Drainage Area (Noun)
Meaning
The entire geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries; an area characterized by all runoff being conveyed to the same outlet; "flood control in the Missouri basin".
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The local government's environmental agency was responsible for managing the drainage area of the nearby lake to ensure water quality and prevent pollution.
- The engineers studied the drainage area of the river to identify areas prone to flooding and to design an effective flood control system.
- The new development's drainage area was already strained, and the city planners were hesitant to approve more construction in the area.
- The drainage area of the watershed was carefully monitored by scientists to track the movement of pollutants and sediment into the river.
- The county's drainage area was composed of several small streams and wetlands that eventually flowed into the nearby reservoir.