Final answer:
When the soil becomes saturated, the increase in surface runoff can lead to erosion, sediment transport, and potential flooding, as the excess water flows over land and into larger bodies of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the soil becomes saturated, its ability to absorb water is exceeded, leading to an increase in surface runoff. This runoff will flow over the land, often picking up speed as it travels downslope, and can cause erosion, transport sediment, and potentially result in flooding. Surface runoff mainly occurs during heavy rainfall or when melting ice increases water flow on the surface. If the soil is fully saturated, additional rainfall cannot percolate into the ground and is instead forced to flow over the land. These water travel paths including streets, canals, streams, and ultimately can end up in larger bodies of water like lakes or oceans. Indirect consequences also include potential mud flows or debris flows, particularly on steep terrains when the heavy saturation destabilizes the soil and slope material.