How does precipitation become runoff, groundwater, or water vapour?

In hydrologic science, precipitation that reaches the Earth's surface follows several pathways determined by soil conditions, vegetation, and climate.1

Runoff

When precipitation intensity exceeds the soil's infiltration capacity, the excess water becomes runoff. This occurs as overland flow across the surface or as subsurface flow when water encounters impermeable layers, such as dense clay horizons, and moves laterally. Factors like urbanization, soil compaction, and lack of vegetation increase the volume of surface runoff.123

Groundwater

Water that infiltrates the soil can percolate downward through the vadose zone due to gravity. Once it reaches the zone of saturation, it becomes groundwater, occupying the void spaces in soil or geologic strata. This process, known as recharge, replenishes aquifers.14

Water Vapour

Water returns to the atmosphere as vapour through evaporation from soil and water surfaces, or via transpiration from plants. The combined loss of water through these processes is termed evapotranspiration. Additionally, interception allows water held on plant surfaces to evaporate directly back into the atmosphere before ever reaching the ground.1