Where Does Runoff Go?

Where Does Runoff Go?

Runoff pathways depend on topography, vegetation, and soil:

• Infiltration: Water seeps into permeable soil (sand/gravel), becoming groundwater or soil moisture for plants/evaporation.
• Evapotranspiration: Water lost via evaporation and plant transpiration; high in warm, humid, vegetated areas.
• Overland Flow: Water flows overland to streams/rivers; common on steep slopes, impermeable soils, sparse vegetation; causes erosion.
• Throughflow: Water moves through soil to streams; common with permeable soils and high water table; contributes to baseflow.

Relative importance varies by location.