DRAINAGE AREA Meaning and
Definition
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Drainage area, also known as a watershed or catchment area, refers to the geographical region or area of land where all precipitation (such as rainfall or snowmelt) flows or drains into a common point, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It encompasses all the land surface and the underlying ground or soil within which water accumulates and then eventually flows out through a drainage network.
The drainage area is delineated by natural features such as ridgelines or mountains that separate it from adjacent basins or watersheds. It is defined by the topography or the relief of the landscape, as water generally follows the path of least resistance or downhill, guided by the force of gravity.
A drainage area may vary in size, ranging from small ones that cover only a few square kilometers to large ones that encompass hundreds or thousands of square miles. It is an essential concept in hydrology and water management, as it helps to understand the flow and distribution of water resources within an area. The characteristics of the land, including its soil composition, vegetation cover, and human activities, greatly influence the extent and functioning of a drainage area.
Overall, a drainage area represents a fundamental unit for studying and managing water resources, as it determines the boundaries within which water collects and flows, offering vital insights for various applications such as flood control, irrigation planning, and water supply management.
Common Misspellings for DRAINAGE AREA
- srainage area
- xrainage area
- crainage area
- frainage area
- rrainage area
- erainage area
- deainage area
- ddainage area
- dfainage area
- dtainage area
- d5ainage area
- d4ainage area
- drzinage area
- drsinage area
- drwinage area
- drqinage area
- draunage area
- drajnage area
- draknage area
Etymology of DRAINAGE AREA
The word "drainage" has its roots in the Latin word "drainare", meaning "to draw off" or "to let out". The term "area" originates from the Latin word "area", which refers to an open space or a level piece of ground. The combination of these two terms gives us "drainage area", which describes the geographic area or region where water collects and flows out through a river system, stream, or other watercourse.
Similar spelling words for DRAINAGE AREA
- drawing chalk,
- drawing pin,
- drawing table,
- drainage ditch,
- drawing off,
- drawing board,
- drawing room,
- drawing paper,
- drawing power,
- drainage system,
- drawing ink,
- drainage basin,
- drawing card.
