A watershed is an area of land where all precipitation and surface water drains into a common body of water , such as a river, lake, or ocean.

A watershed is also known as a .

A watershed is also known as a drainage basin .

What is meant by the area of a watershed?

The area of a watershed is the total land surface area that drains into a water body, and larger watersheds collect more water.

True or False? Longer watersheds typically have a simpler drainage network than shorter ones.

False. Longer watersheds typically have a more complex drainage network , with more streams feeding the main river.

What is meant by the length of a watershed?

The length of a watershed is the distance from its highest point to its outlet , where water drains into a larger body.

How do steep slopes affect water flow in a watershed?

Steep slopes cause rapid runoff and higher erosion potential, which is why mountainous watersheds are prone to flash flooding .

Gentle slopes in a watershed allow more and slower runoff.

Gentle slopes in a watershed allow more infiltration and slower runoff.

True or False? Sandy soils have low permeability and high water retention.

False. Sandy soils have high permeability and low water retention , which gives them a higher erosion risk.

Why are clay soils more prone to surface runoff?

Clay soils are more prone to surface runoff because they have low permeability , so water cannot infiltrate easily.

Define watershed divide .

A watershed divide is the boundary separating one watershed from another, typically found along ridges or high elevations where water flows in different directions.

soils are an ideal mixture of sand, silt and clay, so they suit plant growth and water absorption.

Loamy soils are an ideal mixture of sand, silt and clay, so they suit plant growth and water absorption.

How does dense vegetation affect a watershed?

Dense vegetation slows runoff , improves groundwater recharge , and reduces erosion .

How does clearcutting within a watershed affect its streams?

Clearcutting removes the trees that anchor the soil , which raises sedimentation and stream temperatures .

Why are watersheds often used as management units for protecting water quality?

Whatever happens on the land within a watershed eventually affects the water quality at its outlet , because rainfall washes pollutants , sediments , and excess nutrients into the stream network and downstream.

AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardFlashcardsUnit 4: Earth Systems & ResourcesWatersheds

Watersheds (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards

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Cards in this collection (14)

Define watershed.
A watershed is an area of land where all precipitation and surface water drains into a common body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean.
A watershed is also known as a .
A watershed is also known as a drainage basin.
What is meant by the area of a watershed?
The area of a watershed is the total land surface area that drains into a water body, and larger watersheds collect more water.
True or False?
Longer watersheds typically have a simpler drainage network than shorter ones.
False.
Longer watersheds typically have a more complex drainage network, with more streams feeding the main river.
What is meant by the length of a watershed?
The length of a watershed is the distance from its highest point to its outlet, where water drains into a larger body.
How do steep slopes affect water flow in a watershed?
Steep slopes cause rapid runoff and higher erosion potential, which is why mountainous watersheds are prone to flash flooding.
Gentle slopes in a watershed allow more and slower runoff.
Gentle slopes in a watershed allow more infiltration and slower runoff.
True or False?
Sandy soils have low permeability and high water retention.
False.
Sandy soils have high permeability and low water retention, which gives them a higher erosion risk.
Why are clay soils more prone to surface runoff?
Clay soils are more prone to surface runoff because they have low permeability, so water cannot infiltrate easily.
Define watershed divide.
A watershed divide is the boundary separating one watershed from another, typically found along ridges or high elevations where water flows in different directions.
soils are an ideal mixture of sand, silt and clay, so they suit plant growth and water absorption.
Loamy soils are an ideal mixture of sand, silt and clay, so they suit plant growth and water absorption.
How does dense vegetation affect a watershed?
Dense vegetation slows runoff, improves groundwater recharge, and reduces erosion.
How does clearcutting within a watershed affect its streams?
Clearcutting removes the trees that anchor the soil, which raises sedimentation and stream temperatures.
Why are watersheds often used as management units for protecting water quality?
Whatever happens on the land within a watershed eventually affects the water quality at its outlet, because rainfall washes pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients into the stream network and downstream.

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