How well water can penetrate the soil. Several factors are used in determining this.

intensity and duration of rainfall.
  • The more rain that falls, the more water will be absorbed into the soil.
prior weather conditions.
  • Frozen ground is less likely to absorb water, while dry ground is more likely.
Soil Texture Slope Vegetation coverage
  • Heavy vegetation creates more friction which slows the flow of water, therefore causing more to be infiltrated into the soil.