When salt water in the ocean evaporates, the water turns into vapor and rises into the atmosphere, leaving the salt behind.
The Evaporation Process
As part of the water cycle, the sun heats the ocean's surface, causing the water to evaporate. This process transforms liquid water into a gaseous state, known as water vapor.
What Remains Behind?
- Salt: The salt dissolved in the ocean water does not evaporate. It remains in the ocean.
- Pure Water Vapor: Only the pure water molecules become water vapor, leaving the salt behind.
What Happens to the Water Vapor?
- Condensation: The water vapor rises into the atmosphere. As it cools, it condenses into tiny water droplets, forming clouds.
- Precipitation: Eventually, the water droplets in clouds become large enough to fall back to the Earth as precipitation—rain or snow.
- Fresh Water: Crucially, the precipitation is fresh water, since the salt was left behind in the ocean during evaporation.
The Water Cycle
Here's a simplified look at the process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Evaporation | Ocean water turns to vapor, leaving behind salt. |
| Condensation | Water vapor cools and forms clouds. |
| Precipitation | Water returns to Earth as rain or snow. |
This cycle continually purifies water, providing fresh water for land-based life.
