What does direct runoff refer to?

What does direct runoff refer to?

• A. Water storage in lakes
• B. Water flowing into the ocean
• C. Water that moves over the ground surface into bodies of water
• D. Water that infiltrates into the soil

Answer: (C)

Direct runoff refers to the water that flows over the ground surface and eventually makes its way into bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. This phenomenon typically occurs during or immediately after precipitation events, where excess rainfall or melted snow cannot be absorbed by the soil or vegetation, leading to surface flow. This process plays a significant role in the hydrological cycle as it contributes to the transport of nutrients, sediments, and potential pollutants from land to water bodies. Understanding direct runoff is essential for water management and environmental protection, as it can impact water quality and ecosystem health. The other options presented relate to different aspects of the water cycle or hydrologic processes, but they do not specifically define direct runoff.

Direct runoff refers to the water that flows over the ground surface and eventually makes its way into bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. This phenomenon typically occurs during or immediately after precipitation events, where excess rainfall or melted snow cannot be absorbed by the soil or vegetation, leading to surface flow. This process plays a significant role in the hydrological cycle as it contributes to the transport of nutrients, sediments, and potential pollutants from land to water bodies. Understanding direct runoff is essential for water management and environmental protection, as it can impact water quality and ecosystem health. The other options presented relate to different aspects of the water cycle or hydrologic processes, but they do not specifically define direct runoff.