Drainage Basin Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a drainage basin?

A

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.

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2
Q

True or False: A drainage basin is also known as a watershed.

A

True

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3
Q

Fill in the blank: The boundary of a drainage basin is called a __________.

A

watershed

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4
Q

What are the main components of a drainage basin?

A

The main components are the river system, tributaries, surrounding land, and the watershed boundary.

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5
Q

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

A

D) River length

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6
Q

What role does vegetation play in a drainage basin?

A

Vegetation helps to reduce soil erosion, retain water, and regulate the water cycle.

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7
Q

True or False: Urbanization can increase runoff in a drainage basin.

A

True

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8
Q

What is the significance of the term ‘hydrological cycle’ in relation to drainage basins?

A

The hydrological cycle describes the continuous movement of water within the drainage basin, including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

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9
Q

What is the primary source of water for a drainage basin?

A

The primary source of water is precipitation, which includes rain, snow, and other forms of moisture.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: A drainage basin can be divided into smaller units called __________.

A

sub-basins

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11
Q

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

A

D) All of the above

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12
Q

What is the function of tributaries in a drainage basin?

A

Tributaries are smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river, contributing to the total water flow.

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13
Q

True or False: All drainage basins eventually lead to the ocean.

A

False

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14
Q

What is the impact of human activities on drainage basins?

A

Human activities can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, altered water flow, and increased flood risks.

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15
Q

Fill in the blank: The process by which water infiltrates into the ground in a drainage basin is called __________.

A

infiltration

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16
Q

What is the term for the maximum amount of water that a drainage basin can hold?

A

The term is ‘capacity’ or ‘water storage capacity.’

17
Q

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

A) Wetlands

18
Q

What is the effect of climate change on drainage basins?

A

Climate change can alter precipitation patterns, increase the frequency of extreme weather events, and affect water availability.

19
Q

True or False: The size of a drainage basin can influence the speed of water flow.

A

True

20
Q

What is an example of a drainage basin?

A

The Mississippi River Basin is an example of a drainage basin.

21
Q

Fill in the blank: The area where water from a drainage basin is collected and stored is known as a __________.

A

reservoir

22
Q

What is the significance of stream order in drainage basins?

A

Stream order helps to classify the hierarchy of streams and rivers based on their size and contribution to the drainage basin.

23
Q

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

A

D) All of the above

24
Q

What is the term for the area of land that drains into a specific river or lake?

A

The term is ‘drainage area.’

25
Q

True or False: Drainage basins can vary greatly in size from small streams to large river systems.

A

True

26
Q

What is the role of sediment transport in a drainage basin?

A

Sediment transport is essential for shaping riverbanks, creating habitats, and maintaining ecosystem health.

27
Q

Fill in the blank: The __________ of a drainage basin refers to its shape and landform characteristics.

A

topography

28
Q

What is the importance of monitoring drainage basins?

A

Monitoring drainage basins helps to assess water quality, manage resources, and predict flood risks.

29
Q

Multiple Choice: Which factor does NOT influence the water cycle within a drainage basin? A) Temperature B) Vegetation C) Topography D) Ocean currents

A

D) Ocean currents

30
Q

What is the primary method for studying drainage basins?

A

The primary method is through hydrological modeling and field measurements.

31
Q

True or False: Drainage basins can impact local weather patterns.

A

True