Background to Rivers

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Terminology for the study of rivers

Drainage basin - the area of land drained by a river.

Catchment area - the area within the drainage basin.

Watershed - the edge of highland surrounding a drainage basin. It marks the boundary between two drainage basins.

Source - The beginning or start of a river.

Confluence - the point at which two rivers or streams join.

Tributary - a stream or smaller river which joins a larger stream or river.

Mouth - the point where the river comes to the end, usually when entering a sea.

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