interception

views updated May 17 2018

interception
1. The capture of rain water by vegetation from which the water evaporates and is thus prevented from reaching the water-table and contributing to surface run-off, soil moisture, or groundwater recharge.

2. The abstraction of groundwater part of the way along its flow path, where otherwise the water might be lost (e.g. as coastal spring discharges).

interception

views updated May 08 2018

interception
1. The capture of rain-water by vegetation from which the water evaporates and is thus prevented from reaching the water-table and contributing to surface runoff, soil moisture, or groundwater recharge.

2. The abstraction of groundwater part of the way along its flow path, where otherwise the water might be lost, e.g. as coastal spring discharges.