26.1. Definition of Infiltration

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is infiltration?

   Hint

   Think about water absorption by soil.

2. 2.

   What are the units used to measure infiltration rate?

   Hint

   Remember, it's about distance within a time frame.

3. 3.

   What does infiltration refer to in hydrology?

   • Water exiting soil
   • Water entering soil
   • Water evaporating

   Hint

   It's focused on the water going down into the ground.

4. 4.

   True or False: Cumulative infiltration measures how much water has entered the soil over a specified time.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how much water is absorbed over those periods.

5. 5.

   Calculate the cumulative infiltration if an infiltration rate starts at 20 mm/hr and decreases to 5 mm/hr over 2 hours.

   Hint

   Think about how to average the rates over the time period.

6. 6.

   A soil has an infiltration capacity of 30 mm/hr. If rainfall exceeds this rate, discuss the implications for runoff and soil saturation.

   Hint

   Consider the relationship between input water and soil's ability to absorb it.