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surface runoff

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Surface runoff is the water that flows over the land surface after a rainfall or snowmelt event. It is the most visible form of water flow on the land surface. Surface runoff is important in the water cycle because it is a way for water to move from the land to the oceans.

Surface runoff is also important in the erosion of the land surface. As water flows over the land, it can carry sediment and other materials with it. This can cause rivers and streams to become more shallow and muddy. Surface runoff can also cause flooding and erosion of riverbanks.

There are a number of factors that can affect the amount of surface runoff, including:

  • The amount of rainfall or snowmelt
  • The type of soil
  • The slope of the land
  • The presence of vegetation
  • The amount of impervious surfaces, such as roads and parking lots
  • Surface runoff can be managed in a number of ways, including:
  • Increasing the amount of vegetation
  • Using rain gardens and other stormwater detention systems
  • Building levees and flood walls
  • Rerouting runoff away from sensitive areas

How can the word be used?

The amount of surface runoff was increased by the construction of the new road.

surface runoff

Different forms of the word

The word "surface runoff" does not have any other forms. It is a noun that refers to the water that flows over the land surface after a rainfall or snowfall. It is also known as overland flow or sheet flow.

Etymology

The etymology of the word "surface runoff" is interesting because it shows how the word is related to its meaning. The word "surface" refers to the top layer of the land, and "runoff" refers to water that flows over the land surface.

Question

What is surface runoff?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of surface runoff and its role in the water cycle. Describe how surface runoff occurs and its impact on land and aquatic environments. Provide an example of a human activity that can influence surface runoff patterns.

Answer:

Surface runoff refers to the movement of water across the land surface when precipitation exceeds the land's capacity to absorb it. This excess water flows over the ground, often collecting in streams, and rivers, and eventually reaching larger bodies of water. Surface runoff is a key component of the water cycle, as it transfers water from land to aquatic environments.

Surface runoff occurs due to various factors, including soil type, slope, and land use. Impermeable surfaces like paved roads and buildings exacerbate runoff, as they prevent water from infiltrating the ground. Rapid runoff can lead to erosion, sedimentation, and flooding, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

An example of a human activity that affects surface runoff is urbanization. As cities expand, natural surfaces are replaced with impervious surfaces, increasing runoff rates and decreasing groundwater recharge. This alteration disrupts the natural balance of the water cycle, leading to flash floods, streambank erosion, and water pollution.