why does suface runoff flow toward the ocean?

Answer 1

Because water always seeks the lowest point, usually the ocean is the lowest point, as stated, this is due to gravity

Answer 2

All free objects or matter tries to acquire minimum potential energy (mgh, h: distance from the centre of earth) and for this it wants to go towards the centre of earth. It is constrained to do so due to the presence of earth's surface, so it tries to reach the lowest point on the landscape. Now, the free flowing water i.e. the runoff can achieve this, if it is allowed to do so, to reach to the lowest part on the landscape enroute which can be a lake, pond or sea that provides it the place to acquire minimum potential energy with respect to the centre of the earth.

Answer 3

If you could draw (paint) a line at the highest points along a mountain ridge it would be called a 'divide.' Rain drops falling on either side of the line drain off in opposite directions seeking the lowest elevation possible which is a lake or river flowing to the sea.

Answer 4

To be more precise, water flows toward a "base level" (Base level is the proper term in geology). The ultimate base level is sea level, except for the occasional lake bed with no outlet (such as the Dead Sea, and the Great Salt Lake) to the sea.

And, like the others have noted, it is a gravity and kinetic/potential energy thing.

Answer 5

the earth has a ability to pull objects towards it isa called gravity
because of gravity of the earth the water of the upper level flows
down to the ocean. ocean is at a lower level. if there wouldn't be
gravity of the earth the water must have flown in the air, and we to are on the surface because of gravity.so earth acts as an magnet

Answer 6

Its kind of a gravity thing dude the oceans are the lowest points on earth ask any plumber stuff flows downhill &paydays friday

Answer 7

All water goes from high points to low points, due to gravity. Sea level is pretty much as low as it gets, so the water flows to the lowest point--the ocean!