When do you expect to find more surface
run-off than soil infiltration?
When water levels in rivers and streams are low
When soil permeability is equal to the rate of
precipitation
When flooding occurs during a rainstorm
When there are extensive summer drought conditions
Answer: D
I agree!
To determine when you can expect to find more surface run-off than soil infiltration, you need to understand the factors that influence these processes. Surface run-off refers to water that flows over the land surface, while soil infiltration refers to the process by which water enters and soaks into the soil.
Among the given options, the most likely scenario for finding more surface run-off than soil infiltration is when extensive summer drought conditions occur (option D). Here's why:
1. When water levels in rivers and streams are low (option A): While low water levels in rivers and streams indicate a reduced flow of water, it doesn't necessarily mean that there will be more surface run-off than soil infiltration. In fact, during periods of low water levels, the soil might have a higher capacity for absorbing water due to reduced saturation, leading to greater infiltration.
2. When soil permeability is equal to the rate of precipitation (option B): In this scenario, there is a balance between infiltration and run-off. If the rate of precipitation matches the soil's ability to absorb water, the chances of more surface run-off than soil infiltration decrease. It's more likely that some water will infiltrate, while the excess will become run-off.
3. When flooding occurs during a rainstorm (option C): Flooding usually denotes a situation where the amount of rainfall exceeds the soil's infiltration capacity, leading to substantial surface run-off. However, the question specifically asks about finding more surface run-off than soil infiltration. In a flooding situation, both run-off and infiltration occur, but the volume of run-off would typically be higher due to the overwhelming water input.
4. When there are extensive summer drought conditions (option D): During summer drought conditions, the soil tends to become dry and hardened, losing its ability to easily absorb water. When it rains, the dry soil cannot adequately infiltrate the water, resulting in more surface run-off than soil infiltration. This occurs because the soil has become less permeable due to drought conditions.
In summary, while other factors can contribute to more run-off or reduced infiltration, the most probable scenario for finding more surface run-off than soil infiltration is when extensive summer drought conditions (option D) are present.