WHEN PRECIPITATION FALLS ON THE LAND

2.

= evapotranspiration

Approx. two thirds of precipitation is put back into the atmosphere through this process

3.
Is when precipitation sinks into the upper part of the lithosphere.

When one third of precipitation flows over Earths surface, and is returned to the water cycle

FACTORS THAT AFFECT INFILTRATION

1. Slope of the Land: The steeper the slope (gradient) of Earths solid surface, the less the infiltration or seepage.
Infiltration Slope of the Land

2. Degree of Saturation
The more saturation, the less infiltration
Zone of aeration

Porosity is determined by:

3a. Shape: Well rounded particles have greater porosity
Round particles = more pore space, higher porosity, and more infiltration
Angular particles = less pore space, less porosity, and less infiltration

3b. Packing
The closer the particles are packed together, the lower the porosity, the less infiltration

3c. Sorting: The more unsorted the material the less pore space.

Mixing material decreases pore space.

4. Permeability: The ability of a material

to allow fluids to pass through it

Impermeable

Smaller particle size = greater capillarity

6. VEGETATION

Infiltration

Amount of Vegetation

7. Land Use

Infiltration Amount of Impermeable Surface

1. When a stream overflows.

FACTORS AFFECTING RUNOFF

1. When precipitation exceeds infiltration

2. If the pore space of loose material or rock is saturated

3. If the slope of the surface is too great to allow infiltration to occur (more runoff)