Unit 3.1 - W&C - Catchment Hydrology

Question 1

What is a Drainage Basin

Answer 1

A catchment area forming part of the Earth’s surface area which is drained by one river or stream

Question 2

Define the term watershed

Answer 2

The dividing line between two drainage basins

Question 3

What is the only physical input into a drainage basin system?

Answer 3

Precipitation (Hail, Rain, Snow, Sleet and frost)

Question 4

Define infiltration

Answer 4

The process of water moving down into the soil from the ground surface.

Question 5

What is throughflow?

Answer 5

The lateral (sideways) movement of water through soil, via a matrix of small pore spaces and animal burrows.

Question 6

What is Percolation?

Answer 6

The transfer of water from soil to the bedrock below

Question 7

Define the term groundwater flow

Answer 7

The movement of water through a drainage basin’s underlying rock due to gravity and pressure

Question 8

Define the term Saturation-excess overland flow.

Answer 8

When rainfall continues for a long time, the entire soil fills with water and surface run-off begins.

Question 9

Define the term Infiltration-excess overland flow.

Answer 9

When rainfall intensity is so great that not all water can infiltrate, even if the soil is relatively dry. It may occur more or less immediately

Question 10

List the drainage basin stores.

Answer 10

Interception Store
Vegetation Store