Drainage Basin
- A drainage basin is an area of land where all the water drains into a single river system.
- It is also known as a river basin, catchment area, or watershed.
- The boundaries of a drainage basin are defined by the topography of the landscape, with higher elevations forming the divide between different basins.
- When it rains or when snow melts, the water collects in streams and rivers, eventually flowing into the main river of the basin.
- The size of a drainage basin can vary greatly, from small basins that cover a few square kilometers to large basins that span several countries.
- The water in a drainage basin is crucial for supporting ecosystems, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, and influencing the overall hydrological cycle.
- The concept of a drainage basin helps in understanding the movement and management of water resources in a specific area.
Water Divide
- A water divide, also known as a watershed divide or a divide line, is a ridge or elevated area that separates one drainage basin from another.
- It marks the boundary between different river systems and determines the direction in which water flows.
- Water that falls on one side of the divide flows into rivers that eventually drain into one particular ocean or sea.
- Water on the other side of the divide flows into rivers that drain into a different ocean or sea.
- The water divide plays a crucial role in determining the boundaries of drainage basins and the overall flow of water across a landscape.
Drainage
- Drainage refers to the process of water flowing or being drained away from an area.
- It can occur naturally through rivers, streams, and groundwater systems, or it can be managed through artificial drainage systems such as ditches and drains.
- Drainage is important for preventing waterlogging, controlling floods, and ensuring the proper functioning of infrastructure and agricultural activities.
Doab
- A doab is a term used in the Indian subcontinent to describe the area of land between two rivers.
- It is formed by the sediment deposited by the rivers over time, creating fertile agricultural land.
- Doabs are typically characterized by their rich soil and are often densely populated and intensively cultivated.
- While a doab is related to the concept of a river system, it does not specifically refer to an area drained by a single river system.