In tectonics, a circular, syncline-like depression of strata. In sedimentology, the site of accumulation of a large thickness of sediments. In geology the term basin describes an isolated or circumscribed formation, particularly where the strata dip inward, on all sides, toward a center. The term is especially applied to coal formations which are called coal basins or coal fields. A low-lying area, wholly or largely surrounded by higher land, that varies from a small, nearly enclosed valley to an extensive, mountain-rimmed depression. An entire area drained by a given stream and its tributaries. An area in which the rock strata are inclined downward from all sides toward the center. 4. An area in which sediments accumulate. Deep portion of sea surrounded by shallower regions.
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