The water cycle in nature is created through a continuous process driven by the sun's energy. This natural process involves evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Understanding the Natural Water Cycle
The water cycle is a fundamental process that sustains life on Earth. It describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Steps in the Water Cycle
The natural water cycle consists of the following main steps:
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Evaporation: The sun's heat causes water to evaporate from bodies of water, such as streams, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Evaporation turns liquid water into water vapor, which rises into the atmosphere.
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Condensation: As the water vapor rises, it reaches cooler air. This causes the water vapor to condense into tiny water droplets or ice crystals, forming clouds.
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Precipitation: When the clouds become saturated, meaning they can't hold any more water, they release the water back to Earth as precipitation. This precipitation can take the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Summary Table
| Stage | Description | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation | The sun heats water and turns it into vapor, which rises. | Solar Heat |
| Condensation | As water vapor rises and cools, it condenses into clouds. | Cooling |
| Precipitation | When clouds become full, they release water back to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. | Saturation |
In summary, the water cycle is a natural process that constantly circulates water between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere, driven by the sun's energy.
