Runoff
Definition
Runoff refers to the movement of water, such as rainwater or melted snow, over the land surface and into bodies of water. It occurs when the ground is unable to absorb all the water, leading to excess water flowing over the surface.
Analogy
Imagine a crowded hallway in school where students are rushing to get to their next class. If there are too many students for the hallway to handle, some will start spilling out into other areas, like staircases or nearby rooms. This overflow of students represents runoff, as it is an excess flow that cannot be contained within the normal pathway.
Related terms
Erosion: Erosion is the process by which soil and rock particles are worn away and transported by wind, water, or ice.
Watershed: A watershed is an area of land where all precipitation drains into a common outlet such as a river or lake.
Surface Water: Surface water refers to any body of water found on Earth's surface, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans.
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