The flow of water across the land surface toward a stream, river or other water body, occurring when precipitation exceeds the rate at which soil can absorb it or falls onto already saturated or impermeable ground. Surface runoff is a principal driver of soil erosion and the main mechanism by which rainfall reaches river channels quickly during and after a storm.
Facts
Process Type Connections
Sources
1. Surface runoff, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph, first two sentencesQuote, Lead paragraph, first two sentences
Surface runoff (also known as overland flow or terrestrial runoff) is the unconfined flow of water over the ground surface, in contrast to channel runoff (or stream flow). It occurs when excess rainwater, stormwater, meltwater, or other sources, can no longer sufficiently rapidly infiltrate into the soil.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.