Basin Properties

Aerial view of rural, semi-arid Arizona, USA showing small shrubs and trees outlining basin waterways and features Photo of urban sprawl, Las Vegas, Clark County, NV.

The physical properties of a drainage basin and its streams influence the amount and the timing of the runoff. These properties may come from natural and human factors.

In this section you will learn to:

  • Recognize basin characteristics and how they impact runoff processes
  • Explain the impact of urbanization on runoff characteristics