The drainage basin + systems

Question 1

Drainage basin definition

Answer 1

The area of land divided by a river and its tributaries, separated from adjacent basins by a watershed. It is the area of land that gains water for a river.

Question 2

Systems definition

Answer 2

A system is a set of inter-related components or objects which are connected together to form a working unit or unified whole.

Question 3

Closed system definition

Answer 3

There is a transfer of energy but not matter between the system and its surroundings eg central heating in the house.

Question 4

Open system definition

Answer 4

There are inputs and outputs of both energy and matter across the system boundary. Most natural systems are open eg the drainage basin.

Question 5

Dynamic equilibrium

Answer 5

It is a state of the system when opposing forces or inputs and outputs are balanced

Question 6

Evapotranspiration

Answer 6

Loss of water from the soil both by evaporation of the water from the soil surface, and transpiration from leaves of plants.

Question 7

Interception

Answer 7

Process in which precipitation falls onto vegetation rather than directly to the ground.

Question 8

Infiltration

Answer 8

Process of water soaking into the soil from the surface.

Question 9

Percolation

Answer 9

Downward movement of water from the soil into deeper stores, such as ground water.

Question 10

Groundwater storage

Answer 10

Water is stored within permeable rock underground.

Question 11

Surface run-off

Answer 11

water run-off over the land surface but not in a channel.