Runoff is the movement of water over the Earth's surface. This can occur when the ground is saturated or when rain, snowmelt, or other sources of water flow over the land. Understanding runoff is important for managing water resources and preventing flooding and erosion.
Factors Affecting Runoff
Several factors can affect the amount of runoff, including:
Precipitation: The amount and intensity of rainfall or snowmelt can impact the rate of runoff.
Soil Type: Soil with high porosity and permeability can absorb more water, reducing runoff.
Slope: Steep slopes tend to produce more runoff, while flat terrain allows for slower water movement and absorption.
Land Cover: Urban areas with impervious surfaces (e.g., concrete) produce more runoff than vegetated or natural landscapes.
Runoff Calculations
Mathematically, runoff can be calculated using the equation:
Specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems.
Make and use coordinate systems to specify locations and to describe paths.
Connections to the Grade 5 Focal Points (NCTM)
Data Analysis: Students apply their understanding of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals as they construct and analyze double-bar and line graphs and use ordered pairs on coordinate grids.