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What is a watershed?
What is a watershed?
A topographically delineated area of land from which rainwater can drain via a specific stream or river system to a common outlet point.
A watershed is necessarily an upland mountainous landform.
A watershed is necessarily an upland mountainous landform.
False
What is the term for the opening toward the sea in a fjord?
What is the term for the opening toward the sea in a fjord?
A watershed is a discrete geographical unit capable of providing water, timber, and non-timber products including ______.
A watershed is a discrete geographical unit capable of providing water, timber, and non-timber products including ______.
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Match the following components with their definitions:
Match the following components with their definitions:
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The term 'flood risk' relates directly to the bifurcation ratio of a watershed.
The term 'flood risk' relates directly to the bifurcation ratio of a watershed.
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What influences surface runoff and streamflow?
What influences surface runoff and streamflow?
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What describes the pattern formed by a main stream with tributaries?
What describes the pattern formed by a main stream with tributaries?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a small watershed?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a small watershed?
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Surface water in porous rocks typically drains into the water table.
Surface water in porous rocks typically drains into the water table.
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What are igneous rocks formed from?
What are igneous rocks formed from?
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What is a sinkhole?
What is a sinkhole?
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Which of these is an example of a metamorphic rock?
Which of these is an example of a metamorphic rock?
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A __________ is a narrow opening or crack of considerable length and depth.
A __________ is a narrow opening or crack of considerable length and depth.
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Study Notes
Definition of a Watershed
- A watershed is a topographically delineated area of land that drains rainwater into a specific stream, river system, or common outlet, such as a larger river or lake.
- It serves as a discrete geographical unit providing water, timber, and non-timber products, including food and minerals.
Watershed Functionality
- Water enters the watershed as precipitation and exits as runoff and streamflow.
- Soil stores part of the water, with excess drained through percolation and seepage, while some evaporates back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.
- Watersheds often cross political administrative borders, influencing local resource management.
Watershed as an Ecosystem
- Interrelated and interdependent resources in a watershed include:
- Man: The manager and user of resources
- Timber: A critical wood-producing resource
- Forage: Grasslands beneficial for animal production
- Soil: Essential for vegetation growth and water storage
Characteristics of Watersheds
- Topography: Defined by land surface configuration, which can be level, rolling, or mountainous, governed by geological structures.
- Anticlines and Synclines: Types of geological folds that affect drainage patterns.
- Stream Density: Refers to the number of streams per unit area; a low bifurcation ratio indicates a higher risk of flooding.
Watershed Classification
- Common terms synonymous with watershed include catchments, drainage basin, or river basin.
- Watershed shapes may influence surface runoff and streamflow characteristics.
Example: Howe Sound
- Howe Sound is a network of fjords located northwest of Vancouver, known for its triangular shape.
- Fjords are characterized by being deep, narrow, and elongated with steep sides.
Climate and Agricultural Impact
- Climate affects watershed resources, with farmlands designated for agricultural production.
- Settlements and land use can lead to competition for watershed resources.
Drainage Patterns
- Drainage patterns can be classified as treelike or dendritic, indicating how water drains through a watershed's landscape.
Watershed Exceptions
- Small watersheds may lack defined drainage patterns due to insufficient land area for runoff collection.
- Granular soil materials impede surface drainage as they are highly permeable, preventing water accumulation.
Porous and Soluble Rocks
- Surface water in porous rocks like basaltic lava percolates down to the water table through natural cracks and cavities.
- Sinkholes and underground solution channels in limestone regions develop to manage runoff, resulting in minimal surface drainage.
Low-Drainage Areas
- Floodplains, lake beds, and lower coastal plains often have few surface drainage channels due to a high water table and flat terrain, indicating their young geological age.
Sinkhole
- Defined as an area with no natural external drainage; rainwater accumulates and drains into the subsurface rather than flowing away.
Fissure
- A fissure refers to a long, deep crack or opening in the ground, typically formed through breaking or parting of the earth's material.
Geology and Soils
- Bedrock characteristics influence water yield, streamflow response, subsurface flow, water quality, and erosion patterns within watersheds.
- The type of parent material beneath soil profiles affects vegetation types on the surface, with different rocks yielding varied plant responses.
Types of Rocks
- Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled and solidified molten material (magma); dominant examples include granite and basalt.
- Metamorphic Rocks: Created through intense heat and pressure altering existing rocks; examples are micaschist, quartzite, and marble, which exhibit changes in mineral structure and properties due to subterranean conditions.
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Description
This quiz delves into the definition, functionality, and ecosystem aspects of watersheds. Explore how watersheds manage water resources, interact with various components, and influence both economic and environmental factors. A great way to test your understanding of this vital ecological unit.
