A catchment, also known as a drainage basin, is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. This area collects rainwater and snowmelt, which flows over the surface or through the soil, eventually converging into a single water body. Catchments play a crucial role in the water cycle, helping to manage water resources and maintain ecosystems. They can vary in size from small streams to large river systems, and their health is vital for the surrounding environment, including wildlife habitats and human communities.