Name: ________________________________
Date: _________________________
Drainage Basins: Where does all of that water go?
A watershed, or drainage basin, is an
area of land which serves as a funnel
collecting water from many smaller feeder funnels into a
larger tributary which ultimately delivers the water
to the ocean via a river or river system [1].
Canada has 5 major drainage basins (as
shown in the diagram to the right. The
province of Quebec is served by two major
drainage basins. What are their names?
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Drainage basins are further subdivided. For
example, a major sub-drainage basin of the Atlantic
Ocean is the St. Lawrence River. Label the St. Lawrence River on the
map to the right.
Many factors affect the flow of water in a drainage basin. List the factors you have studied which
affect the shape and flow of a drainage basin:
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Assignment: Choose one of these factors and:
A) Find and summarize an article that thoroughly explains the impact of that factor on the
shape and flow of a drainage basin. Provide the original article alongside your
summary. Be prepared to explain orally.
B) Design an experiment and take pictures or video to visually show how that factor affects
the flow of water and shape of a drainage basin. Bring your results (pictures/video) and
conclusion to class. Be prepared to explain orally.
Sources:
[1] http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/atlas/themes.aspx?id=watersheds&lang=En