4.2 - Drainage Basins

A drainage basin (catchment) is best defined as:

The boundary that separates one drainage basin from another is called the:

A tributary is a stream that:

A confluence is the point where:

The mouth of a river is the place where the river:

Which drainage pattern is commonly described as ‘tree-like’?

Rivers mainly carry excess water from a drainage basin to the:

A map of Grenada shows streams flowing outward from a central mountain peak like spokes on a wheel. The drainage pattern is most likely:

In Trinidad’s Northern Range, some tributaries join the main river at near right angles. This suggests a:

A student describes a basin where most tributaries join the main river at mixed angles and the geology is fairly uniform. Which pattern is most likely?

After a heavy shower in Dominica, the Roseau River rises quickly. Which transfer is most directly responsible for the rapid increase in river level?

Which statement best explains why discharge often increases downstream?

A new housing scheme in Barbados increases paved surfaces in a small basin. Which change is most likely during rainfall?

Which pair correctly matches a river part with its description?

Which sequence best shows how ‘excess’ rainwater inside a basin is carried to the sea?

A river has a discharge of 8 m³/s upstream. A tributary joining at a confluence brings 5 m³/s at the same time. Ignoring losses, what is the discharge just below the confluence?

Two nearby Caribbean valleys receive the same rainfall. Valley X is underlain by alternating hard and soft rock bands; Valley Y is mainly uniform rock. Which drainage pattern is most likely in each valley?

A student says, “A watershed is the river channel that carries water.” Which correction is best?

Which set of statements is correct? 1. A drainage basin is drained by a main river and tributaries. 2. Rivers carry basin water to the sea. 3. Trellised drainage often shows right-angle tributaries. 4. Radial drainage forms on flat plains with no high point.

A steep volcanic cone in St Vincent has streams flowing away from the summit. After a landslide blocks one channel, which outcome is MOST likely within the same basin?

A river management team wants to reduce flood peaks in a small basin. Which strategy is most directly linked to slowing how quickly water reaches the main channel?