1. Rainfall characteristics: a. More the rainfall, runoff will be more. b. More the intensity of rainfall more will be the runoff.
2. Topography: a. It depends upon smoothness and roughness of the surface b. Steep slopes – Heavy runoff will reach the valley quickly, reducing losses giving more runoff. c. If catchment is mountainous, runoff will be more d. If catchment is in windward direction, runoff will be more
3. Shape and size of catchment:
a. Catchment area – Larger the area, more runoff.
b. Fan shaped catchment gives greater runoff.
4. Characteristics of catchment :
a. Rocky strata – heavy runoff
b. Compacted strata - heavy runoff
c. Sandy strata – reduced runoff
d. Cultivated area - less runoff
e. Presence of vegetation covers reduces the runoff during smaller storm.
5. Meteorological characteristics :
a. Low temperature – greater runoff
b. High temperature– less runoff
6. Geological characteristics :
a. Pervious soil – less runoff
b. Porous and fissure rock – very low surface runoff