A condition in which precipitation rate is faster than infiltration rate, and excess water runs over the surface of land.
The topographic movement of a thin film of water from precipitation to lower elevations. With time, this water will begin to organizing its flow into small channels called rills. The rills converge to form progressively larger channels until stream channels are formed. Occurs when the infiltration capacity of an area's soil has been exceeded. Also called sheet flow or runoff.
Surface runoff of water as opposed to channelised runoff following a precipitation event. cf. runoff.
The surface movement of water derived from precipitation, which has not been intercepted by vegetation and runs unchannelled, across the soil. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
The part of surface runoff that flows over the land surface toward stream channels.
Water flowing on the soil surface and unchannelized, usually derived from precipitation that has not infiltrated.
the movement of water over the surface of the ground rather than through the soil or rocks.
when water flows over the surface of the ground.
The quantity of water that moves across the land surface. Contributions to overland flow are from runoff and from the surfacing of subsurface flows before they reach a receiving stream or a defined drainage channel.
The movement of water downhill without infiltrating (see infiltration) the soil, as when accession of water (perhaps by intense rainfall) exceeds the infiltration capacity of the soil.
The flow of rainwater or snowmelt over the land surface toward stream channels. After it enters a watercourse, it becomes runoff.
Flow of water across the land surface.
The flow of water over a land surface due to direct precipitation. Overland flow generally occurs when the precipitation rate exceeds the infiltration capacity of the soils.
(Also called surface flow.) Water flowing over the ground surface toward a stream channel or water body. Upon reaching the channel or water body, it is called surface runoff.
A land application technique that cleanses waste water by allowing it to flow over a sloped surface. As the water flows over the surface, contaminants are absorbed and the water is collected at the bottom of the slope for reuse.