<P> Surface runoff ( also known as overland flow ) is the flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater , meltwater , or other sources flows over the Earth 's surface . This might occur because soil is saturated to full capacity , because rain arrives more quickly than soil can absorb it , or because impervious areas ( roofs and pavement ) send their runoff to surrounding soil that can not absorb all of it . Surface runoff is a major component of the water cycle . It is the primary agent in soil erosion by water . </P>
water that flows over the land rather than infiltrating into the ground is called
Surface runoff