5.14.1.1. Natural Causes of Waterlogging Topography, geological features, and rainfall characteristics of an area can be the natural causes of waterlogging.
In steep terrain, the water is drained out quickly and, hence, chances of waterlogging are relatively low. But in flat topography, the disposal of excess water is delayed and this water stands on the ground for a longer duration. This increases the percolation of water into the ground and the chances of waterlogging. The geological features of subsoil have considerable influence on waterlogging. If the top layer of the soil is underlain by an impervious stratum, the tendency of the area getting waterlogged increases.
Rainfall is the major contributing factor to the natural causes of waterlogging. Low-lying basins receiving excessive rainfall have a tendency to retain water for a longer period of time and, thus get, waterlogged. Submergence of lands during floods encourages the growth of weeds and marshy grasses which obstruct the drainage of water. This, again, increases the amount of percolation of water into the ground and the chances of waterlogging.
