Watershed

watershed

area of land where all water drains to the same place

tributary

small stream that feeds into a river

reservoir

where water is held

primary reservoir

ocean

secondary/third reservoir

icecaps and aquifers

floodplain

area at risk of flooding

area

VOLUME of water collected in an area after rain or snow melt

length

distance across a watershed, usually principal flowpath

(highest point to lowest point)

slope

steepness→affects rate of runoff→affects rate of erosion

soil

LAND USE

natural/native (best)

agriculture

urban (worst)

mixed use (all of them)

vegetation

types of plants/vegetation

*roots hold soil in place

divides

boundaries between watersheds

ex. mountain peaks, mountains, ridgelines

-determines where water/pollution ends up