Which of the following best defines a drainage area?

The definition of a drainage area encompasses the land that contributes surface water to a specific water body, such as a river, lake, or stream. This area collects rainwater and snowmelt, guiding it through various pathways, including overland flow, stream channels, and underground flow, towards the designated water body. Understanding the characteristics and boundaries of a drainage area is critical for effective stormwater management, as it influences both the quantity and quality of water entering the receiving bodies.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of a drainage area. The first option refers to areas affected by temporary flooding rather than the broader concept of all land that contributes to a water body's hydrology. The third option focuses specifically on impermeable surfaces, which may influence drainage patterns but do not constitute the entirety of a drainage area. Therefore, the most accurate and comprehensive definition is that of the land draining into a particular water body.