Home/Questions/Q 8598
Next
In Process

Qukut Latest Questions

Jawahar
  • 0
  • 0
Explorer
Asked: 2024-12-21T17:03:46+05:30 In:

What are the stages of the water cycle?

  • 0
  • 0

What are the stages of the water cycle?

Share

    1 Answer

    1. Arjita
      Beginner

      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:

      StageDescription
      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

      1. Sun’s Role: Drives the cycle by providing energy for evaporation and transpiration.
      2. 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.

      See less

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    Related Questions