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Phenomenon > Water cycle > Surface runoff

Preferred term

Surface runoff  

Type

  • Entity

Definition

  • [USDA] The part of precipitation or irrigation water on land that has limited interaction with the landscape and ultimately reaches surface water, such as streams, ponds, impoundments, reservoirs, oceans, rivers, etc.
  • [Wikipedia] Surface runoff (also known as overland flow) is the flow of water occurring on the ground surface when excess rainwater, stormwater, meltwater, or other sources, can no longer sufficiently rapidly infiltrate in the soil. This can occur when the soil is saturated by water to its full capacity, and that the rain arrives more quickly than the soil can absorb it. Surface runoff often occurs because impervious areas (such as roofs and pavement) do not allow water to soak into the ground. Furthermore, runoff can occur either through natural or man-made processes.[1] Surface runoff is a major component of the water cycle. It is the primary agent of soil erosion by water.

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • Overland flow

URI

https://w3id.org/ozcar-theia/c_9ac8ada2

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RDF/XML TURTLE JSON-LD Created 2/7/22, last modified 1/22/24