Define the term "catchment area" and explain its significance in hydrology.

Step 1: Define "catchment area".
A catchment area, also known as a drainage basin, is an area of land where all precipitation that falls within it drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. It is defined by topographical features like ridges and hills that form its boundaries.

The definition of a catchment area is:
A catchment area is the entire area of land from which water drains into a specific river, lake, or reservoir. It is bounded by a watershed, which is a ridge of high ground.