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'A drainage basin is an open system with four elements – inputs, storage, transfers and outputs.' Discuss the movement of water within a drainage basin. - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 1 - 2018
Question 1
'A drainage basin is an open system with four elements – inputs, storage, transfers and outputs.' Discuss the movement of water within a drainage basin.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'A drainage basin is an open system with four elements – inputs, storage, transfers and outputs.' Discuss the movement of water within a drainage basin. - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 1 - 2018
Step 1
Discuss the Inputs of Water
Answer
Inputs into a drainage basin primarily consist of precipitation, which may come in the form of rain and snow. This precipitation is critical as it directly influences the water levels within the basin. Factors such as duration and intensity of rainfall play a significant role in determining how much water is retained or lost through processes like infiltration.
Step 2
Discuss the Transfers of Water
Answer
Transfers refer to the movement of water across different parts of the drainage basin. This includes surface runoff, which occurs when water flows over the land surface, and throughflow, where water moves laterally through the soil. Evapotranspiration, a combination of evaporation from land and transpiration from plants, also facilitates the transfer of moisture back into the atmosphere.
Step 3
Discuss the Outputs of Water
Answer
Outputs in a drainage basin can be identified as the movement of water away from the basin. This often occurs through rivers or streams that carry water away to larger bodies like lakes or oceans. Additionally, groundwater flow also constitutes an important output, where water percolates downwards and leaves the basin, impacting water balance and storage.