Which term describes water movement that occurs above the ground surface?

The term that describes water movement occurring above the ground surface is surface runoff. This process occurs when water, typically from precipitation, flows over the land rather than being absorbed into the soil. Surface runoff can happen when the soil is saturated, unable to absorb more water, or when the rainfall intensity exceeds the infiltration capacity of the soil. This water then travels over the surface, ultimately reaching streams, rivers, and lakes, and is a crucial component of the water cycle as it contributes to surface water bodies.

In contrast, infiltration refers to the process by which water penetrates into the soil layer, while condensation is the process through which water vapor in the air is transformed into liquid droplets. Subsurface flow pertains to the movement of water through the soil layer beneath the surface. Understanding surface runoff is important for managing water resources, preventing erosion, and addressing issues related to flooding.