How does increased rainfall affect river discharge?

Increased rainfall enhances the amount of water flowing into river systems, leading to a significant rise in river discharge. When it rains, the water that falls on the land either infiltrates the soil or runs off directly into streams and rivers. This increase in water volume naturally raises the discharge rate of the river, which is the measure of how much water is flowing through a specific point in the river over time.

Moreover, intense or prolonged rainfall can saturate the ground, meaning that any additional rainwater will contribute directly to runoff, further elevating river discharge. This phenomenon is particularly significant during storm events when the volume of water can increase dramatically in a short period, leading to higher discharge rates and potentially causing flooding.

The other alternatives do not accurately reflect the relationship between rainfall and river discharge. Some may suggest that rainfall might not affect discharge or could result in fluctuations, but these do not hold up against the clear link between increased rainfall and heightened discharge observed in hydrological studies.