The Hydrologic Cycle P recipitation that reaches the surface of the Earth but does not infiltrate the soil is called runoff . Runoff can also come from melted snow and ice. W hen there is a lot of precipitation, soils become saturated with water.
Additional rainfall can no longer enter it.
Runoff will eventually drain into creeks, streams, and rivers, adding a large amount of water to the flow. Surface water always travels towards the lowest point possible, usually the oceans. Along the way some water evaporates, percolates into the ground, or is used for agricultural, residential, or industrial purposes. 1995-1999 TRW Inc.