Drainage basins as open systems: inputs, outputs, stores and flows including precipitation, evapo-transpiration, runoff, interception, surface, soil water, groundwater and channel storage
A drainage basin is an open system where water enters as precipitation, moves through stores like soil and groundwater, and leaves as runoff or evapo-transpiration.
Real World
The River Severn drainage basin covers 11,420 km², receiving approximately 850 mm of precipitation annually while losing around 500 mm to evapotranspiration, with the remainder flowing out as river discharge at its mouth near Bristol.
Exam Focus
Draw and label a systems diagram with arrows — examiners often award marks for correctly distinguishing stores from transfers.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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