CLOUD ⇨ IMPERMEABLE SURFACE

What’s the Story?

Falling, falling, SPLAT - all the way from Earth’s atmosphere!!! When water from clouds (precipitation) falls on an impermeable surface like a sidewalk, road, or parking area, the water runs off (called “runoff!”). In other words, it does not get absorbed into the ground like it might for a permeable surface like soil, which acts more like a sponge for rain water. When water runs off the surface, it can move quickly and accumulate quite rapidly, causing flooding. It can also carry pollutants along with the runoff flow - like gas & oil or litter. Water from impermeable surfaces will run towards the lowest spot due to the force of gravity, usually into some type of stormwater drainage system.

Click on your water drop above to travel to the Impermeable Surface next!!