Final answer:
Surface water includes bodies of water above ground like rivers and lakes; surface runoff is water flowing over the land's surface due to rain or snowmelt, and reliable runoff is the predictable part of surface runoff that can be depended upon annually for water resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we consider the water cycle, there are various ways that water traverses through the environment. Surface water refers to any body of water that is found above ground, such as lakes, rivers, and streams. These are parts of the larger water cycle and are easily visible on the land's surface.
Surface runoff, on the other hand, is a specific type of surface water flow. It occurs when excess water from rain, melting ice, or snow flows over the Earth's surface. This can be seen when water runs off impervious surfaces like parking lots or when it's absorbed into the soil in grassy areas. Surface runoff can eventually contribute to streams, rivers, and ultimately, the oceans.
Finally, reliable runoff describes the portion of surface runoff that can consistently be expected and depended upon, year after year. This is a critical concept for water resource management, as reliable runoff is considered stable and predictable, which makes it valuable for planning water supply for various needs like agriculture, drinking, and industrial use.