Define Watershed.

A watershed, also known as a drainage basin or catchment area, is a geographical area of land defined by natural topographic boundaries, such as ridges, hills, and mountains, within which all surface water flows into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Rainfall and snowmelt that land within a watershed drain into a network of interconnected streams, rivers, and groundwater aquifers, ultimately converging at the watershed's outlet.

Watersheds vary in size, ranging from small local watersheds that encompass a few square kilometers to large river basins that span thousands of square kilometers. They play a critical role in regulating the hydrological cycle, collecting, storing, and transporting water across landscapes, influencing water availability, quality, and distribution downstream.

Watersheds are essential for maintaining ecosystem functions, supporting biodiversity, and providing valuable ecosystem services, such as water supply, flood regulation, sediment retention, and habitat connectivity. They serve as natural boundaries for environmental management, land use planning, and water resource management, shaping human activities and interactions with the environment. Protecting and managing watersheds sustainably is vital for ensuring the integrity of freshwater ecosystems, safeguarding water supplies, and promoting the well-being of both human and natural communities.