ENDORHEISM Meaning and
Definition
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Endorheism is a geological and hydrological term used to describe a situation where a river or a stream flows into an endorheic basin or closed basin, and does not reach the ocean or lead to an outflow to other rivers. In other words, it refers to the phenomenon where a river or a stream forms a closed drainage system without having an outlet to the sea.
The concept of endorheism is often used to describe the internal drainage patterns found in certain regions around the world, such as deserts, basins, or isolated depressions where the water collects, but does not flow out of the area. As a result, the water within these closed basins tends to evaporate, leaving behind salts and minerals, leading to the formation of salty lakes, salt pans, or even marshy areas.
Endorheism can be attributed to several factors, including the absence of outflow channels due to a lack of gradient or topographic barriers, intense evaporation rates surpassing the inflow of water, or a combination of these factors. The closure of rivers or streams can be caused by tectonic activity, glaciation events, or other geological processes. Regions exhibiting endorheism often have unique ecosystems and adaptations, as the water bodies within the closed basins may have high salinity levels and fluctuating water levels.
The term "endorheism" comes from the Greek words "endo," meaning "within," and "rhein," meaning "to flow." It is a significant concept in understanding the hydrological and geological processes in various regions and plays a crucial role in studying the environmental conditions and habitats found within closed basins.
Common Misspellings for ENDORHEISM
- wndorheism
- sndorheism
- dndorheism
- rndorheism
- 4ndorheism
- 3ndorheism
- ebdorheism
- emdorheism
- ejdorheism
- ehdorheism
- ensorheism
- enxorheism
- encorheism
- enforheism
- enrorheism
- eneorheism
- endirheism
- endkrheism
- endlrheism
- endprheism
Etymology of ENDORHEISM
The word "endorheism" is derived from two Greek roots: "en" meaning "within" or "inside" and "oros" meaning "mountain" or "hill". The term was coined to describe a geographical phenomenon known as an "endorheic basin" or "endorheic system", which refers to a closed drainage basin, typically located in arid or semiarid regions, where water does not flow out but only evaporates or seeps into the ground. In this context, "endorheism" signifies the characteristic of being within or confined to a specific area, particularly relating to the water system.
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