Run off is sometimes called discharge of the river

Runoff refers to the movement of water, either from rain, snowmelt, or irrigation, that flows over the land surface and eventually enters streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. It is an essential part of the hydrological cycle, and understanding runoff is crucial in managing water resources and predicting flooding events.

Runoff and Discharge

- Runoff is the general term used to describe the movement of water over the land surface. It includes all forms of water flow, such as surface runoff, subsurface runoff, and base flow.
- Discharge, on the other hand, specifically refers to the volume of water that passes through a given point in a river or stream over a specific time. It is often expressed in cubic meters per second (m³/s) or cubic feet per second (cfs).

Relationship between Runoff and Discharge

- Runoff is the source of the water that contributes to the discharge of a river or stream.
- When rainfall or snowmelt occurs, the water will either infiltrate into the ground, be stored temporarily in ponds or lakes, or flow over the land surface as runoff.
- The runoff from various sources accumulates and eventually forms streams and rivers, which have a certain discharge depending on the amount and intensity of the runoff.

Why Runoff is sometimes called Discharge

- The term "discharge" is often used interchangeably with runoff because it represents the amount of water being transported by a river or stream, which is essentially the result of runoff.
- Discharge is a more quantitative measure that provides information about the volume of water flowing through a specific point in a river or stream, while runoff is a more general term that encompasses all forms of water flow over the land surface.
- By measuring the discharge of a river, hydrologists and engineers can assess the water availability, calculate the water balance, and make informed decisions regarding water resource management.

In conclusion, runoff and discharge are closely related terms, with runoff being the general term for water flow over the land surface and discharge representing the specific volume of water passing through a point in a river or stream. Runoff is the source of the water that contributes to the discharge, and understanding both concepts is crucial in hydrological studies and water resource management.