How does precipitation turn into runoff?
When it rains some water is absorbed into the sponge (infiltration) and some runs off the surface of the sponge into the stream (runoff).
What happens to water after precipitation?
When precipitation falls over the land surface, it follows various routes in its subsequent paths. Some of it evaporates, returning to the atmosphere; some seeps into the ground as soil moisture or groundwater; and some runs off into rivers and streams.
How does water become runoff?
Runoff occurs when there is more water than land can absorb. The excess liquid flows across the surface of the land and into nearby creeks, streams, or ponds. Glaciers, snow, and rain all contribute to this natural runoff. Runoff also occurs naturally as soil is eroded and carried to various bodies of water.
What happens after precipitation?
After the precipitation reaches the surface of Earth, it does one of four things. It can either be absorbed by plants, percolate through the soil to become ground water, run off the surface into streams and rivers–becoming surface water and eventually flowing into the oceans, or evaporate.
How can we control runoff water?
- Add plants. Incorporate plantings, especially in areas where runoff collects.
- Protect trees. Like other plant roots, tree roots help absorb and filter runoff.
- Break up slabs.
- Go permeable.
- Catch runoff.
- How to Divert Water Runoff from Driveway.
- Plant a rain garden.
- Cover soil.
How do you reduce runoff?
What can you do to reduce the runoff from your property?
- Disconnect/Redirect Downspouts.
- Use a rain barrel to capture rain from your roof.
- Plant a rain garden.
- Plant trees.
- Reduce impervious surfaces; install permeable pavement.
- Plant a green roof.
Where does the runoff go in the water cycle?
Many people probably have an overly-simplified idea that precipitation falls on the land, flows overland (runoff), and runs into rivers, which then empty into the oceans. That is “overly simplified” because rivers also gain and lose water to the ground.
What happens when rain falls on the ground?
This phenomenon is called eutrophication. When rain falls onto the ground, it can do one of two things: flow into the ground and become groundwater, or flow on top of the ground and become runoff. As water flows into the ground, the soil acts as a “filter,” catching and holding onto most anything that the rain water brought with it.
How does storm water runoff affect drinking water?
Storm water can also flow down a poorly sealed well shaft and contaminate drinking water. In areas with very porous soils or geology, pollutants in runoff may reach groundwater. Public officials are focusing pollution control efforts on storm water management in urban and rural areas.
Where does the rain water go when it rains?
The next time you are home during a rain shower, head outdoors with your boots and umbrella and watch where the rainwater goes. On a sketch of your property, draw arrows showing the direction that storm water flows off driveways, rooftops, sidewalks, and yards.