Rivers

Definition of a Drainage Basin

A drainage basin is an area of land where all the water that falls in it and drains off of it goes to a common outlet, such as into a river, lake, or ocean.

Components of a Drainage Basin

• **Watershed**: The boundary between one drainage basin and another, also called a **divide**.
• **River system**: The main river and all its tributaries that drain the basin.
• **Floodplain**: The flat land on either side of the river that is prone to flooding.
• **Mouth**: The place where the river flows into a larger body of water.

Factors Affecting Drainage Basins

• **Climate**: Precipitation patterns and temperature affect the amount of water in the basin.
• **Geology**: The type of rocks and soil in the basin impact the rate of erosion and infiltration.
• **Relief**: The steepness of the terrain affects the speed of water flow and erosion.
• **Vegetation**: Plants and trees help regulate water flow and prevent soil erosion.