Genesis 8:14

And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried.

1. Although the previous verse states the face of the earth was dry on the first day of the month, it appears it took another 27 days for the water table to drop to a sufficient depth so that everyone, including the heavy animals, could get out and walk around safely.
2. Could the Lord have caused the earth to dry up faster? I'm guessing yes. If so, why didn't He? Possibly, to ensure every creature was dead. Possibly, to try the patience of Noah and his family. Perhaps they developed a closer relationship with the Lord. Perhaps they developed greater humility, realizing how much we depend upon the Lord and are at His mercy. Perhaps they developed a greater feeling of gratitude for the benefits of living on dry land. Perhaps they developed a more in-depth understanding of the various animals. Perhaps it developed in one of the sons a love of the sea and a desire afterwards to become a shipbuilder and sailor.