Catchment: meaning, definitions and examples
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catchment
[ ˈkætʃmənt ]
water management
A catchment refers to an area from which rainfall flows into a particular river, lake, reservoir, or other body of water. Catchments are vital for understanding drainage patterns and water resources management. They help in studying the hydrological cycle and are essential for planning sustainable land use and flood control. Effective catchment management plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and biodiversity within the ecosystem.
Synonyms
drainage basin, river basin, watershed.
Examples of usage
- The catchment area of the river was affected by pollution.
- We're working on a project to improve catchment management practices.
- Understanding the catchment is essential for effective water resource planning.
Translations
Translations of the word "catchment" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bacia hidrográfica
🇮🇳 जलग्रहण क्षेत्र
🇩🇪 Einzugsgebiet
🇮🇩 daerah tangkapan
🇺🇦 водозбірна площа
🇵🇱 zlewnia
🇯🇵 流域
🇫🇷 bassin versant
🇪🇸 cuenca
🇹🇷 havza
🇰🇷 유역
🇸🇦 حوض الماء
🇨🇿 povodí
🇸🇰 povodie
🇨🇳 集水区
🇸🇮 vodno zbirališče
🇮🇸 safnarsvæði
🇰🇿 су жинау аймағы
🇬🇪 წყალსატევი
🇦🇿 su yığma sahəsi
🇲🇽 cuenca
Etymology
The term 'catchment' originates from the early 20th century, derived from the verb 'catch' with the addition of the suffix '-ment', which indicates the action or resulting state of a noun. The word 'catch' comes from the Old French 'cachier', meaning 'to capture or seize', and is of Germanic origin. Catchments have been a focus in hydrology, which studies the distribution and movement of water. As environmental concerns grew in the late 20th century, the term 'catchment management' emerged, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices to protect water sources. With increasing urbanization and climate change, understanding catchment dynamics has become critical in addressing challenges associated with water supply and conservation.