Infiltration and Surface runoff Flashcards
What factors impact infiltration?
- relief
- vegetation cover
- raindrop size
- soil porosity
- duration of rainfall
- soil moisture
What factors impact overland flow?
- relief
- vegetation cover
- raindrop size
- soil porosity
- duration of rainfall
- soil moisture
What controls infiltration?
- capillary action
- soil porosity
- gravity
What is capillary action?
cohesion (aided by tension) between water molecules allows them to be moved throughout the soil
How would large pore spaces impact infiltration?
capacity increases, more water can be held
How does baking impact soils?
causes them to become hard and prevents infiltration
Why does duration of rainfall affect infiltration?
long periods of rainfall lead to saturated soil, which prevents any further infiltration from occurring
How does vegetation cover impact infiltration?
water taken up by vegetation in infiltration, prevents it from reaching the ground
What causes surface runoff?
when precipitation exceeds infiltration
What does surface runoff cause?
soil erosion
What increases the rate of overland flow?
- urbanisation -> impermeable surfaces
- same factors as infiltration
