1. Trees intercept rain and absorb water from the ground. Water gets trapped by the leaves, the branches and even the tree trunk. Sometimes very little water makes it to the ground.
2. Existing topsoil and ground plants hold water like a sponge or let the water flow down through to the soil below recharging the ground water. Water may runoff if it can not soak in fast enough.
3. Subsoil stores water for use by plant roots. Surface water may start to fill the subsoil.
4. Surface water starts to runoff and may be absorbed into the topsoil. Excess groundwater seeps towards the creeks and lakes.
5. Small amounts of water make it to the creek. Creek levels may rise due to rainfall close to the banks of the creek.