The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
1. Evaporation: The water cycle begins with the process of evaporation, where water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.
2. Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it cools down and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals, forming clouds in the atmosphere.
3. Precipitation: When the water droplets in the clouds combine and become too heavy, they fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation. This can occur in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. Runoff: Once the precipitation reaches the Earth's surface, it can either be absorbed into the ground (infiltration) or flow over the land as runoff. Runoff collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans, replenishing the water bodies.
5. Transpiration: In addition to evaporation from water bodies, plants also release water vapor through a process called transpiration. This water vapor enters the atmosphere and contributes to the water cycle.
The water cycle is a vital process that helps distribute water across the Earth, ensuring the availability of freshwater for various ecosystems and human activities. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's climate and regulating temperature.
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The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
1. Evaporation: The water cycle begins with the process of evaporation, where water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other water bodies is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, rising into the atmosphere.
2. Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it cools down and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals, forming clouds in the atmosphere.
3. Precipitation: When the water droplets in the clouds combine and become too heavy, they fall back to the Earth's surface as precipitation. This can occur in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
4. Runoff: Once the precipitation reaches the Earth's surface, it can either be absorbed into the ground (infiltration) or flow over the land as runoff. Runoff collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans, replenishing the water bodies.
5. Transpiration: In addition to evaporation from water bodies, plants also release water vapor through a process called transpiration. This water vapor enters the atmosphere and contributes to the water cycle.
The water cycle is a vital process that helps distribute water across the Earth, ensuring the availability of freshwater for various ecosystems and human activities. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the Earth's climate and regulating temperature.
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