Chapter 28, Problem 2RQ

As water is precipitated onto the land, where does it go?

To determine

The path of the water after precipitation falls on the land.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

When water is precipitated onto the land, the water soaks into the ground, and it percolates downward to fill in the voids between sediment grains and forms groundwater.

Explanation of Solution

When water is precipitated into the land, it enters the Earth’s surface through infiltration, enhances the moisture content of the soil and reaches the groundwater body. Some parts of the precipitation falling on the land, which is compatible with the requirements of infiltration and evaporation, flows on the land through a network of streams and rivers that meets the ocean or sea. The groundwater may come to the surface through springs and other channels after spending a noticeably longer time than the surface flow.

Conclusion:

Therefore, when water is precipitated onto the land, the water soaks into the ground, and it percolates downward to fill in the voids between sediment grains and forms groundwater.