Which statement best describes runoff?

Runoff is best described as the movement of water over the surface of the ground, particularly when rainfall occurs and excess water flows across the landscape. When this water travels, it can pick up soil particles, nutrients, and pesticides that may be present on the surface, ultimately leading to their entry into waterways such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. This process is significant because it can contribute to water pollution and impact aquatic ecosystems negatively.

The other options offer differing concepts that do not align with the definition of runoff. The movement of water below the root zone pertains to subsurface water flow, which does not involve surface water flow or the transport of contaminants into aquatic systems. Transportation through the atmosphere refers to various forms of water movement, such as evaporation and condensation, but does not involve the surface runoff that carries soil or pesticide residues. Finally, the evaporation of moisture from surface soil addresses a different process involving water vapor loss rather than the lateral movement of water and pollutants across the land.