Summarize the steps of the water cycle.10/30/2022 ![]() ![]() The water cycle is also essential for the maintenance of most life and ecosystems on the planet. It is also involved in reshaping the geological features of the Earth, through processes including erosion and sedimentation. The flow of liquid water and ice transports minerals across the globe. The evaporative phase of the cycle purifies water which then replenishes the land with freshwater. When it condenses, it releases energy and warms the environment. When water evaporates, it takes up energy from its surroundings and cools the environment. The water cycle involves the exchange of energy, which leads to temperature changes. In doing so, the water goes through different forms: liquid, solid ( ice) and vapor. The water moves from one reservoir to another, such as from river to ocean, or from the ocean to the atmosphere, by the physical processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, surface runoff, and subsurface flow. The mass of water on Earth remains fairly constant over time but the partitioning of the water into the major reservoirs of ice, fresh water, saline water (salt water) and atmospheric water is variable depending on a wide range of climatic variables. It does not store any personal data.The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle or the hydrological cycle, is a biogeochemical cycle that describes the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". ![]() The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Water from aquifers can return to the surface of the Earth as springs.įind out about the processes and pathways of the water cycle. This is the transfer of water to groundwater stores (aquifers). Precipitation typically ends up as run-off after infiltrating and flowing through the soil. It usually collects in rivers and streams. Run-off is when water flows over the surface of the land. Water can also change from a solid state (ice) to water vapour. through melting, evaporation or calving of icebergs). Ablation is water loss from snow or ice (e.g. Water can then be transferred to the surface of the Earth by precipitation. Together, the two process transferring water to the atmosphere are known as evapotranspiration.Ĭondensation, precipitation, ablation and sublimationĬondensation in the atmosphere occurs due to water vapour becoming liquid. Water is transpired through the leaves of plants. Water evaporates from surface water and from the surface of the land. Over 500,000 km3 of water is in transfer between water stores due to a number of key processes. The remaining water is stored in the atmosphere, in soils, flora, fauna and in humans. Just over 0.01% of all water on Earth is stored in lakes and rivers. Groundwater (aquifers) accounts for 0.7% of all water and 20% of fresh water. 75% of fresh water on Earth is stored in a frozen state, part of the cryosphere. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |