NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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. Surface runoff is a major component of the water cycle. It is the primary agent of soil erosion by water.

Detailed explanation-2: -The most familiar type of natural runoff is snowmelt. Mountains that cannot absorb water from heavy snowfalls produce runoff that turns into streams, rivers, and lakes. Glaciers, snow, and rain all contribute to this natural runoff.

Detailed explanation-3: -Surface runoff is the movement of water across the soil surface toward the stream channel. Interflow is the relatively rapid movement of water below the soil surface toward the stream channel, typically within 72 hours of when water infiltrates the surface. This process is more likely in areas with deep soil.

Detailed explanation-4: -Surface runoff travels over the ground surface and through surface channels to leave a catchment area called a drainage basin or watershed. The portion of the surface runoff that flows over the land surface towards the stream channels is called overland flow.

Detailed explanation-5: -Some definitions of runoff: 1. That part of the precipitation, snow melt, or irrigation water that appears in uncontrolled (not regulated by a dam upstream) surface streams, rivers, drains or sewers.