Rain, once it reaches the land, follows two main paths. It either seeps into the ground or becomes runoff.
Here's a breakdown:
- Seeping into the ground: The rain soaks into the soil.
- Becoming runoff: The rain flows over the land's surface.
The Fate of Rainfall
After rainfall reaches the ground, its journey splits into two primary directions:
1. Infiltration into the Ground
Rainwater infiltrates the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies. This process is crucial for:
- Supporting vegetation: Water is absorbed by plant roots.
- Maintaining streamflow: Groundwater can slowly release into streams and rivers, sustaining their flow even during dry periods.
- Refilling aquifers: Underground layers of rock and soil are saturated with water.
2. Surface Runoff
Rainwater that doesn't infiltrate the ground becomes surface runoff, eventually making its way into bodies of water. The rate of rainfall impacts this process.
- Flowing into Rivers and Lakes: Runoff travels across the land, collecting in streams, rivers, and lakes. This process helps fill these water bodies, crucial for aquatic ecosystems and human water supply.
- Erosion: A high volume of runoff in a short time leads to soil erosion.
| Rainfall Path | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Infiltration | Rainwater seeps into the ground. | Replenishes groundwater, supports vegetation, sustains streamflow. |
| Surface Runoff | Rainwater flows over the land's surface. | Fills rivers and lakes, can cause erosion if excessive. |
Rate of Rainfall and its Impact
The reference states, "A lot of rain in a short period tends to run off the land into streams rather than soak into the ground." This is a crucial point. When rainfall intensity is high, the ground's capacity to absorb water is often exceeded, leading to increased runoff.
