What is the term for the water that flows into rivers following rainfall?

The term for the water that flows into rivers following rainfall is surface runoff. This process occurs when precipitation exceeds the soil's ability to absorb water, resulting in excess water flowing over the land surface and into nearby water bodies such as rivers, streams, and lakes. Surface runoff is a crucial component of the water cycle, as it contributes to the replenishment of surface water bodies and helps to transport nutrients and sediment throughout the ecosystem.

Groundwater flow refers to the movement of water underground through soil and rock layers, which is separate from surface runoff. Aquifer recharge is the process by which water from precipitation percolates down through the soil and fills the groundwater aquifers, which helps maintain the supply of groundwater. Baseflow is the portion of river flow that originates from groundwater seepage into the river, typically maintained during dry periods. Each term describes different aspects of the hydrological cycle, but surface runoff specifically pertains to the immediate flow of water over the land after rain events.