A perennial stream is a stream that flows all
year long because it has a consistent source
of water. They are typically fed by sources
such as groundwater, springs, or a reliable
water supply, which ensures that the stream
remains active even during times of little
rainfall. In the Philippines, there are several
examples of perennial streams due to the
country's tropical climate and abundant
rainfall. One well-known example is the
Pasig River.
Intermittent stream does not flow
continuously throughout the year. Instead, it
has periods when it carries water, and other
times when it remains dry. They are usually
fed by rainfall, melting snow, or temporary
water sources. Let us say there is a small
stream in a hilly area. During the rainy season
or after heavy rainfall, the stream fills up with
water and flows steadily. People living
nearby may see water flowing in the stream,
and it can support some aquatic life during
this time. However, during the dry season or
when there's little rain, the stream might
completely dry up, and there will not be any
water visible in its bed.
So, an intermittent stream is like a temporary
waterway that only flows during specific
periods when there is enough water, and it
can go dry during drier times. An example of
an intermittent stream in the Philippines is the
Marikina River.
Ephemeral Stream An ephemeral stream is
temporary and flows only after heavy rain or
during specific events but dries up quickly
afterward. Imagine you are hiking in a desert
area. After a heavy rainstorm, you notice a
small stream of water flowing through the
sandy terrain. The stream was not there
before the rain, and you know it will not last
long. As the days pass and the sun comes out,
the stream gradually starts to disappear, and
eventually, it dries up completely. This is an
example of an ephemeral stream – it appears
briefly after the rain but does not have a
permanent flow.
• In summary, perennial streams flow
all year round, intermittent streams
have periods of flow and non-flow,
and ephemeral streams are temporary,
flowing only during specific events.
The presence and behavior of these
streams depend on factors like
climate, rainfall, and available water
sources.
Magnitude: refers to the amount of rainfall,
usually measured in millimeters (mm) or
inches, that falls over a specific area during a
given period. It indicates how much water
is received from the rain.
Intensity: how quickly the rain is falling
and how much water is being deposited in
each amount of time. It is often measured in
millimeters per hour (mm/hr.) or inches per
hour (in/hr.). High rainfall intensity indicates
heavy and intense rain, while low intensity
implies a gentler and lighter rain.
Distribution in Time: how rainfall is
spread over time.
Distribution in Space: how rainfall is
spread across an area or region. It can vary
spatially, meaning that nay location nga
kusog ang ulan and on the other hand nay
hinay lang ang ulan.
Variability: Rainfall is not always the same;
it can vary from day to day, season to season,
and year to year. Variability refers to these
fluctuations or changes in rainfall patterns
over time.
 Return Flow refers to water that goes back
to its original source or location after being
Runoff volume refers to the water that flows
used or diverted for some purpose.
over the surface of the land when it rains or
when snow melts. When precipitation occurs,
the water can either soak into the ground
For example, when water is taken from a river
(infiltration) or flow over the surface (runoff).
for irrigation or for supplying homes and
Runoff volume specifically refers to the
industries, a part of that water is used for
amount of water that does not get absorbed
these activities. However, not all of it is
by the soil and instead travels along the
consumed. Some of the water soaks into the
ground, forming streams, rivers, or puddles.
ground and replenishes the groundwater,
Several factors influence the amount of while some may flow back into the river or
runoff volume, such as the intensity of the other water bodies nearby. This water that
rainfall, the slope of the land, the type of soil, returns to its original source is called "return
and the presence of impermeable surfaces flow."
like concrete or asphalt. Areas with lots of
impervious surfaces tend to have higher
runoff volumes because water cannot
penetrate these surfaces and, instead, flows
across them.
Runoff volume is a crucial consideration in
urban planning, agriculture, and
environmental management because it affects
flooding, erosion, water quality, and the
overall health of ecosystems. Managing
runoff volume often involves implementing
measures such as creating retention ponds,
green spaces, or using permeable surfaces to
help capture and absorb the excess water,
reducing potential negative impacts.
• when water is taken from a stream for
human activities, some of it is used,
but the rest returns to the
environment, ensuring that the natural
flow of the river and the water cycle
continue in the river basin. This is
important for maintaining the overall
health and balance of the water
resources in the area.