Which of the following best describes surface runoff?

Surface runoff refers to the water, primarily from rainfall, that flows over the land surface and eventually makes its way into water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans. It occurs when precipitation falls on the ground and is not absorbed into the soil or when the soil is saturated. This unabsorbed water collects and moves across the landscape, following the natural contours of the land, and can contribute to the volume of water in nearby streams and rivers.

While other processes, such as absorption into soil, evaporation from water bodies, and groundwater recharge, are important components of the hydrological cycle, they do not accurately define surface runoff. The key characteristic of surface runoff is that it specifically involves the movement of water across the surface of the land toward larger bodies of water during and after precipitation events. This process plays a critical role in watershed management, water resource planning, and understanding flooding dynamics.