Final answer:
Vegetation, soil type, slope, and land use are the factors that control the balance between runoff and infiltration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Controlling the Balance between Runoff and Infiltration
Several factors control the balance between runoff and infiltration:
- Vegetation: Vegetation, such as plants and trees, helps to enhance infiltration and reduce runoff. The roots of plants create channels for water to penetrate into the soil, increasing the infiltration capacity.
- Soil Type: The composition and texture of the soil affect its ability to infiltrate water. Coarse-grained soils like sandy soil have high infiltration rates, while fine-grained soils like clay have lower rates. Soil compaction also reduces infiltration.
- Slope: The steepness of the land influences runoff and infiltration. On steep slopes, runoff is more likely to occur due to the limited time for infiltration. Flat terrains allow more time for water to infiltrate, reducing runoff.
- Land Use: Human activities like urbanization and agriculture can alter the natural balance between runoff and infiltration. Paved surfaces in urban areas increase runoff, while intensive agriculture practices can reduce infiltration capacity.
These factors interact to determine the balance between runoff and infiltration, which affects water availability, erosion, and the health of ecosystems.