Basin facts for kids

A basin is a word that describes a few different things. It can be a container that holds water, like a sink. It can also be a large, low area of land where water collects, often forming a lake or river system.

An old wash basin from China.

Basins in Nature

In nature, a basin is usually a large, hollow area or a dip in the land. These natural basins are often formed by geological processes over millions of years. They are important because they collect water.

River Basins

A drainage basin (also called a river basin or watershed) is an area of land where all the water flows into a single river, lake, or ocean. Imagine rain falling on a mountain. The water runs down the slopes and eventually joins smaller streams, which then flow into larger rivers. All the land that contributes water to that river system is its drainage basin. The Amazon River in South America has the largest drainage basin in the world.

Ocean Basins

An oceanic basin is a huge, low area on the Earth's surface that holds an ocean. These are the deepest parts of our planet, found under the sea. They are like giant bowls that contain all the ocean water. The Pacific Ocean sits in the largest oceanic basin.

Sedimentary Basins

A sedimentary basin is a large dip in the Earth's crust where sediments (like sand, mud, and tiny bits of rock) have collected over a very long time. These sediments are carried by wind or water and settle in these low areas. Over millions of years, these layers of sediment can become rock. Many important resources, like oil and natural gas, are found in sedimentary basins.

Tidal Basins

A tidal basin is an area, often near the coast, that fills with water when the tide is high. When the tide goes out, the water level in the basin drops. These basins are often connected to the sea by a narrow channel. They are sometimes used to help control water levels in harbors or to generate power from the movement of the tides.

Basins We Use Every Day

Besides natural basins, the word "basin" also describes many objects we use daily. These are usually containers designed to hold liquids, especially water.

Sinks and Bowls

• A sink (or wash basin) is a plumbing fixture found in kitchens and bathrooms. It's a bowl-shaped container with a faucet for water and a drain to let it out. We use sinks for washing hands, dishes, or brushing teeth.
• A bowl is a round, open container used for holding food or liquids. We eat cereal from bowls, or mix ingredients in larger ones.
• A pudding basin is a special type of bowl used for cooking puddings. The raw pudding dough is placed inside it and then cooked, often by steaming.

Special Basins

• An emesis basin is a kidney-shaped bowl often seen in hospitals. It's used to collect vomit or other liquids from patients. Its unique shape makes it easy to hold close to a person's body.
• A toilet basin is another name for the bowl part of a flush toilet. This is the part that holds water and waste before it is flushed away.