1. Trees intercept rain absorbing, and slowing down the
water reaching the ground.
2. The topsoil fills with water and stores it until it can soak
deeper into the ground. Ground plants slow water that flows
along the surface preventing the topsoil from washing away.
3. Subsoil gets saturated, stores water or soaks it deeper into
the ground. Provides long term source of water for plants and
creeks.
4. Surface flows start and drain towards creeks and lakes.
5. Surface flows may make it to creeks and lakes. Clean cool
water seeps in from the surrounding soil feeding the creeks
for days to come.