What is sheetwash?

Sheetwash refers to a layer of water that flows over land surfaces, typically in thin sheets. This phenomenon occurs during rainfall or when snow melts, allowing water to travel across the ground, especially in areas with minimal vegetation. Sheetwash is important in natural hydrology and landscape processes because it can lead to surface runoff, which helps shape the landscape through erosion and sediment transport.

In contrast, other options describe different hydrological or geological concepts. A deep river channel pertains to established water bodies with defined banks, while precipitation refers to forms of water, such as rain or snow, falling from the atmosphere. A method of soil erosion is more about the processes that degrade soil integrity rather than the flow of water itself. Thus, identifying sheetwash specifically as the layer of water flowing over land captures its essence in hydrological terms.