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2 Basic Ecology
How does relative humidity influence the rate of transpiration? Identify and
explain four major factors that influence the rate of transpiration.
2.3.1.6 Step 6: Runoff
After the waterfalls and the soil saturates or the snow melts, the water follows
gravity or other inclines in order to join or form rivers through a process called
runoff. This is the process through which water reaches the lakes and the ocean.
The direction the water flows is called stream flow.
How does surface runoff impact the quality of water? What factors influence
the prevalence of runoff?
2.3.1.7 Step 7: Infiltration
Conceptually, infiltration is the process through which precipitation soaks into the
soil and flows into rocks through pore spaces and cracks. The larger quantity of
rainwater ends up infiltrated. The soil may absorb the water and can remain in it
for an extended period after evaporation (Huntington 2006). In case of substantial
vegetative cover, infiltrated water can be absorbed through the roots, and later
transpire. It should be noted that infiltration happens within the upper ground layers.
However, it can also go on further downwards into the water table. Figure 2.5 shows
phase change of matter.
How long does it take for rainwater to infiltrate into the ground?
The level of ground saturation determines whether water may proceed downwards for replenishing aquifers and water tables, a process called percolation. In the
case of close water bodies, infiltrated water may end up within water bodies. The
infiltration rate relies on factors like the precipitation amount, soil types, quantity
of vegetative cover, pre-saturation levels, land topography, and evapotranspiration
levels within the region.
Activity Take a walk along a riverbank to find evidence of surface water. As you
walk, stop at several places where surface water gets into the river. Identify the likely
sources of the water. Write down your observations.
2 Basic Ecology
How does relative humidity influence the rate of transpiration? Identify and
explain four major factors that influence the rate of transpiration.
2.3.1.6 Step 6: Runoff
After the waterfalls and the soil saturates or the snow melts, the water follows
gravity or other inclines in order to join or form rivers through a process called
runoff. This is the process through which water reaches the lakes and the ocean.
The direction the water flows is called stream flow.
How does surface runoff impact the quality of water? What factors influence
the prevalence of runoff?
2.3.1.7 Step 7: Infiltration
Conceptually, infiltration is the process through which precipitation soaks into the
soil and flows into rocks through pore spaces and cracks. The larger quantity of
rainwater ends up infiltrated. The soil may absorb the water and can remain in it
for an extended period after evaporation (Huntington 2006). In case of substantial
vegetative cover, infiltrated water can be absorbed through the roots, and later
transpire. It should be noted that infiltration happens within the upper ground layers.
However, it can also go on further downwards into the water table. Figure 2.5 shows
phase change of matter.
How long does it take for rainwater to infiltrate into the ground?
The level of ground saturation determines whether water may proceed downwards for replenishing aquifers and water tables, a process called percolation. In the
case of close water bodies, infiltrated water may end up within water bodies. The
infiltration rate relies on factors like the precipitation amount, soil types, quantity
of vegetative cover, pre-saturation levels, land topography, and evapotranspiration
levels within the region.
Activity Take a walk along a riverbank to find evidence of surface water. As you
walk, stop at several places where surface water gets into the river. Identify the likely
sources of the water. Write down your observations.