About 2,810,000 results
Open links in new tab
  1. Runoff (hydrology) - Wikipedia

    Runoff is the flow of water across the earth, and is a major component in the hydrological cycle. Runoff that flows over land before reaching a watercourse is referred to as surface runoff or …

  2. Runoff - National Geographic Society

    Oct 19, 2023 · Runoff occurs when there is more water than land can absorb. The excess liquid flows across the surface of the land and into nearby creeks, streams, or ponds. Runoff can …

  3. Surface Runoff and the Water Cycle | U.S. Geological Survey

    Jun 8, 2019 · When water "runs off" the land surface, that’s runoff! Due to gravity, the water you wash your car with runs down the driveway as you work, and rain runs downhill. Runoff is an …

  4. Water cycle | Definition, Steps, Diagram, & Facts | Britannica

    Dec 26, 2025 · Water cycle, cycle that involves the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-atmosphere system. Of the many processes involved in the water cycle, the most important …

  5. What does Runoff mean in the Water Cycle? – Eschooltoday

    What is the Water Cycle? Runoff is precipitation that did not get (infiltrated) absorbed into the soil or did not evaporate, and therefore, made its way from the ground surface into places that …

  6. What Does Runoff Mean in the Water Cycle? - Biology Insights

    Sep 2, 2025 · Runoff refers to the portion of precipitation that flows over land surfaces or moves through the ground after falling as rain, snow, or sleet. This process occurs when precipitation …

  7. Hydrology Education: The Water Cycle - National Weather Service

    Infiltration is precipitation that soaks into the soil. Runoff is precipitation that does not soak into the soil but instead moves on the Earth’s surface toward streams. Streamflow is water moving …

  8. What is runoff in the water cycle? - CK-12 Foundation

    Runoff is precipitation that flows over the surface of the land. This water may travel to a river, lake, or ocean. Runoff may pick up fertilizer and other pollutants and deliver them to a water body. …

  9. Runoff: Nature’s Water Flow and Its Implications

    Dec 2, 2024 · Learn about runoff, its types, causes, and how it affects water flow, soil, and ecosystems.

  10. The Hydrologic Cycle - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Mar 24, 2023 · Runoff occurs when there is excessive precipitation and the ground is saturated (cannot absorb any more water). Rivers and lakes are results of runoff. Some runoff …