DRAINAGE AREAS Meaning and
Definition
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Drainage areas, also commonly referred to as drainage basins or watersheds, are geographical regions that contribute water to a central point such as a river, lake, or ocean. They are defined by the boundaries of the landscape and topography that determine how water flows over the land surface. A drainage area is typically characterized by the collection of all the land and water features within its boundaries that drain into a common outlet.
The concept of drainage areas is based on the principle that water flows downhill due to the force of gravity seeking the lowest point. Therefore, water that falls as precipitation, such as rain or snow, follows the natural slope of the land, collecting into streams and rivers that ultimately lead to a larger body of water. Drainage areas can vary in size, ranging from a few acres to thousands of square miles, depending on the extent of the land surface that contributes water to the central point.
Understanding drainage areas is crucial for hydrologists, environmental scientists, and civil engineers, as it helps in analyzing and managing water resources, flood control, and water quality. By identifying and delineating drainage areas, these professionals can gain insights into the movement of water, predict the behavior of rivers and streams during extreme weather events, and develop strategies for land and water management for sustainable development.
In summary, drainage areas refer to the geographical regions that drain into a common outlet, such as a river or a lake. They are defined by the boundaries of the land and topography, and understanding them is important for various applications related to water management and environmental planning.
Common Misspellings for DRAINAGE AREAS
- dranage area
- drainge area
- srainage areas
- xrainage areas
- crainage areas
- frainage areas
- rrainage areas
- erainage areas
- deainage areas
- ddainage areas
- dfainage areas
- dtainage areas
- d5ainage areas
- d4ainage areas
- drzinage areas
- drsinage areas
- drwinage areas
- drqinage areas
- draunage areas
- drajnage areas
Etymology of DRAINAGE AREAS
The etymology of the word "drainage" can be traced back to the Old French word "drain", which means "to draw off" or "to empty". The term "drainage" was primarily used to describe the process of removing water or waste from an area or object.
The word "area" originated from the Latin word "area", which referred to a level or open space in a field or a courtyard. Over time, it came to denote a defined or marked-out space. In the context of "drainage areas", it refers to the specified regions or spaces from where water or waste is drained.
Combining these origins, "drainage areas" refers to the designated spaces or regions from which water or waste is removed or drained.
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