from parts of two countries and several U.S. states.
- Example 2: A small catchment could be the area of land that drains into a local creek or pond.
Understanding Catchment
One common misunderstanding is that catchments are only associated with large bodies of water. In reality, a catchment can be any size, from a small local creek to a large basin like the Mississippi River Catchment.
Related Glossary Terms
- Watershed: This is often used interchangeably with “catchment”. It refers to an area from which all precipitation and surface water flow to a common outlet.
- Drainage Basin: Another term for catchment, it refers to the area from which a river or stream and its tributaries drain all of the water.
Visual and Reading Aids
External Resources
- Frontiers: Simple Catchments and Where to Find Them: The Storage-Discharge Relationship as a Proxy for Catchment Complexity
- National Geographic: Watersheds and Drainage Basins
Related Articles From Website
- Watershed 2023: A Year For Significant Hydrological Change: This article explores how climate change is impacting watersheds and catchments.
- The Hidden Rivers: Exploring the World of Underground Aquifers: This article delves into the importance of aquifers, which are closely related to the concept of catchments.
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