The difference between Catchment area and Watershed

When used as nouns, catchment area means an area from which water drains into a particular lake, river, etc, whereas watershed means the topographical boundary dividing two adjacent catchment basins, such as a ridge or a crest.


check bellow for the other definitions of Catchment area and Watershed

  1. Catchment area as a noun (hydrology):

    An area from which water drains into a particular lake, river, etc.; the catchment area of a large river includes its tributaries.

  2. Catchment area as a noun:

    The area served by a local institution, such as a hospital or school.

  1. Watershed as a noun (hydrology):

    The topographical boundary dividing two adjacent catchment basins, such as a ridge or a crest.

  2. Watershed as a noun (US):

    A region of land within which water flows down into a specified body, such as a river, lake, sea, or ocean; a drainage basin.

  3. Watershed as a noun:

    A critical point marking a change in course or development.

  4. Watershed as a noun (Canada, British):

    The time after which material of more adult nature (violence, swear words, sex) may be broadcast on television or radio, either one laid down or one contrived (e.g. when children are not watching)