River Basin

A river basin is an area of land where precipitation accumulates and flows into a river. These

basins are separated from other river basins by geological features such as mountains, hills, and

more. The term drainage basin may be applied when precipitation flows into any common

outlet including a bay, river, or ocean. River basins include water from groundwater, lakes,

streams, and other sources that gain water from precipitation. A river basin funnels that water

in its area toward a single point, a river in this case, by way of multiple streams or lakes that act

as tributaries for the main river flow.When we look at a map of a river basin, we’ll often see the

main stem of a river that is fed by several streams. Looking upriver, the tributaries will form a

large, branching area.However, not all the water that falls in a river basin flows out of it. Some

water seeps into the ground instead of joining the stream bank, some water evaporates, and

people may collect and use the water as well.Regardless, major river basins may not always

drain directly into the ocean. The Ohio River basin, like many others, drains into another river.

This basin covers over 204,000 square miles and forms a confluence with the Mississippi River.

How River Basins Are Formed

River basins are formed by erosion from water flow and geological activity. For
example, the Alleghenian orogeny was a major geological event, along with
others, that led to the creation of the New River, Susquehanna River, and French
Broad River and their basins in the United States.discover animals. As we have
mentioned, river basins are low-lying areas relative to their borders which are
usually mountains, hills, or other geological structures that lead to higher ridges
surrounding a lower area. The rise of mountains and subsequent water flows
from precipitation create streams, lakes, and creeks that feed into rivers. The
cumulative effect of all this water running to a single outlet results in the
development of a river basin. The formation of a river basin is a complex process
that results in a well-defined area. However, river basins can meet and also
transform over time.

The Amazon River Basin is the largest drainage basin in the world, measuring 2.1
million sq. mi. This basin drains eight countries throughout South America,
bringing tributaries to join the Amazon River from hundreds of miles away.

Characteristics of River Basin

• Drainage basin – the area of land drained by a river.
• Catchment area – the area within the drainage basin.
• Watershed – the edge of highland surrounding a drainage basin that marks the
boundary between two drainage basins.
• Source – the beginning or start of a river.
• Confluence – the point at which two rivers or streams join.
• Tributary – a stream or smaller river which joins a larger stream or river.
• Mouth – the point where the river comes to the end, usually when entering a sea