Earth : An Introduction to Physical Geology - Access
Earth : An Introduction to Physical Geology - Access
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780321907059
Author: Tarbuck
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
Chapter 16, Problem 1GST
To determine

The factors influencing the amount of rain soaking into the ground compared to the amount that will run off.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1GST

The precipitation water infiltrating into the ground or undergoing runoff directly depend on various factors which mainly encompass the (a) degree of saturation of the soil, (b) duration and intensity of rainfall, (c) slope of the terrain, (d) nature of surface material and (e) nature, typeand amount of vegetation.

Explanation of Solution

The precipitation reaching the land surface can infilter into the ground or can run down to the streams, lakes, rivers or oceans on the basis of precipitation rates and saturation of ground. Infiltration is the phenomenon through which water penetrates from the surface into it. When water flows over the surface and joins the other water bodies, it may be defined as runoff.

Both the process vary with time and location depending on different factors. If the soil is already saturated with enough water and is incapable of taking in more water, infiltration is no more a possibility and so the remaining water runs off to join the waterbodies. The reverse condition during which the soil is not saturated, then water infiltrates into the surface.

When the rainfall is so heavy and it lasts for many hours, the soil turns saturated with water. Then the precipitation rate goes beyond the infiltration rate. In such a situation, the process that take place is runoff. A sloppy terrain does not allow much water infiltration, it causes the water to runoff because of its slanting or sloppy nature. Water has the tendency to flow from a high elevation to a lower elevation. This it flows down a slope easily.

When the composing materials of a ground is porous and permeable, then it allows more water to penetrate into the ground, raising the infiltrationrate. On contrary if the ground is impermeable or is covered with impervious roads, parking spacesand buildings, it disrupts the infiltration and runoff proceeds.

An area with thick and vast vegetation has the capacity to absorb more water. The plant roots absorb water which they use for their food production and metabolicactivities. They also retain the water on the ground for more time. Thus they promote more infiltration than run off. Certain vegetation would not be capable of holding water. Such vegetation promotes runoff.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Recommended textbooks for you
  • Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9780134746241
    Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
    Publisher:PEARSON
    Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9780134041360
    Author:Greg Carbone
    Publisher:PEARSON
    Environmental Science
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9781260153125
    Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
    Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
  • Earth Science (15th Edition)
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9780134543536
    Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
    Publisher:PEARSON
    Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9781337569613
    Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Physical Geology
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9781259916823
    Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
    Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,
  • Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9780134746241
    Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
    Publisher:PEARSON
    Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9780134041360
    Author:Greg Carbone
    Publisher:PEARSON
    Environmental Science
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9781260153125
    Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
    Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
    Earth Science (15th Edition)
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9780134543536
    Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
    Publisher:PEARSON
    Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9781337569613
    Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Physical Geology
    Earth Science
    ISBN:9781259916823
    Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
    Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,