1. Drainage Basin Hydrology and geomorphology Flashcards
What is a drainage basin?
The area drained by a river and its tributaries, including all surface and underground flows and stores.
It encompasses inputs, outputs, flows, and various storage components.
Define confluence in the context of a drainage basin.
Where a smaller river (tributary) flows into a larger river.
This is a key feature in understanding river systems.
What is a floodplain?
An area of flat land on either side of the river.
Floodplains are important for managing floodwaters and supporting biodiversity.
What does the term ‘mouth’ refer to?
Where the main channel reaches the sea or lake.
This is the endpoint of a river’s journey.
What is the source of a river?
The start of the river.
This is often a spring, lake, or other water source.
What is a tributary?
A smaller river channel that flows into a larger river.
Tributaries contribute to the flow and volume of the main river.
Define watershed.
The divide between one drainage basin and another.
Watersheds play a crucial role in hydrology and ecosystem management.
List the inputs of a drainage basin.
- Precipitation in all forms
Inputs are essential for replenishing water stores within the basin.
What are the flows in a drainage basin?
- Throughflow
- Surface Run-off
- Groundwater flow
- Infiltration
- Percolation
These flows are critical for understanding water movement within the basin.
Identify the stores in a drainage basin.
- Snow and Ice
- Lakes
- Vegetation
- Soil
- Water table
- Aquifers
Stores hold water and influence the hydrological cycle.
What are the outputs of a drainage basin?
- Transpiration
- Evaporation
- Sublimation
- River Mouth
Outputs are crucial for understanding water loss from the system.
Fill in the blank: Water can remain in storage for _______ in upland fens and bogs.
weeks and months.
Storage times vary significantly based on environmental conditions.
How long can water be stored in some aquifers?
Hundreds and even thousands of years.
This long-term storage is vital for water supply.
What is the fastest flow type in a drainage basin?
Surface run-off such as overland flow.
This type of flow can transport water over large distances rapidly.
How does throughflow compare to groundwater flow?
Throughflow travels less distance and is much slower than groundwater flow.
However, throughflow can be efficient due to worm channels in the soil.
True or False: Most aquifers bring water back to the surface at springs.
True.
Springs are a key feature of groundwater systems.
