MOVEMENT OF WATER

Surface movement includes rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, ponds, and human-made "flood" control. All surface water is trying to reach sea level due to gravity. As water flows in channels, the streambed and banks of the channel will resist the flow of water. The velocity of the water is dependant on steepness of the slope, type of rock or soil, amount of vegetation, shape of stream bed, and obstructions. Surface water provides the liquid where most evaporation takes place.

Groundwater refers to water that has penetrated the soil or bedrock and moves through rocks that have a high pore space. The water comes from infiltration of surface waters including lakes, rivers, recharge ponds, and even waste-water treatment systems. Groundwater is also affected by the force of gravity. However, because of some of the properties of water, it can pool in higher area and actually defy gravity in some cases. The water stable is the upper level of the saturated zone of groundwater.