The water cycle and river terminologyRiver characteristics
The water cycle is the journey water takes as it moves from the land to the sky and back again. It follows a cycle of evaporation, condensation and precipitation.
A river basin or drainage basin is an area of land drained by a river and its tributaryA small river that joins the main river channel.. The edge of the drainage basin is known as the watershedThe place that divides two river basins.. This can be compared to a sink or basin, which catches the water falling into it. The water travels towards the centre and leaves the sink through a plug hole. In a similar way, the water flowing through the river will eventually leave the river basinThe area drained by a river. through its mouthThe place where a river meets the sea. and enter the sea or a lake.
A simple river basin
The interactive diagram shows a simple version of a drainage basin. Can you label it correctly?