The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process through which water moves through the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans. It consists of the following key stages: Stage Description 1. Evaporation - Water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies turns into wRead more
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is a continuous process through which water moves through the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans. It consists of the following key stages:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Evaporation | – Water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies turns into water vapor due to heat from the Sun. – Plants contribute through transpiration, releasing water vapor from their leaves. |
| 2. Condensation | – Water vapor rises and cools in the atmosphere, forming tiny droplets that combine to create clouds. – This process releases heat, helping regulate atmospheric temperature. |
| 3. Precipitation | – When water droplets in clouds become heavy, they fall back to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. – Precipitation replenishes water in rivers, lakes, and soil. |
| 4. Runoff | – Water flows over land surfaces into streams, rivers, and eventually into larger water bodies like oceans. – Runoff also carries sediments and nutrients, shaping landscapes. |
| 5. Infiltration | – Part of the precipitation seeps into the ground, replenishing groundwater aquifers. – This process is crucial for underground water storage and plant root absorption. |
| 6. Groundwater Flow | – Groundwater moves slowly through soil and rock layers, eventually feeding into rivers, lakes, and oceans. |
| 7. Sublimation | – In some areas, ice and snow directly convert into water vapor without becoming liquid, especially in cold, dry conditions. |
| 8. Deposition | – Water vapor can directly turn into ice without passing through the liquid stage, forming frost or snow. |
Diagrammatic Summary of the Water Cycle
- Sun’s Role: Drives the cycle by providing energy for evaporation and transpiration.
- Earth’s Components:
- Atmosphere: Facilitates evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
- Land: Absorbs precipitation and enables infiltration, runoff, and storage in groundwater.
- Oceans: Serve as the largest reservoir of water, continuously losing and gaining water through evaporation and precipitation.
Importance of the Water Cycle
- Maintains Earth’s water balance.
- Supports life by ensuring the availability of freshwater.
- Regulates climate and weather patterns.
- Helps sustain ecosystems by cycling nutrients and sediments.
The water cycle is an interconnected system ensuring the continuous movement of water, essential for all forms of life on Earth.
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