Drainage Basin Flashcards
What is a drainage basin?
A drainage basin is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean.
True or False: A drainage basin is also known as a watershed.
True
Fill in the blank: The boundary of a drainage basin is called a __________.
watershed
What are the main components of a drainage basin?
The main components are the river system, tributaries, surrounding land, and the watershed boundary.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects drainage basin characteristics? A) Climate B) Soil type C) Population density D) River length
D) River length
What role does vegetation play in a drainage basin?
Vegetation helps to reduce soil erosion, retain water, and regulate the water cycle.
True or False: Urbanization can increase runoff in a drainage basin.
True
What is the significance of the term ‘hydrological cycle’ in relation to drainage basins?
The hydrological cycle describes the continuous movement of water within the drainage basin, including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
What is the primary source of water for a drainage basin?
The primary source of water is precipitation, which includes rain, snow, and other forms of moisture.
Fill in the blank: A drainage basin can be divided into smaller units called __________.
sub-basins
Multiple Choice: What is a key environmental concern related to drainage basins? A) Air pollution B) Deforestation C) Soil erosion D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the function of tributaries in a drainage basin?
Tributaries are smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river, contributing to the total water flow.
True or False: All drainage basins eventually lead to the ocean.
False
What is the impact of human activities on drainage basins?
Human activities can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, altered water flow, and increased flood risks.
Fill in the blank: The process by which water infiltrates into the ground in a drainage basin is called __________.
infiltration
What is the term for the maximum amount of water that a drainage basin can hold?
The term is ‘capacity’ or ‘water storage capacity.’
Multiple Choice: Which of the following can improve water quality in a drainage basin? A) Wetlands B) Paved surfaces C) Industrial runoff D) Deforestation
A) Wetlands
What is the effect of climate change on drainage basins?
Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase the frequency of extreme weather events, and affect water availability.
True or False: The size of a drainage basin can influence the speed of water flow.
True
What is an example of a drainage basin?
The Mississippi River Basin is an example of a drainage basin.
Fill in the blank: The area where water from a drainage basin is collected and stored is known as a __________.
reservoir
What is the significance of stream order in drainage basins?
Stream order helps to classify the hierarchy of streams and rivers based on their size and contribution to the drainage basin.
Multiple Choice: Which human activity can significantly alter a drainage basin’s hydrology? A) Agriculture B) Urban development C) Deforestation D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What is the term for the area of land that drains into a specific river or lake?
The term is ‘drainage area.’
True or False: Drainage basins can vary greatly in size from small streams to large river systems.
True
What is the role of sediment transport in a drainage basin?
Sediment transport is essential for shaping riverbanks, creating habitats, and maintaining ecosystem health.
Fill in the blank: The __________ of a drainage basin refers to its shape and landform characteristics.
topography
What is the importance of monitoring drainage basins?
Monitoring drainage basins helps to assess water quality, manage resources, and predict flood risks.
Multiple Choice: Which factor does NOT influence the water cycle within a drainage basin? A) Temperature B) Vegetation C) Topography D) Ocean currents
D) Ocean currents
What is the primary method for studying drainage basins?
The primary method is through hydrological modeling and field measurements.
True or False: Drainage basins can impact local weather patterns.
True
