This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksheet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
Runoff from precipitation replenishes rivers and lakes but can cause flooding and pollution. Solutions like rain gardens and permeable pavements help manage runoff and protect water quality.
CONTENT PREVIEW
Expand content preview
Runoff from precipitation occurs when rainwater or melted snow flows over the land instead of soaking into the ground. It is a key part of the water cycle and plays a vital role in replenishing rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Runoff is influenced by factors like rainfall intensity, slope of the land, and soil type. For example, heavy rain on steep, paved surfaces creates more runoff than light rain on flat, grassy areas.
While runoff is essential for supplying freshwater, it can also cause problems. Excessive runoff can lead to flooding, soil erosion, and water pollution. As water flows over the land, it picks up pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, and oil, which can contaminate water bodies.
To manage runoff, solutions like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and retention ponds are used. These methods help slow down runoff, allowing water to soak into the ground and reducing pollution.
Fun fact: In urban areas, up to 55% of rainfall can become runoff due to impermeable surfaces like roads and buildings, compared to just 10% in natural areas.
What is runoff from precipitation?
Water that soaks into the groundWater that flows over the landWater stored in aquifersWater in glaciers
What influences runoff?
Rainfall intensity, slope, and soil typeOcean currentsAir temperatureWind speed
What is one benefit of runoff?
It causes floodingIt replenishes rivers and lakesIt increases soil erosionIt pollutes water
What is one problem caused by excessive runoff?
Improved water qualityFloodingIncreased groundwater levelsReduced pollution
What is one solution to manage runoff?
Building more roadsUsing permeable pavementsIncreasing pollutionIgnoring the problem
What is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Urban areas have less runoff than natural areasUp to 55% of rainfall can become runoff in urban areasRunoff has no effect on water qualityRunoff only occurs in deserts
What is one pollutant picked up by runoff?
OxygenPesticidesFreshwaterSand
What is a rain garden?
A garden that increases runoffA garden that helps slow down runoffA type of pavementA type of pond
Perfect For:
👩🏫 Teachers
• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development
👨👩👧👦 Parents
• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time
🏠 Homeschoolers
• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring
Reading Features:
📖
Reading Passage
Engaging fiction or nonfiction text
❓
Comprehension Quiz
Auto-graded questions
📊
Instant Feedback
Immediate results and scoring
📄
Printable Version
Download for offline reading
🔊
Read Aloud
Voice-over with word highlighting
Reviews & Ratings
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Related Content
The Life and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
RF.5.4.ARF.5.4.BW.5.2L.5.6
Mesopotamia—Informatonal Text
This informational text on Mesopotamia is a great way to practice reading comprehension. Students will read the text the...
RI.5.3RI.5.10
The Role of Pollinators in Nature
Learn about the fascinating world of pollinators and discover their crucial role in the reproductive process of flowerin...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Pollination: A Crucial Ecosystem Service
Explore the vital role of pollination beyond plant reproduction, as it sustains ecosystems by ensuring food security, pr...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Seed Dispersal: How Plants Travel
Plants may seem stationary, but their seeds have amazing ways to travel! Explore the fascinating world of seed dispersal...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
The States of Matter: Solid
Discover the differences between solids, liquids and gases by exploring how their particles are arranged and move. This ...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
What is a Simple Machine
Discover the power of simple machines! This informational text explores how basic tools like levers, pulleys and incline...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Elevation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Elevation influences climate by causing temperatures to drop as altitude increases. High-elevation areas receive more so...
RI.5.3
Composition of the Ocean
The ocean is made up of water, dissolved salts, gases, and organic matter. Its composition varies with depth and influen...
RI.5.3
What is Deforestation?
Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forests, primarily caused by human activities like agriculture, logging, and...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Cold Fronts and Warm Fronts: A Comparison
Cold fronts bring thunderstorms and cooler temperatures, while warm fronts bring light rain and warmer temperatures. Bot...
7.RI.7.3RI.5.3RI.5.5RI.6.9
Vegetation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Vegetation influences climate by cooling temperatures, increasing humidity, and supporting rainfall. Forests also preven...
RI.5.3
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic waste in the North Pacific Ocean. It harms marine lif...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Surface Water Runoff
Surface water runoff replenishes rivers and lakes but can cause flooding and pollution. Solutions like rain gardens and ...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching 2,340 miles from Lake Itasca to the Gulf...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
The Mekong River
The Mekong River flows 2,700 miles through six countries in Southeast Asia, ending in the fertile Mekong Delta. It suppo...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Freshwater and Its Sources
Freshwater is a limited resource, with most stored in glaciers and aquifers. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are key sour...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Difference Between a Rock and a Mineral
Rocks are mixtures of minerals, while minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific composition and...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Large Streams of Moving Water
Large streams of moving water, like rivers and creeks, shape landscapes, support ecosystems, and provide freshwater for ...