What kind of flow does stormflow consist of?

Stormflow is primarily characterized by the rapid movement of water across the land surface, typically occurring during or immediately following a rainfall event. It encompasses overland flow, which is the water that flows over the ground surface and contributes to surface runoff, as well as the precipitation that falls during storms. During storms, the intensity of precipitation can lead to quick accumulation of water, which overwhelms the soil's ability to absorb it, thus resulting in overland flow.

Understanding that stormflow involves the immediate response of the landscape to precipitation events highlights the fact that it is distinctly different from groundwater processes or longer-term hydrological movements like base flow or aquifer recharge. These other processes, while essential in the overall hydrologic cycle, are not the primary components of stormflow.