Catchments

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

 A catchment (watershed, drainage basin) is the area of land draining into a stream at a given location. Catchments are open dynamic systems for which the water balance equation is valid.

 The associated catchment area AC in km2 is the measured area over the basin in horizontal projection. Catchments are separated by catchment boundaries or watershed divides.

Question 2

River networks

Answer 2

 River networks depend on topography, soils, geology and climate

 River networks can be classified using geomorphological characteristics

 Hydrological regime is related to the properties of the river network

Question 3

Geomorphological characteristics

Answer 3

Bifurcation ratio: RB= Nu/Nu+1
Length ratio: RL = Lu+1/Lu
Area ration: RA = Au+1/Au

Question 4

Mean river slope: simpliest way

Answer 4

lw = DH / DL