Water is Transferred in a Drainage Basin

Water Transfer within a Drainage Basin:

• Surface Runoff: Rainfall and snowmelt flow over the land's surface, collecting in streams, rivers, and eventually the main river channel.
• Infiltration: Some water soaks into the ground, replenishing groundwater stores through a process called infiltration.
• Subsurface Flow: Water may move underground through permeable layers, contributing to groundwater flow.
• Overland Flow: During heavy rainfall, water can flow over the land's surface, often leading to flash floods.
• Throughflow: Water within the soil flows horizontally through interconnected pore spaces, gradually moving towards streams and rivers.
• Groundwater Flow: Water stored in underground aquifers slowly moves through permeable rock layers, eventually discharging into rivers or lakes.

Water Storage within a Drainage Basin:

• Lakes and Reservoirs: Natural lakes and human-made reservoirs can store significant amounts of water within a drainage basin.
• Soil Moisture: Water is held in the soil, providing moisture for plants and contributing to throughflow and groundwater.
• Groundwater: Aquifers beneath the surface can store large volumes of water over extended periods, providing a vital source of freshwater.
• Snowpack: In mountainous regions, snow can accumulate during the winter and slowly release water as it melts, feeding rivers during spring and summer.
• Wetlands: Wetlands act as natural sponges, storing excess water during periods of high rainfall and gradually releasing it.
• Human Storage Systems: Humans may construct dams and reservoirs to store water for various purposes, including irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

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Water is Transferred Through & Stored in a Drainage Basin