Figure 1. Basic hydrology in eastern North Carolina. Average annual rainfall ranges from 44 to 60 inches, evapotranspiration (ET) is 32 to 40 inches, deep groundwater recharge is 1/2 to 2 inches, and drainage outflow is 12 to 20 inches. Drainage outflow ultimately returns to the ocean through the surface water system, incl. drainage ditches, streams, rivers
Illustration of hyrdologic cycle. i.e. cropland/forestland, evapotranspiration, rainfall, surface runoff, surface water, water table, aquifer, etc.