During the water cycle, when rainwater is absorbed slowly by forest soil instead of flowing directly into rivers, what is it called?

Correct answer: Delayed runoff or groundwater recharge

Answer: B. After rainfall, some water flows immediately over the ground into streams; this is quick surface runoff. In a forest, roots, leaf litter, and porous soil slow the movement of water. The water infiltrates into the soil and may percolate downward to replenish underground water stores. Water that reaches streams gradually after this delay is called delayed runoff, while the addition of water to underground stores is called groundwater recharge. Therefore, B gives the appropriate description. A is wrong because quick runoff reaches rivers rapidly rather than being slowly absorbed. C is wrong because sublimation is the direct change of ice or snow into water vapour, not soil absorption. D is wrong because evaporation changes liquid water into vapour and does not describe downward entry into soil. Memory cue: forests act like a sponge—slow entry, storage, and later release.