SCI103- Science and Technology Lab Course_ PHASE 3_IP3 Report

SCI103- Science and Technology Course_ PHASE 3_IP3 - Lab Report Example Vegetation surface type reduces the amount of runoff because vegetation provides little if any impervious surface area. Consequently, light rainfall produces very little or no runoff (Factors affecting runoff, n.d.). Smooth mountain rock surface increases the amount of runoff because there is inadequate vegetation cover to reduce the amount of exposed surface. In addition, the terrain of the area makes it prone to runoff because the steep sloping increases the downward flow of water thereby increasing the quantity of soil that is taken away with the water (Yong, Mulligan, & Fukue, 2006). Bare soil surface type increases the amount of runoff more than vegetation surface type, but less than smooth mountain rock surface. This observation can be attributed to the lack of vegetation cover on the bare soil, which exposes the oil to runoff. However, the absence of a steep slope somehow slows down the rate of movement of water carrying soil thereby making the rate of runoff less than that on a mountainous terrain (Perlman, 2012). Vegetation slows down and prevents the loss of sediment by enabling the soil to be compacted to the ground. Consequently, the possibility of sediment being carried away by running water is reduced significantly. Vegetation slows down the speed of water movement over the surface of the ground. Therefore, rainwater has more time to be in contact with the ground leading to more absorption of water hence greater infiltration (Beven, 2012). Pavement or smooth rock runoffs affect waterways by on causing downstream flooding since a lot of water is carried to the waterways. There is little soil on such surfaces hence no obstruction of waterways. Heavy sediment deposits affect waterways by congesting them and obstructing the movement of water. Additionally, there is pollution of waterways when the sediments contain noxious substances such as nitrogenous fertilizers from agricultural farms. Therefore,