What is a Water Shed in geography?

In geography, a watershed (or drainage basin) is an area of land that drains into a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The boundary of a watershed is called a divide, and it is determined by the topography of the land. Water that falls within a watershed eventually makes its way to the body of water at the bottom.

Watersheds are important because they provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. They also provide habitat for plants and animals, and they help to regulate the flow of water and prevent flooding.

Here is a more detailed explanation of how watersheds work:

* When rain or snow falls within a watershed, it either runs off the surface of the land or seeps into the ground.

* If it runs off, it can pick up pollutants such as sediment, chemicals, and bacteria. This can contaminate the water in the body of water at the bottom of the watershed.

* If it seeps into the ground, it can percolate through the soil and eventually reach an aquifer. Aquifers are underground layers of rock or sediment that hold water. Water from aquifers can be pumped up for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.

* Watersheds also help to regulate the flow of water. When it rains or snows heavily, a watershed can help to store the water and release it slowly over time. This can help to prevent flooding.

Watersheds are important natural resources, and it is important to protect them from pollution and other threats.