Flows And Processes

Question 1

Infiltration

Answer 1

Water entering the topsoil. Most common during slow or steady rainfall

Question 2

Throughflow

Answer 2

Also known as inter-flow; water seeping laterally through soil below the surface, but above the water table

Question 3

Percolation

Answer 3

The downward seepage of water through rock under gravity, especially on permeable rocks e.g. sandstone and chalk

Question 4

Stem flow

Answer 4

Water flowing down plant stems or drainpipes

Question 5

Groundwater flow

Answer 5

Slow-moving water that seeps into a river channel

Question 6

Channel flow

Answer 6

The volume of water flowing within a river channel (also called discharge, and runoff)

Question 7

Surface flow

Answer 7

Also called overland flow. Flow over the surface during an intense storm, or when the ground is frozen, saturated or on impermeable clay