Drainage basins
I can describe features of a river system and explain how water flows through a drainage basin to a river.
Drainage basins
I can describe features of a river system and explain how water flows through a drainage basin to a river.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A drainage basin is the area of land drained by a river and its tributaries.
- The edge of a drainage basin is known as the watershed.
- Source, mouth, confluences and tributaries are parts of the river system.
- Precipitation that falls in the drainage basin moves to the river through a series of stores and flows.
- A drainage basin is an example of an open system.
Keywords
Drainage basin - the area of land drained by a river and its tributaries
Watershed - the boundary of a drainage basin
Tributary - a smaller river that joins the main river
Confluence - the point where two rivers meet
Mouth - where the river enters the ocean
Common misconception
There is one source to a river.
There can be many different sources within a drainage basin system.
To help you plan your year 9 geography lesson on: Drainage basins, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 geography lesson on: Drainage basins, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Rivers: How do rivers shape the land? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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