why did marking the high elevation points determine the watershed's edge
Marking elevation points give you an idea about how much water is available.
I need your help guys
Because those points were so high up, they started to feel a little light-headed and needed to sit down. Turns out, the watershed edge was the perfect place for them to take a break and catch their breath!
Marking the high elevation points helps in determining the watershed's edge because water naturally flows downhill from higher to lower elevations. By identifying the highest points within an area, we can determine where the water would generally flow away from and where the boundaries of the watershed lie.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works:
1. Collect elevation data: The elevation data of an area, usually obtained through topographic maps or digital elevation models (DEMs), is used as a reference for determining the high points within the landscape.
2. Identify the highest points: By analyzing the elevation data, the highest points within the area can be identified. These points are typically referred to as the watershed's divide or ridgeline.
3. Follow the flow: Water naturally flows downhill due to gravity. By examining the slope or gradient of the land, we can determine the direction in which water would flow from the highest points. Watersheds are generally bounded by the ridgelines or divides that separate one drainage basin from another.
4. Define the watershed boundary: The boundary of a watershed is essentially the ridgeline or high point separating it from adjacent watersheds. By marking the high elevation points along the ridge, we can effectively define the watershed's edge.
Overall, marking the high elevation points is a crucial step in determining the watershed's edge as it helps us understand the flow of water within a landscape and define the boundaries where water collects and drains away.
Marking the high elevation points help to determine the watershed's edge because the concept of a watershed is based on the natural flow of water. A watershed is an area of land where all the water flows into a common exit point, such as a river, lake, or ocean.
Water always flows downhill due to gravity, so the highest points in an area mark the divides or boundaries between different watersheds. When water falls as precipitation, it will accumulate and flow towards the lowest point in the landscape. This drainage pattern creates a network of streams and rivers that gather water from the surrounding land and carry it to the watershed's exit point.
By marking the high elevation points, you can identify the ridge lines or boundaries between different watersheds. These ridges act as natural barriers, directing the flow of water into distinct drainage basins. By connecting the highest points along the ridges and following the path of least resistance downhill, you can map out the extent of each watershed and determine its edge.
This process of analyzing elevation data and determining watershed boundaries is often performed using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, which can calculate watershed boundaries based on digital elevation models (DEMs) or topographic maps. These tools leverage the fact that high elevation points represent a natural divide between adjacent watersheds.