LEC 1: WATERSHED ANALYSIS

Watershed

This is the area of land that drains all the catch rainfall to a common outlet.

Headwaters

The beginning, or source, of a river is called its ____________. Some come from underground springs, while others are fed by mountain snow.

Tributary

This is a river or stream that feeds into another river, rather than ending in a lake or ocean. If a river is large, it is likely fed by a number of it.

River Channel

The path a river takes is called a __________. Its shape and size depend on the amount of water that has been flowing in it, how long it has been flowing, and the type of rocks and soil over which it flows.

Flow

This is the amount of water in the channel. This often changes throughout the year, with many rivers running high during rainy seasons, and running low during the dry summer months.

Floodplain

This is a flat, low-lying area along the river that gets covered with water when the river overflows. Building here can be dangerous, because of the risk of frequent flooding.

Riverbank

This is the land immediately along the river. These are constantly changing, sculpted by the flowing river. The trees and other vegetation on this land provide provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Wetlands

This is a low-lying area where water covers the soil for much of the year. Also known as a swamp, bog, or marsh, this land provides habitat to a wide variety of plants and animals.

Mouth / Delta

This is the end of the river, where it meets a lake or ocean.

McNamee peak

This peak consists of Colorado watershed, Arkansas watershed, and Platte Watershed

Yangtze river watershed

This is one of the biggest watersheds on Earth with an area of 1.809 million km²

Mississippi river

This is one of the Gargantuan watersheds on earth with an area of 2.981 million km²